What IELTS Speaking Examiners Look For—and How to Impress Them

Many IELTS test-takers assume the Speaking section is the most unpredictable—but it doesn’t have to be. Once you understand what examiners are really looking for, you can approach the test with clarity and confidence. Whether you're shy, talk too fast, or worry about making grammar mistakes, there's a path to Band 7 and beyond.

In this blog, we’ll break down the IELTS Speaking test format, explain each scoring criterion in simple terms, and give you practical strategies to impress your examiner in all three parts of the test.

Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test

What Happens on Test Day?

The IELTS Speaking test is a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner. It lasts about 11–14 minutes and is recorded for scoring consistency.

There are three parts:

• Part 1: Introduction & Interview (4–5 minutes)
  • You answer general questions about yourself, such as your hometown, hobbies, or daily routine.
• Part 2: The Long Turn (3–4 minutes total)
  • You receive a task card with a topic and 1 minute to prepare.
  • Then you speak for up to 2 minutes on the topic without interruption.
• Part 3: Two-Way Discussion (4–5 minutes)
  • The examiner asks more abstract, in-depth questions related to the topic from Part 2.

You can review the official test format here:
🔗 IELTS Speaking Format – IELTS.org

What Are Examiners Really Listening For?

Your Speaking score is based on four categories, each worth 25%:

1. Fluency and Coherence

• Can you speak smoothly without too much hesitation?
• Do your ideas connect logically and naturally?

Tips to Improve:

• Practice speaking in full sentences. Avoid choppy or one-word answers.
• Use linking words: because, however, in addition, on the other hand.
• If you need time to think, use natural fillers like That’s an interesting question… or Let me think about that.

2. Lexical Resource

• Are you using a wide range of vocabulary accurately?
• Can you express ideas precisely and naturally?

Tips to Improve:

• Learn topic-specific words: e.g. pollution, carbon footprint, renewable energy for environmental topics.
• Avoid overusing simple words like good, bad, thing, nice.
• Use idiomatic expressions when appropriate: It’s a double-edged sword, I’m over the moon, It costs an arm and a leg.

3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

• Are you using a variety of sentence structures and tenses?
• Do you make frequent grammar errors?

Tips to Improve:

• Practice using complex sentences with although, even though, while, etc.
• Review common verb tense mistakes (e.g., I have went → I have gone).
• Make sure your subjects and verbs agree: He go → He goes.

4. Pronunciation

• Can the examiner understand you easily?
• Do you use natural stress and intonation?

Tips to Improve:

• Practice with shadowing: repeat audio clips word-for-word with matching rhythm and tone.
• Record yourself and compare with native speakers.
• Don’t worry about having an accent—as long as you’re clear, you can still score Band 8+.

How to Prepare for Each Part of the Speaking Test

Part 1: Keep It Natural

This section is like small talk. Be friendly, don’t memorize answers, and aim for 2–3 sentences per response.

Example Question:
Do you enjoy reading?

Band 7 Response:
Yes, I really enjoy reading—especially mystery novels. I try to read a few books each month to relax and improve my vocabulary.

Pro Tip: Avoid robotic responses like Yes, I do. I enjoy reading. It is good.

Part 2: Master the Long Turn

You'll get a task card like:

Describe a memorable journey you had.
You should say:where you wentwho you traveled withwhat you did there
and explain why it was memorable

Use your 1-minute prep time to write keywords for each bullet point. When speaking, try to:

• Tell a story, not just list facts
• Speak for the full 2 minutes (or close to it)
• Include personal details and emotions

Speaking Strategy:
Use PAST tense for storytelling, and connect ideas using then, after that, finally.

Part 3: Go Deeper

This section involves analytical or opinion-based questions. Examiners want to see if you can express complex ideas.

Example Question:
How do travel experiences benefit young people?

Band 7 Response:
I think traveling helps young people become more independent and open-minded. When you visit a different culture, you learn to adapt and understand different perspectives, which is essential in today’s global world.

Pro Tip: Support your answer with a reason or example, not just a yes/no.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Memorized Answers

Examiners can tell when you're reciting a script. Memorized responses are penalized—especially if they don’t fit the question.

2. Over-Correcting

If you make a mistake, correct it smoothly. Don’t stop the sentence or say “sorry” each time.
Example: “He go… I mean, he goes to work by train.”

3. Speaking Too Little

Short, one-sentence answers won’t showcase your fluency or grammar range. Aim to speak in 3–5 full sentences for most answers.

4. Speaking Too Fast

Fast doesn’t mean fluent. Speaking too quickly can hurt your pronunciation and coherence. Focus on clarity, not speed.

How to Practice Effectively

Record Yourself

Use your phone to record answers to common questions. Listen back to spot filler words, repetitive vocabulary, or unclear pronunciation.

Practice with Timed Prompts

Use IELTS cue cards to practice Part 2 under real timing. Use a stopwatch:

• 1 minute prep
• 2 minutes speaking
• 1 minute self-review

Get Real Feedback

A tutor or experienced partner can help you identify habits you might not notice—such as flat intonation or unclear transitions.

Official practice questions here:
🔗 IELTS Speaking Sample Questions – British Council

How Myls Tutoring Can Help You Succeed

Getting a Band 7+ in IELTS Speaking isn’t just about talking—it’s about speaking clearly, confidently, and strategically. Myls Tutoring offers expert support powered by both AI tools and human coaching to help you build lasting fluency.

Here’s how we help you stand out:

• Smart Tutor Matching: Get paired with a tutor who understands your speaking challenges and goals.
• Personalized Fluency Plan: We start with a speaking diagnostic to identify your strengths, weaknesses, and pronunciation targets.
• Knowledge Map & Progress Tracking: Watch your speaking skills grow visually with AI-generated feedback and grammar mapping.
• Knowledge Drive: Upload recordings, cue card responses, and vocabulary notes for tutor feedback and shared tracking.
• Speaking Confidence Coaching: Practice pacing, tone, and stress with real-time correction from an experienced coach.
• Flexible Online Lessons: Practice on your schedule—anytime, anywhere. No long-term contracts required.

📚 Book a speaking session and start building the fluency you need for IELTS success.