How this test is marked
IELTS Speaking is marked by an examiner on four equally weighted criteria. This practice test has no automatic score, so record yourself, then compare your answer with the notes below.
- Fluency and coherence. Speak at a natural pace with few long pauses, and link your ideas so the listener can follow.
- Lexical resource. Use a range of vocabulary and natural phrases, and paraphrase when you do not know a word.
- Grammatical range and accuracy. Mix simple and complex sentences and keep errors from getting in the way of meaning.
- Pronunciation. Be easy to understand: clear sounds, word and sentence stress, and varied intonation.
Notes for each question
Question 1: How often do you use a computer?
Answer directly in your first sentence, then add one reason or example. Aim for two or three sentences (about 20 to 30 seconds) and avoid one word answers. Give a frequency and say what for, for example work, study or entertainment.
Question 2: What do you usually use your phone for?
Answer directly in your first sentence, then add one reason or example. Aim for two or three sentences (about 20 to 30 seconds) and avoid one word answers. List two or three uses and say which is the most important to you.
Question 3: Do you prefer messaging or phoning people?
Answer directly in your first sentence, then add one reason or example. Aim for two or three sentences (about 20 to 30 seconds) and avoid one word answers. Choose one and justify it, perhaps with an example of when the other is better.
Question 4: Is there any technology you find difficult to use?
Answer directly in your first sentence, then add one reason or example. Aim for two or three sentences (about 20 to 30 seconds) and avoid one word answers. Name something specific and explain what makes it hard; use humour or honesty to sound natural.
Question 5: Describe a journey you remember well. (speak for one to two minutes after one minute of preparation)
Organise the story in time order: set the scene, describe the main event and explain why you remember it. Use narrative tenses and vivid detail such as weather, feelings and people. Finish by saying what the journey meant to you.
Question 6: How has travel changed in the last fifty years?
Give an opinion, explain it with a reason and add an example or a contrast ('on the other hand'). Longer, developed answers of 30 to 45 seconds score higher than short ones. Contrast then and now: cheaper flights, online booking and mass tourism.
Question 7: Do you think people travel too much?
Give an opinion, explain it with a reason and add an example or a contrast ('on the other hand'). Longer, developed answers of 30 to 45 seconds score higher than short ones. Consider both the personal benefits of travel and the environmental cost before giving your view.
Question 8: What are the advantages of travelling alone?
Give an opinion, explain it with a reason and add an example or a contrast ('on the other hand'). Longer, developed answers of 30 to 45 seconds score higher than short ones. Give two points such as independence and meeting local people, with a short example.
Question 9: How can tourism harm a place?
Give an opinion, explain it with a reason and add an example or a contrast ('on the other hand'). Longer, developed answers of 30 to 45 seconds score higher than short ones. Discuss crowding, pollution and the loss of local culture, with one example.
Question 10: Will people travel less in future because of technology?
Give an opinion, explain it with a reason and add an example or a contrast ('on the other hand'). Longer, developed answers of 30 to 45 seconds score higher than short ones. Speculate with 'might' and 'probably', and mention video meetings and virtual tours.