Lesson 1 of 6 · Beginner · Speaking · 15 min · +40 XP

Understand what earns marks in Speaking

Build a clear spoken answer and review it using the four speaking criteria.

Every little practice counts

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Your exam technique

Answer directly → explain why → add a specific detail → finish naturally.

Know what the examiner listens for

Speaking is assessed through fluency and coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Start by making your meaning easy to follow. A short answer with a reason and a concrete detail gives you room to show these skills. A long list of impressive words does not help if it does not answer the question.

Use a flexible answer shape

For a familiar Part 1 question, give your answer immediately, explain a reason, and add an example when it is useful. For 'Do you like your neighbourhood?', you might name one feature, explain its value, and mention a recent experience. Treat this as a support for thinking, not a script that every answer must follow.

Avoid the one-word answer and the memorised speech

Practise the same question twice with different examples. This teaches flexible expression. If the question changes from what you enjoy to what you would improve, change the answer too. Review one delivery issue, such as a missing pause, and one language issue, such as an incorrect verb form.

See it in practice

Starting point

Do you enjoy studying English? Yes. English is a ubiquitous phenomenon in contemporary society.

Using this skill

Yes, especially when I can use it in a conversation. Last week I explained a recipe to a visitor, and being understood made the practice feel worthwhile.

The revised answer is relevant, developed, and personal. The listener can follow it without a memorised introduction.

Speaking practice

Try the answer–reason–detail approach

Do you prefer studying alone or with other people? Give a direct answer, explain a reason, and add an example from your experience. Speak for about forty-five seconds, then answer again with a different example.

Speak aloud and use the checklist to review yourself. The timer does not record or grade your voice. You can also use your own clock: 15 seconds to prepare, then 45 seconds to speak.

01 / Check your understanding

Try the skill

Choose an answer for each question. You can try again after reading the feedback.

1. Which answer best develops 'Do you enjoy your neighbourhood?'
2. Which practice habit helps you respond naturally?

02 / Put it into words

Make it your own

After both spoken attempts, note your answer, reason, and two different examples. Choose one change to improve clarity or accuracy on your next attempt.

Write at least 40 words. Use the checklist and example to review your work; this exercise does not give an automatic IELTS score.

0 / 40 words minimum Save your response with the button below.

Before you finish

  • I spoke both answers aloud.
  • I answered the question before developing it.
  • I reviewed one specific improvement.
Read one possible response

Compare the choices this writer made with your own. Many different responses can work.

I prefer studying with a partner because we can notice each other's mistakes. My first example was practising a conversation with my cousin. My second was checking an essay with a classmate. I will pause after my main answer and check the past tense when describing a finished experience.

Earn 40 XP once by answering all questions correctly, reaching the response minimum, confirming your aloud practice, and reviewing your work.