By Fizza Butool Zaidi and Ali Zaidi · Updated 11 November 2026
How the Part 2 timing works in the real test
In Speaking Part 2, the examiner hands you a task card with a topic and the points to cover. You have one minute to prepare, and the examiner gives you a pencil and paper for notes. The examiner then asks you to begin, and stops you when the time is up, so you should plan to keep talking for two minutes. One or two short questions on the same topic may follow, and the whole part lasts 3 to 4 minutes including preparation (IELTS Academic Speaking format (ielts.org)).
IDP says the examiner uses a timer and will interrupt you at the two-minute mark. If you pause early, the examiner will wait for you to keep going, and if asked whether you have anything more to say, you should say yes and continue (How to prepare for Speaking Part 2 (IDP)).
This timer copies that sequence. The preparation clock runs for 60 seconds and rolls straight into the 120-second speaking clock. Both turn amber for the last 15 seconds, which is our practice cue, not something the examiner shows you. At two minutes you hear a soft two-note tone and see how long you spoke. You can skip preparation, or press "I have finished" if you stop early, so you know how far short you fell.
The whole Speaking test, part by part
The Speaking test takes 11 to 14 minutes and is recorded (IELTS Academic Speaking format (ielts.org)). The official format pages for Academic and General Training give the same three parts and timings (IELTS General Training Speaking format (ielts.org)).
| Part | Time | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | 4 to 5 minutes | Short questions about you and familiar topics |
| Part 2 | 3 to 4 minutes | 1 minute to prepare, talk for up to 2 minutes, then one or two questions |
| Part 3 | 4 to 5 minutes | A discussion of wider ideas linked to the Part 2 topic |
Parts 1 and 3 have no preparation time and no fixed length for each answer, so this tool times Part 2 only. For those parts, practise answering in two to four sentences: a direct answer, a reason and an example.
How to use the minute of preparation
- Write keywords, not sentences. You will not have time to write sentences, and reading them aloud sounds stiff.
- One note for each bullet. Add one example or detail beside each point on the card.
- Plan the explain line most. The card asks you to explain one aspect of the topic, usually in its last line. It is where you can speak longest.
- Speak out loud every time. Two minutes of speaking is roughly 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. Talking through your notes in your head is much faster than speaking them.
Questions and answers
- How long is IELTS Speaking Part 2?
- About 3 to 4 minutes in all: one minute to prepare, up to two minutes of talking, then one or two short questions on the same topic.
- What happens if I stop before two minutes?
- The examiner may ask if you have anything more to say. Say yes and add a detail or example. Aim to still be talking when the examiner stops you.
- What should I write in my notes?
- Keywords for each point on the card, plus one example or detail for each. The examiner gives you a pencil and paper for this during the minute of preparation.
- Does this timer record me?
- No. It never asks for your microphone. To record an answer and request AI feedback, open the cue card page from the timer and use the recorder there.
- Can I time Part 1 and Part 3 here?
- Not yet. Those parts have no preparation time and no fixed length for each answer. Use the table above for their overall length, and the question pages linked below to practise them.
Keep practising
- Free IELTS Speaking practice: record a Part 2 answer and request AI practice feedback
- All IELTS cue cards with Band 8 sample answers
- IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions and answers
- IELTS Speaking Part 3 discussion questions
Sources
- IELTS Academic Speaking format (ielts.org)
- IELTS General Training Speaking format (ielts.org)
- How to prepare for Speaking Part 2 (IDP)
Timings checked on 11 November 2026. Cue cards are BandLadder practice cards based on topics candidates report; IELTS does not publish its cards. BandLadder is an independent preparation platform, not affiliated with IELTS, the British Council, IDP or Cambridge. Any feedback from our tools is a practice estimate, not an official IELTS result.