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IELTS Life Skills A2 tips

IELTS Life Skills A2 is the speaking and listening test for extending a UK family visa. Compared with A1, you need to speak for longer: there is a one-minute talk, and you are expected to give reasons and describe things.

Length
Up to 20 minutes
Skills
Speaking and listening
Taken with
One other candidate
Result
Pass or fail

Ready to try it? Free IELTS Life Skills A2 practice tests, with all four phases, timers and example answers.

What to do in each part

  1. Phase 1a

    The examiner asks you questions

    Questions about your name, where you come from, your work or studies, your home and your free time. This part takes four to five minutes.

    • Answer in two sentences: the answer, then a reason or a detail.
    • Use the past and the future as well as the present. "I moved here two years ago" and "Next year I want to …" show a wider range.
    • If you make a mistake, correct it and continue. Correcting yourself is a good sign, not a bad one.

    Phrases to learn

    • I've lived here for …
    • I moved here because …
    • I usually … but at the weekend I …
    • I'd like to … in the future.
  2. Phase 1b

    Talking for one minute

    Each of you gets a topic, such as a place you like or a person you know, and one minute to prepare. You talk for about one minute. Then your partner asks you two questions, and you swap.

    • In your preparation minute, think of three points: what it is, a description, and why you like it.
    • One minute is about eight to ten sentences. Practise with a timer so you know how it feels.
    • Link your sentences with and, but, because and so.
    • When your partner talks, listen carefully. You have to ask two questions about what they said.

    Phrases to learn

    • I'm going to talk about …
    • It's a … that …
    • I like it because …
    • The best thing about it is …
    • Can you tell me more about …?
  3. Phase 2a

    Listening to two conversations

    You hear two short conversations between two people. First you say where the people are, choosing from three options. Then you hear them again and answer two questions about details.

    • Nobody says the name of the place. Listen for words that belong to it: "ticket" and "platform" suggest a station.
    • Speakers often change a detail: "Three o'clock... no, half past three." The answer is the final one.
    • Answer the question that is asked. A few words are enough.

    Phrases to learn

    • I think they're in a …
    • The first conversation is in …
    • He wants to …
    • It costs … / It starts at …
  4. Phase 2b

    Talking with your partner

    You and your partner talk together for four to five minutes about a topic linked to the conversations. The examiner only helps if the conversation stops.

    • Give your opinion and a reason, then ask your partner for theirs.
    • React to what your partner says before you add your own idea.
    • Use examples from your own life. They are easy to talk about and make the conversation real.
    • If the conversation slows down, ask a new question about the same topic.

    Phrases to learn

    • In my opinion …
    • I agree, because …
    • I'm not sure. I think …
    • What do you think about …?
    • For example, last week I …

Common mistakes

  • Stopping after twenty seconds in the one-minute talk. Prepare three points and say two or three sentences about each.
  • Not listening to your partner's talk. You must ask two questions about it. Note one or two things you want to know more about.
  • Using only the present tense. Talk about what you did and what you plan to do. It shows more of your English.
  • Giving opinions with no reason. Add "because" every time. "I prefer the bus because it is cheaper."

A one-week study plan

About thirty minutes a day. Speak aloud every day, even when you practise alone.

Day 1
Practise answers about yourself in two sentences each: the answer and a reason.
Day 2
Choose three topics (a place, a person, a hobby). Prepare each for one minute and talk for one minute. Use a timer.
Day 3
Practise questions: listen to a friend talk for a minute, then ask two questions about what they said.
Day 4
Listening day. Practise working out where a conversation takes place from the words used.
Day 5
Do a full practice test at the real timings.
Day 6
Practise a five-minute discussion with a partner on shopping, health or free time. Give reasons and ask questions.
Day 7
Do a second practice test and record your one-minute talk. Listen for places where you stopped.

Questions

What is the difference between Life Skills A1 and A2?
A2 is one level higher. In A1 you ask and answer short questions. In A2 you also have to talk for about a minute on a topic, describe things, compare them and give reasons.
Who needs IELTS Life Skills A2?
It is mainly for people extending a UK family visa after their first period in the UK. Check GOV.UK for your own route, because some people are exempt.
What if my partner speaks much better or worse than me?
It does not change your result. The examiner marks each candidate separately, so you are not compared with your partner. Listen to them, answer them and ask them questions, and you are doing what the test asks.
What should I do if I do not understand a question?
Ask. Saying "Sorry, can you say that again, please?" is normal in a real conversation and is much better than silence or a guess.
Do I need perfect grammar to pass?
No. At A2 you are expected to make mistakes. What matters is that the examiner and your partner can understand you and that you can keep a simple conversation going.

More Life Skills help

Official sources

Test format checked against official sources on 18 October 2026. The advice on this page is our own.