Chapter 5 — Speaking

Format since January 21, 2026 — approximately 8 minutes — scored 1–6 (CEFR)

Overview

• The Speaking section has two tasks. It replaces the old 4-task format (integrated tasks removed).
• Speaking is scored on a 1–6 CEFR scale by ETS's automated scoring engine (SpeechRater), with human raters reviewing flagged responses for quality assurance.
• You speak directly into the microphone. There is no preparation time: you respond immediately after hearing the sentence or the question.

Task types

• Task 1 – Listen and Repeat (7 items): You hear a sentence and must repeat it as accurately as possible. Sentences get progressively longer. This tests pronunciation, fluency, and memory span.
• Task 2 – Take an Interview (4 questions): An interviewer asks open questions on a general topic (e.g. education, technology, the environment). You give a spoken response of 45 seconds per question, with no preparation time. Question 4 is the main opinion question worth the most marks.

Tips

• Listen and Repeat: Focus on rhythm and natural stress, not just individual sounds. Repeat with the same intonation pattern you heard. If you miss a word, keep going — do not stop or restart mid-sentence.
• Take an Interview: Use the P.R.E.P. structure: Point (give your view directly), Reason (explain why), Example (give a specific example), Point again (wrap up). Aim for fluency over complexity.
• Speak at a natural pace. Examiners penalize both excessive slowness and unnatural rushing.