The Speaking part of the test has been changed on July 1, 2001. It is now made up of three parts:
In Part 1 the examiner introduces him/her self and the candidate answers general questions about themselves, their homes/ families, their jobs/studies, their interests, and a range of similar familiar topic areas. This part lasts for 4-5 minutes.
In Part 2 the candidate is given a verbal prompt on a card and is asked to talk on a particular topic. The candidate has 1 minute to prepare before speaking at length, for 1-2 minutes. The examiner then asks one or two rounding-off questions.
In Part 3 the examiner and candidate engage in a discussion of more abstract issues and concepts which are mathematically linked to the topic prompt in Part 2. The discussion lasts for four to five minutes.
You will be marked on fluency, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and ideas.
The most important thing which will help you in the speaking test is to use English in your everyday conversations. Avoid using your native language for a few weeks before the test and converse only in English. This will make you confident and you will talk fluently in the test. Watch English movies or English programs on television to improve your pronunciation and to expand your vocabulary. Speak more and more in English.