Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
What IDP says
From IDP's guide to answering all Speaking questions: 'IELTS does not test your opinion or the content of your answer. Rather, it only evaluates your language ability. The examiner does not need to agree with what you say and does not care if this is true' (IDP). IDP's example answer about a museum, it notes, 'may or may not be true'.
IDP's myths article makes the same point about knowledge: the examiner pays attention to how you say things and the flow of the conversation, not what you say (IDP).
What is marked instead
The four equally weighted Speaking criteria are about language, per ielts.org.
| Criterion | What it looks at (official key criteria) |
|---|---|
| Fluency and Coherence | Continuity, rate and effort; logical sequencing; relevance of spoken sentences to the purpose of a turn |
| Lexical Resource | Variety and appropriacy of words; ability to paraphrase |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | Range of structures; error density and effect |
| Pronunciation | Chunking, rhythm, stress, intonation, sounds; effect of accent on intelligibility |
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Where accuracy does matter
Relevance is part of coherence: the key criteria list 'relevance of spoken sentences to the general purpose of a turn' (Speaking key assessment criteria). And in Part 1 the examiner checks your identity (ielts.org); IDP says your ID is checked before you enter and again during the interview (IDP). That check is about who you are, not your answers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I invent a story for Part 2?+
IDP says the examiner does not care if your answer is true. Keep it relevant to the card and use your best English.
Should I say I have never done something?+
IDP says you can mention why you have not had the experience and talk around the topic.
Will the examiner ask follow-up questions about my story?+
ielts.org says the examiner may ask one or two questions after Part 2, so keep your details consistent.
Does the same apply to Writing examples?+
ielts.org lets you use examples from your own experience in Task 2; examiners judge how well they support your ideas.
Keep reading
Related
- Can you ask for a different Speaking topic?
- Does your opinion affect your IELTS score?
- IELTS Speaking band descriptors
- All 3112 guides
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