WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE IELTS SPEAKING TEST

Some say that fear of some things is caused by lack of knowledge about them. I think this is true for the speaking subtest of the IELTS. If you know what to expect about the said subtest, you'll probably be less afraid, or should I say nervous about it, and with that confidence comes a higher chance of getting a better score. So, what are you to expect about the IELTS Speaking test?
The speaking test may be scheduled differently from your written test date. For instance, you might take your speaking test the day after your written test or 2 days after it. However, in some cases, the test date of the speaking exam is the same. It might be later in the afternoon after the written tests. Make sure you know when your speaking test will be and where it will be held, for at times it's held in a different location.
The speaking test will be in the form of a live/face to face interview with the examiner. Just imagine that you're going to a job interview; it's more or less like that, only that instead of proving yourself worthy of a job, here, you are proving that you are equipped with the English communication skills necessary in that certain job, country or agency you need to get into.
The test will be around 11-14 minutes. Some may be relieved to know that it wouldn't take that long, but let me tell you that it might be to some people's disadvantage. Eleven to fourteen minutes may or may not be enough time for you to prove your English speaking skills. It will be up to you. During the interview, don't think of how much time is left (like when you were studying and you kept on looking at the class clock and hoped that the school bell would already ring.^^) Instead, think of how you could use such little time to give the examiner enough basis on giving you a good score.
The test is recorded.
The examiner may be a foreigner or a person from your country who has exceptional English speaking skills. Some examiners are friendly, some aren't. Some might nod or say 'yes' to let you know they understand what you mean and some might even laugh with you when a joke is mentioned. However, some might wear a blank expressionless face all throughout the interview. When faced with some examiners, keep your spirits up and just do your best. Maybe they just want to know how you'd react and how your English speaking skills would be affected in such a situation. Or maybe, it's really just their personality. Just remember that being interviewed by examiners like that doesn't necessarily mean you'll get a low score. For all you know they might even give you a perfect score.^^
The test is divided into 3 parts/steps.
Step 1 is the Introduction and Interview part which will last from 4-5 minutes. Here, you are to introduce yourself and tall about topics which are very familiar to you such as your family, your job, your hobbies, your hometown, etc.
Step 2 is the Individual Long Turn wherein you will be asked to talk in some detail about a topic written on the card that will be given to you. Once the examiner gives you the card, you will have 1 minute to think of what you will say about the said topic. Then, you will have around 2 minutes to give your talk, without any interference from the examiner.
Step 3 is the Two-Way Discussion where you will be asked questions related to the topic you talked about in step 2. The questions here are more difficult than in steps 1 and 2. You might be asked to give your opinions, describe in detail, compare situations, among others.