You have booked your Speaking Test at a nearby IELTS Test Centre and now you’re wondering what happens on the test day? Don’t worry! Stop guessing and read this blog to know what happens before, during, and after the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1 – When You Will Arrive – Before The Exam

Most IELTS test centres allow you to take all IELTS tests on the same day. Beginning at 9:00 am, you take the Listening Test, then the Reading Test and then the Writing Test. These three sections are all done in the morning, and should be finished on or before noon.

Once all three tests are completed, you can either go out to have lunch or have lunch inside the facility if they provide a cafeteria as well. Before you leave for lunch, check your schedule to know what time your Speaking Test is. It will usually be after 1:00 pm. However, some test centres do offer Speaking Test on different days, often in the week before or the week following the official test date.

Part 2 – During the Speaking Test

When your test begins, you will enter the test room and sit directly across the examiner. The examiner will record your Speaking Test on a recording device and a timer. The examiner will wish you and check your passport. You must wish the examiner and stay calm and focused as the test will begin now.

In the Speaking Test, the examiner will give you three sets of tests. The first sets of questions are about you, your hometown, your studies, or your personal experiences. The next set of questions will be about anything. You must answer all questions in 2-5 sentences.

In the second part of the Speaking Test, you will be given a topic card and pencil and paper. Note down the things that come to your mind on the paper as you will have one minute to take notes about the topic. The examiner will then ask you to speak on the topic. You must speak for two minutes. Stop only when the examiner asks you to stop. A follow-up question will come. Give answer to this closing question.

In the third part of the Speaking Test, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions about the world or society in general. This part will only last 4-5 minutes. Aim for your answers in Part 3 to be approximately 30 seconds.

Part 3 – After the Speaking Test

When finished, the examiner will thank you and you can leave the room and test centre.

Conclusion

Now when you know what exactly happens on the IELTS Speaking Test Day, and what you should do about it, you can now relax and prepare thoroughly. You can even contact your IELTS test centre to make sure you know the schedule, time, and other instructions for your test day.