IELTS Speaking

    IELTS Speaking practice: cue cards, questions & model answers

    Free, structured practice for every part of the IELTS Speaking test, drawn from the same question bank our AI examiner uses in full mock exams.

    In short

    The IELTS Speaking test has three parts and takes 11 to 14 minutes. This library gives you 115 Part 2 cue cards, 52 Part 1 topics and 28 Part 3 discussion themes, each with real practice questions, model-answer guidance, and topic vocabulary. When you're ready to rehearse under exam conditions, a real-time AI examiner scores you against the official band descriptors.

    Browse by part

    How the IELTS Speaking test works

    The test is a face-to-face conversation split into three parts. Here's what each part asks of you.

    Part 1: interview

    • Part 1 lasts 4 to 5 minutes and covers familiar topics about you and your life.
    • Answer in 2 to 3 sentences: respond directly, then add a reason, detail, or example.
    • Don't give one-word answers, but don't over-talk, because the examiner has a set of questions to get through.
    • Speak naturally about your real life; there are no 'right' answers, only clearer and less clear ones.

    Part 2: long turn

    • Part 2 is the long turn: you get 1 minute to prepare and speak for 1 to 2 minutes.
    • Use the preparation minute to jot keywords against each bullet, not full sentences.
    • Cover all four bullet points, spending the most time on the final 'and explain…' prompt.
    • It's fine to invent details, because you're scored on how you speak, not on whether the story is true.

    Part 3: discussion

    • Part 3 is a 4 to 5 minute discussion of abstract ideas linked to the Part 2 topic.
    • Give extended, opinion-led answers, because this is where you show range and depth.
    • Support every claim with a reason and an example; develop ideas rather than listing them.
    • It's a discussion, so it's fine to think aloud and qualify your views as you go.

    Ways to practise with SpeakMetry

    Guided entry points into the AI examiner, depending on what you need right now.

    In-depth guides

    Longer reads from our blog on scoring, strategy and technique.

    Next step

    Practise this with a real-time AI examiner

    Try the AI speaking exam