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: Where is your hometown?
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 place, say roughly where it is and add one detail that makes it distinctive.
Question 2: What do you like most about your hometown?
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. Pick one specific thing, such as the food or the people, and give a short example.
Question 3: Has your hometown changed much since you were a child?
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 present perfect and past simple: 'It has grown a lot. When I was young, there was only...'.
Question 4: Would you like to live there in the future?
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 clear yes or no with a condition, for example 'if there were more job opportunities'.
Question 5: Describe a teacher who influenced you. (speak for one to two minutes after one minute of preparation)
Tell a short story: introduce the teacher, give one memorable incident and then explain the influence. Use past tenses, descriptive adjectives and a clear reflection at the end. Aim for the full two minutes.
Question 6: What qualities make a good teacher?
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. Name two qualities, such as patience and subject knowledge, and explain why each matters.
Question 7: Do you think teachers are as respected now as in the past?
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. Compare past and present and give reasons, such as the availability of information online.
Question 8: How has technology changed the way teachers teach?
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. Mention specific examples like online resources and recorded lessons, and give both a benefit and a drawback.
Question 9: Should students be allowed to choose all the subjects they study?
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. Take a balanced position: freedom increases motivation, but core subjects give a basic foundation.
Question 10: What can parents do to support their children's education?
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 practical examples such as creating a quiet study space and showing interest in school work.