1This is something all IELTS aspirants should read and understand so they can avoid making these mistakes like this during an IELTS speaking test.
Sometimes an Indian candidate is more or less conversant with English but due to nervousness or some other reason start saying things that are totally unnecessary Here are some examples – try to avoid these mistakes.
------------- Example 1
Q: Examiner : My name is <Examiner’s name> What is your full name please ?
A: Candidate : Hi. How are you?
Explanation: This is totally wrong : You have been asked a very simple question just answer that and nothing else – you need not start a social conversation
------------ Example 2
Q: Examiner : My name is <Examiner’s name> What is your full name please ?
A: Candidate : Hi, welcome to India
Explanation: Please remember in an IELTS exam the session is recorded and this question is asked JUST to confirm your identity for the recording machine. So just say your name that’s it. Avoid any unnecessary words.
------------------Example 3
Q: Examiner : My name is <Examiner’s name> What is your full name please ?
A: Candidate : Good morning Sir/ Madam
Explanation: You are being asked a question not to start a conversation. Just say your name.
------------------Example 4
Q: Examiner : My name is <Roger Smith > What is your full name please ?
A: Candidate : You are Mr Roger Smith?
Explanation: You are being asked a question Just say your name.
------------------Example 5
Q: Examiner : My name is <Examiner’s name> What is your full name please ?
A: Candidate : Hi, your tie looks great
Explanation: You are being asked a question and not to comment on the examiner’s looks. Just say your name.
------------------Example 6
Q: Examiner : My name is <Examiner’s name> What is your full name please ?
A: Candidate : My name is Villupuram Chinnaih Pillai Ganesan. I am 27 years old and my home town is …..
Explanation: You are being asked a question. So just say your name. Other details will be asked later you may answer it then.
I hope the above 6 examples are enough to understand that the answer should be simply YOUR NAME
Now let us look at some more mistakes that IELTS candidates make while taking the IELTS Speaking exam. Some of these mistakes are very basic –
| MISTAKE | EXAMPLE | EXPLANATION |
| Being overly POLITE | Saying Sir / Madam , standing with folded hands and waiting to be told to sit | Examiners can become uncomfortable when the candidate is being OVERLY respectful |
| Thinking IELTS examiner is a stranger to your country | Saying – “Welcome to my country” | There is no need to welcome the Examiner to your country |
| Not answering like an individual | I am from Bangalore and we all believe ….. | Most times examiners come from countries where they expect to give individual answers |
| Being racist / Saying something that is racist | I am from XXXXX community and we are very good at | Passing a racist comment is offensive in people from many countries |
| Trying to be too friendly with the examiner | Saying “ Do you have Facebook/ instagram/ twiiter, we can connect up . I can send you a request etc etc. | The exam is a FORMAL test. Socializing is unprofessional |
| Speaking too quickly | <Some people start speaking fast when nervous .. you need to control this> | Speaking fast will confuse the examiner as he may not be able to follow what you say. Be clear not fast |
| Dressing inappropriately | Wearing casual clothes | It is a formal test, so goes without saying |
| Trying to make physical contact | Try to shake hands with examiner | This is a formal test so physical contact with examiner is inappropriate |
| Invading examiner’s personal space | Leaning over forward over the table towards the examiner | Most people from Western countries feel uncomfortable when personal space is invaded |
| Speaking loudly | Speaking loudly | Some candidates tend to speak loudly to show they sound confident (actually they may be nervous). But really does not go well with examiners they may get irritated |
In case you want solutions to these mistakes – I can help you, get in touch with me.
If you like the article click “LIKE” it will help others find the topic. In case you have a suggestion or query please comment I promise to reply back quickly
