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IELTS speaking Test - Tips and Strategies
The speaking test is taken on one-to-one interview of 11 to 14 minutes. It may be conducted on the very same day of the examination, or prior one day or after a few days. It solely depends on discretion of the examination center.
The interview is taken into three parts. The interviewer guides the candidate through the interview process. The interview is recorded.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview (Duration 4 to 5 minutes)
In part 1, questions are very general and are of familiar topics like about the candidate, about the candidate’s home, family, job, studies the candidate is undertaking, candidate’s interest and so on.
The examiner introduces him or hers and asks for the candidate’s name and some form of identification, usually a passport.
How to approach?
The examiner knows how you feel because examiners are usually teachers. The examiner has a set of questions and he asks questions from them.
- Do not repeat the question while answering:
- For example if the examiner asks you; which is your favourite colour?
You should not answer like my favourite colour is……..(Incorrect format). Do not repeat the question while answering. You would rather answer like this: It is blue. I like it because…………….. (Correct Format)
- Try to use synonyms of the words used by the Examiner, if at all it is required or else go ahead with what you want to say.
Part 2: Topics (3-4 minutes)
In part 2, the candidate is given a cue card on which a topic is printed. The examiner asks the candidate to talk about the topic mentioned on the card. The candidate has one minute to prepare for about the topic. You need to talk about the topic between 1 to 2 minutes. You are allowed to make notes which will guide you when you start talking about it.
Topic on the card is usually related to a piece of music, clothes, a book, a film, any special day, your favourite place, your favourite shop, etc.
How to approach?
- Use one minute to plan. Do not start immediately without planning.
- Write the points not sentences. Write the points in vertical list in order so that it will be easier for you to see them during your talk.
- The mark is given when your talk is organized.
- The interviewer checks you on fluency and coherence. So be relevant and fluent and present a logic and clear argument. Give relevant examples and share your experience (if required).
- Use synonyms and phrases. Do not repeat words.
- Use different grammatical structures to show the interview that you have good command over English language.
- Be aware of the time limit, you only have 1-2 minutes. Record your talk before the exam and see how many words you speak in 2 minutes.
- As you speak, refer to the list to organize your answer and maintain proper eye contact with the interviewer.
- Sound natural and be yourself.
Part 3: Discussion (4 to 5 minutes)
In part 3, the examiner and the candidate talk about things which are related to Part 2. In this section, the examiner expects the candidate to elaborate more on the topics.
How to approach?
- Listen carefully to the examiner’s questions.
- Ask the examiner to repeat the question if you do not understand it.
- Sound natural. Make a story. Remember, the examiner here only bothers with your speaking ability. So, relax and make sense while speaking whether you have just cooked the story or it is coming from your experience.
- Make sure your answer is relevant.
How to develop speaking ability?
- Speak about anything that you see or experience. Speak as much English as you can.
- Start reading ALOUD. It will helps you gain confidence and fluency.
- Know the format of the examination beforehand and prepare according to that.
- Record your talk and make a habit of self correction and get yourself corrected from the experts, may be your teacher or mentor.
Dos and Don’ts
Do’s
- Be positive and smile.
- Maintain Eye contact with the interviewer.
- Use a wide range of vocabulary. Practice to use them before the exam.
Don’ts
- Do not sound as if you have learnt the answer.
- Do not start your talk promptly in part 2. Use 1 minute to make notes.
- Do not be put off by the tape recorder in the room.
- Do not repeat the words and sentences used by the examiner.
