SELT Practice
IELTS Life Skills B1: what happens with the other candidate
In IELTS Life Skills B1, you take the speaking and listening test with one other candidate and one examiner. You ask the other candidate questions, listen to their talk, and plan together. As of 9 November 2026, this is from the IELTS sample tests and format page.
What happens with the other candidate, step by step
- Phase 1a, 3 minutes: the examiner asks your name and nationality. Then you and the other candidate ask each other about an assigned topic for 2 minutes.
- Phase 1b, 7 minutes: you each prepare for 1 minute, then talk for about 1.5 minutes. The other candidate listens and asks you three questions. Then you do the same for them.
- Phase 2a, 5 minutes: you both listen to recordings. You each answer one main idea question and two detail questions after the second play.
- Phase 2b, 7 minutes: you plan and decide together with a task sheet for 3 minutes. Then you discuss a related topic for 4 minutes.
What you must do with your partner
- Ask questions that fit what they said.
- Wait for their answer. Do not talk over them.
- Show interest with short comments.
- In joint planning, give an idea, ask for their idea, and agree on one plan.
IELTS says the test checks whether you can listen and respond, make your meaning clear, and talk with other people. That is why listening to your partner matters.
What is not published
We did not find public rules on how the examiner treats a partner who says very little, or on marking each candidate separately. We do not guess. Read the IELTS format page and sample tests.
How to practise with a partner
Practise with a friend, or with an AI examiner on this site that can also play the other candidate. Use these steps:
- Choose a topic. Prepare for 1 minute with key words only.
- Talk for 1.5 minutes. Your partner asks three questions.
- Swap roles.
- Do a 3 minute planning task, such as organising a family day out.
You can also take the free level check, no sign-up, at level check. Back to the main page: IELTS Life Skills B1.
Do I take IELTS Life Skills B1 with another candidate?
Yes. One examiner and one other test taker are in the room.
How many questions does my partner ask me in B1 phase 1b?
Three, after your talk of about 1.5 minutes.
Do I need to listen to my partner?
Yes. You ask them questions and plan together, so you must listen and respond.
Is my partner chosen by me?
This is not stated in the sources we checked.
What if my partner is very quiet?
The rules for this were not found in public sources.