Part 2 is the third task of Multilevel Speaking, and it tests level B2. You see one picture and three questions on its theme. You get one minute to prepare and two minutes to speak.
What the task looks like
For example, a picture of a student in a library and three questions:
Where do you usually study, and why?
What are the advantages of studying in a library?
Do you think libraries will still be needed in the future?
The picture sets the theme, but what is marked is your answers to the questions. There is no need to describe the picture at length.
One minute of preparation
Write 2-3 key words for each question, not full sentences:
- 1: national library, 2-3 times a week, home = distractions
- 2: concentration, books and journals, librarians
- 3: yes, but different: quiet space, wifi, study groups
How to split the time
| Part | Time | What to say |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | 5-10 seconds | One sentence linking the picture's theme to you |
| Question 1 | ~35 seconds | An answer and a personal example |
| Question 2 | ~35 seconds | Two advantages, each explained |
| Question 3 | ~35 seconds | An opinion, a reason and the other side |
| Conclusion | ~5 seconds | One sentence |
Model answer
The picture shows a young woman studying in a library, which is actually where I do most of my own studying.
I usually go to the National Library in Tashkent two or three times a week. At home there are too many distractions, like my brothers, the TV and the kitchen, whereas in the library everyone around me is working, and that makes me want to work too.
As for the advantages, the first is concentration: it's quiet, and you can't just lie down on the sofa. The second is access to resources. Even though most information is online now, a library has academic books and journals that are expensive or impossible to find on the internet, and there are librarians who can help you find them.
Will libraries still be needed in the future? I think so, but their role will change. Fewer people will come for books, and more will come for a quiet space, fast internet and a place to meet their study group. In a way, they'll become study centres rather than book stores.
So, overall, I don't think libraries will disappear. They'll just adapt.
Useful phrases
| Phrase | When to use it |
|---|---|
| The picture shows..., which... | Moving from the picture to yourself |
| As for the second question... | A bridge between questions |
| The first advantage is..., the second is... | Listing |
| I think so, but... | A two-sided opinion |
| In a way, ... | Softening a point |
| So, overall, ... | Concluding |
Reading is not enough: speak
In IELTS Buddy an AI examiner talks to you as in the real test and gives an estimated band on all 4 criteria. 3 mock tests are free.
Common mistakes
- Only describing the picture. The picture is just the theme: without answers to the questions, the task is not done.
- A minute and a half on question one. There is no time left for question three. Aim for about 35 seconds each.
- Mixing up the questions. Answer in order and signal each move with "As for...".
- Writing full sentences while preparing. One minute is not enough for that: key words only.
The similar IELTS task: the Part 2 guide. The next part: Multilevel Part 3.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I run out of time?
Recording stops when time is up, and a question left unanswered can lower your result. That is why you should give each question about 35 seconds.
How is it different from IELTS Part 2?
IELTS gives one topic with prompts, and you speak to an examiner. Multilevel Part 2 has a picture and three separate questions, and your answer is recorded on a computer. The timings are similar: one minute to prepare, two to speak.
Reading is not enough: speak
In IELTS Buddy an AI examiner talks to you as in the real test and gives an estimated band on all 4 criteria. 3 mock tests are free.
