Speaking test day: what really happens

For many students, the Speaking test is the scariest part of IELTS. Not because of the English, but because of the unknown. Where do I wait? What does the room look like? What if my mind goes blank? This lesson walks you through test day step by step, so nothing surprises you.

Why this matters

Nerves affect fluency more than anything else. A student who knows exactly what to expect stays calmer, and calm students speak better.

Before test day

Check your date and time. Your Speaking test may be on the same day as your other tests, or on a different day close to it. Your booking confirmation will tell you. Always check the latest details with your test centre (IDP or British Council).
Check your ID. Bring the same passport or ID you used to register. If it doesn't match, you may not be allowed to take the test.
Plan your journey. Traffic in Dhaka and Chittagong can be unpredictable. Leave much earlier than you think you need to.

At the test centre

Arrive early. Check your confirmation for the exact reporting time.
ID check and registration. Staff will check your ID and may take your photo or do other identity checks.
Waiting. You may wait a while. Use this time to warm up quietly (see below).
Called to the room. The test is one-to-one with a real, live examiner, and it's recorded. In most centres the examiner sits with you in the room. Some centres run the Speaking test by video call with a live examiner. Your booking details will tell you which.

Inside the room

The examiner will check your ID and introduce the test.
Part 1: about 4 to 5 minutes of questions about you and familiar topics.
Part 2: you get a cue card, a pencil and paper. 1 minute to prepare, then speak for up to 2 minutes.
Part 3: about 4 to 5 minutes of discussion linked to the Part 2 topic.
The whole test takes about 11 to 14 minutes.

Lesson S07 explains what the examiner can and can't do, such as repeating questions.

A 10-minute warm-up while you wait

You can't practise out loud in a waiting room, but you can:

Think in English. Describe the room to yourself silently. "There's a blue chair, a clock on the wall..."
Mouth some sounds. /v/, /th/, short and long vowels. Just quietly loosen your mouth.
Review your story bank in your head. Just the key words.
Breathe slowly. In for 4 seconds, out for 6 seconds. This calms your body.

Tip: on the way to the centre, speak English out loud (to yourself, or to a friend on the phone). Your brain will be in "English mode" when you arrive.

If something goes wrong

Mind goes blank? Use a time-buying phrase from lesson S12. "That's an interesting question. Let me think..."
Didn't understand a question? Ask politely: "Sorry, could you repeat the question, please?"
Made a mistake? Correct it quickly or let it go (lesson S42). Don't apologise for your English.
Bad answer in Part 1? Forget it. Every question is a fresh start.

What NOT to do

Don't use memorised answers.
Don't ask the examiner how you did. They can't tell you.
Don't try to chat with the examiner before or after about your score.

Honest note

It's normal to feel nervous. Most examiners are used to nervous candidates and they're there to give you a fair chance. A little nervousness can even give you energy. Breathe, smile, and treat it like a conversation.

Your task today

Read your booking confirmation carefully. Write down: date, time, address, reporting time and the ID you need. Plan your route.