Many IELTS candidates are unsure whether they are allowed to ask questions during the IELTS Speaking test. Common concerns include asking the examiner to repeat a question, asking for clarification, or requesting paraphrasing. Understanding the rules for each part of the IELTS Speaking exam can significantly improve confidence and performance on test day.

This article explains what candidates are allowed to ask in IELTS Speaking Parts 1, 2, and 3, according to official test procedures.

Can You Ask Questions in IELTS Speaking Part 1?

IELTS Speaking Part 1 is the introduction and interview section. The examiner asks simple questions about familiar topics such as home, work, studies, hobbies, and daily routines.

Candidates are allowed to ask the examiner to repeat a question in Part 1 if they do not hear or understand it clearly. This is completely acceptable and does not lower the IELTS band score.

Common phrases candidates can use include:

• “Sorry, could you repeat the question, please?”
• “Could you say that again?”

However, candidates cannot ask their own questions or request explanations of vocabulary in Part 1. The candidate’s role is to answer the examiner’s questions only.

Are Questions Allowed in IELTS Speaking Part 2?

IELTS Speaking Part 2 is the long-turn section, often called the cue card task. Candidates receive a topic, one minute to prepare, and up to two minutes to speak.

In this part, candidates cannot ask any questions at all. They cannot ask the examiner to repeat instructions, explain the task, or help with vocabulary.

Once the cue card is given, candidates must speak independently on the topic. This section tests the ability to speak continuously without support, which is why interaction is not allowed.

Can You Ask for Clarification in IELTS Speaking Part 3?

IELTS Speaking Part 3 is a discussion based on the Part 2 topic and includes more abstract and analytical questions.

In Part 3, candidates are allowed to ask the examiner to repeat or explain a question if they genuinely do not understand it. This is especially common because Part 3 questions often contain complex language or ideas.

Acceptable phrases include:

• “Could you repeat the question, please?”
• “I’m not sure I understand what you mean. Could you explain?”

However, candidates should not ask personal, unrelated, or follow-up questions, and they should not attempt to change the question. The examiner will not respond to such requests.

Does Asking for Repetition Affect Your IELTS Speaking Score?

Asking for repetition or clarification does not negatively affect your IELTS Speaking score when used appropriately. Examiners prefer candidates to understand the question fully rather than give an irrelevant answer.

That said, asking for repetition too frequently may suggest listening difficulties, so it should only be used when necessary.

Key Rules for Asking Questions in IELTS Speaking

To summarize the rules clearly:

• Part 1: You can ask the examiner to repeat a question
• Part 2: You cannot ask any questions
• Part 3: You can ask for repetition or clarification if needed

Knowing these rules helps candidates avoid unnecessary stress and perform more confidently during the test.

Understanding what is allowed in the IELTS Speaking test is essential for success. Asking for repetition in the right situations is not a problem — it is part of natural communication. By following the correct rules in each part of the test, candidates can focus on fluency, coherence, vocabulary, and grammar rather than worrying about making procedural mistakes.

If you are preparing for the IELTS exam, practicing these strategies in mock speaking tests can help you feel more confident and achieve a higher band score.