The Speaking test and what examiners listen for
Three parts, four criteria, and the myths that cost marks.
12 minutes · A free lesson from Speaking
The Speaking test is a conversation with an examiner that lasts 11–14 minutes and is recorded.
| Part | Time | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4–5 minutes | Questions about you: home, work or studies, and familiar topics |
| 2 | 3–4 minutes | A task card; 1 minute to prepare, then speak for up to 2 minutes |
| 3 | 4–5 minutes | A discussion of more general, abstract questions linked to Part 2 |
You are marked on four criteria, equally weighted: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource (vocabulary), Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation.
Lesson quiz
Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.
Quick check: What is your pronunciation judged on?
- How British or American you sound
- How fast you speak
- How easy you are to understand
Show the answer
C: How easy you are to understand — Your accent does not matter. Being clear does.
Quick check: How long should a Part 1 answer be?
- Two minutes
- Two to four natural sentences
- One word
Show the answer
B: Two to four natural sentences — Part 1 needs natural, short answers, not speeches.
Quick check: You did not catch the question. What should you do?
- Ask: “Sorry, could you say that again?”
- Guess what it was
- Stay silent
Show the answer
A: Ask: “Sorry, could you say that again?” — Asking for a repeat costs nothing. Answering a question you misheard does.
Quick check: Why should you not memorise answers?
- The examiner will stop the test
- Examiners recognise rehearsed answers, and they do not count as your own language
- Memorised answers are always too short
Show the answer
B: Examiners recognise rehearsed answers, and they do not count as your own language — Practise ideas and phrases, not whole answers.