Who Speaks at the IELTS Speaking Test?

Who speaks at the IELTS interview session

A lesson on the IELTS Speaking session

by Kasra Sharifan | Nov 11, 2021 | Speaking

The IELTS Speaking session, which is sometimes referred to as the IELTS Interview, is not a simple question and answer session between two people. The examiners are instructed to behave differently throughout the speaking test i.e, sometimes, they join the discussion while in other times, you see they go completely silent. Let’s find out why they behave this differently!

Who Speaks at the IELTS interview part 1

Context: Introduction and interview
Duration: 4 to 5 minutes

The examiner asks simple, routine questions, tries to make you relaxed and also lets you adapt to his/her speech.

Here’s a part 1 model answer.

Context: Individual long run
Duration: 3 to 4 minutes

You will be the only person who talks. The examiner is only allowed to use proper gestures and cannot speak. Once you finish your 1 to 2-minute speech, the examiner will usually ask a few follow-up questions.

Here’s a part 2 model answer.

Context: Two-way discussion
Duration: 4 to 5 minutes

The examiner will join the discussion anytime he/she feels fit. The examiner wants to see how well you can support your ideas and to test the level of your English.

Here’s a part 3 model answer.

Kasra Sharifan

Co-founder and CFO

British Council certified English teacher, IDP-trained IELTS instructor, content writer, editor-in-chief, co-founder, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at IELTS Juice Online Academy.