As you may be aware, passing the IELTS Speaking Test is one of the most difficult portions of the test for many people. But, with our advice, you’ll be able to handle it perfectly and achieve your ideal band score.
Continue reading to discover more about our IELTS Speaking recommendations.
About the Test
Before we begin, there are a few things you should be aware of.
The purpose of the exam is to assess your ability to converse in English.
The Reading, Listening, and Writing sections of the test are all completed in one sitting, while the Speaking section is completed separately. You will engage with an examiner in person throughout this examination. The exam can be scheduled any time within a week of the main test. Both computer-based and paper-based assessments fall within this category.
The exam normally lasts 11 to 14 minutes in total – neither shorter nor longer.
Because the exam is recorded, you can request a re-evaluation if the need arises.
Do you know how you will be scored for IELTS Speaking?
The following criteria will be used to evaluate you. Each one accounts for around a quarter of your total score.
Fluency and Cohesion:
how well you can utilise language to organise and communicate your thoughts and ideas
Grammar:
technically acceptable language usage, particularly sentence form and tenses
Vocabulary:
employing a wide vocabulary to express your thoughts and ideas
Pronunciation:
employing proper word pronunciation (either British or American)
You need to know the Structure of the Test
The introductory session will begin as soon as you enter the exam room. The examiner will greet you and ask you a few questions to ensure that you are who you say you are. You’ll be required to present your passport as well.
The major section of the test will begin after that. It’s broken down into three sections.
- question and answer session – 4-5 minutes
- talking on a topic – 1-2 minutes, with 1 minute of rounding-off questions
- discussion – 4-5 minutes
In our next few blogs, we’ll go through each of these topics in detail.
But first, here are some general pointers to get you out on the right foot!
General Tips and Techniques
- How to handle the introduction session
While your initial encounter with the examiner will not be included towards your final score, it is an opportunity to create a positive first impression! The examiner will welcome you, identify himself, and ask you for your name and where you reside, prompting you to respond appropriately.
The most important tips are:
- greet the examiner with a smile and a “Good morning” or “Good afternoon”
- ensure that you say your name and hometown exactly as it is written in your passport/proof of ID
- be clear when you are saying your name
- do not give any extra information regarding your hometown – just the name of the town, and at most, the name of the state, are enough
- The Speaking test is in an Informal setting
Remember, the purpose of this session is to assess your ability to talk fluently in English. In contrast to a college interview, you do not need to behave or talk in a formal manner. Simply pay attention to what the examiner says and react clearly.
- Test of language, not knowledge
Your ability to use language is valued far more than your understanding of numerous topics in this test. The examiner will give you greater marks if you can speak for longer periods of time without bringing up facts, and lower marks if you can just say a phrase or two, even if those sentences contain intriguing information.
Here are some useful tips:
- When you tie the topic/question to your personal experiences, you will be able to talk more freely.
- Don’t waste time attempting to remember information about the issue even if you don’t know much about it, you may be honest about it and then talk about something loosely connected, such as the weather. “I do not have any pets of my own, but I do adore animals, especially dogs,” you might respond if the examiner asks about “your pet.” I have a buddy with a Labrador puppy, and I treat him as if he were my own.”
- When it’s fine to link additional concepts while speaking, try to stay on track with the general topic provided by the examiner. This is necessary for sustaining coherence, which means that everything you say must make sense.
- Avoid lying while lying will not cost you any points (the examiner is unconcerned), it will be more difficult to come up with things to say while you’re lying. Stick to what you’re familiar with.
- Important grammar
Good grammar is always crucial, but for the IELTS Speaking Exam, some aspects of grammar are more important than others.
- Tenses
In most circumstances, use the present tense.
Only use the past and present tenses if they are required by the topic or query.
Use the present continuous tense sparingly.
- Sentence construction
Compound and complicated phrases should be used in your speech.
2 distinct clauses are connected by conjunction in a compound sentence.
- Build a good vocabulary
Building a decent vocabulary takes time and effort; you should read as much as possible and practise speaking English as much as possible. Other things you may do include maintaining a word notebook and always having a dictionary available. If you follow these steps, your vocabulary will gradually increase.
However, during the IELTS Speaking test, it is equally critical to use vocabulary that you are familiar with. It is preferable to utilise simple words appropriately rather than complex words badly!
- Pronunciation matters – but Accent does not!
Your score will be determined on your ability to accurately pronounce words. You should be able to talk in either British or American English using established pronunciations. Listening to English being spoken as often as possible in movies, news channels, and other places, as well as practise speaking in English, is the greatest approach to enhance your pronunciation.
You must not, however, talk with a phoney accent. During the IELTS Speaking test, do not attempt to emulate a British or American accent. Simply communicate naturally, keeping in mind that clarity is essential at all times.
- Practice speaking
We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again: you need to practise speaking English on a daily basis!
Try to converse in English with your instructors, trainers, or friends who are fluent in the language. To build confidence in the language, speak about a variety of topics. The more you utilise the language in your IELTS Speaking Test, the more natural you will sound.
- Be relaxed and confident
Finally, on the day of the exam, you must be absolutely comfortable and confident. Communicate with the examiner in a courteous and transparent manner. Consider it an opportunity to have an intriguing dialogue with someone about your own opinions and ideas, rather than a “scary exam.” Be yourself, and try to have fun with it. The more comfortable you are, the less aware you will become — and the more natural you will sound as a result!
Also, during this Covid 19 Pandemic, learn more about Top Tips for Preparing for IELTS Speaking.
Did you find these tips helpful? Our IELTS Online Training course can help you even more!
Join us and we will help you achieve your best band score. Waste no time! Reach out to us at [email protected] to learn more.
And if you would like to know any other tips for acing IELTS, feel free to let us know in the comments!
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