The dual personality of ‘topic’ in the IELTS Speaking Test

This article investigates the central role of topic in the IELTS Speaking Test (IST). Topic has developed a dual personality in this interactional setting: topic-as-script is the scripted statement of topic on the examiner’s cards prior to the interaction, whereas topic-as-action is how topic is developed by the candidate during the course of the interaction, which is consequential for the grades they receive. The key interactional structure in...