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: Do you play any sports?
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 the sport, say how often you play and add a short detail about where or with whom.
Question 2: Did you play sports at school?
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. Use past tenses and one specific memory, such as a match or a favourite teacher.
Question 3: Do you prefer watching sport or playing it?
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, justify it, and mention a time when you did the other.
Question 4: Is sport popular in your country?
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 the most popular sports and one reason for their popularity.
Question 5: Describe a natural place you have visited. (speak for one to two minutes after one minute of preparation)
Paint a picture with the senses: what you could see, hear and smell. Use descriptive adjectives and clear time order, and end with your feelings and whether you would return.
Question 6: Why is it important to protect natural places?
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 reasons, for example biodiversity and wellbeing, and one consequence of failing to protect them.
Question 7: Should entrance to national parks be free?
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. Weigh access for everyone against the cost of maintaining the park, and offer a compromise.
Question 8: How do cities affect people's contact with nature?
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 lack of green space and busy lifestyles, and mention parks as a partial solution.
Question 9: Is it the government's job to encourage sport?
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 a view with examples such as public facilities and school programmes, and consider individual responsibility.
Question 10: Do professional athletes earn 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. Discuss short careers and commercial value against pay in other important jobs, and give a balanced opinion.