Want to know 7 easy steps to take that will help prepare you for the IELTS speaking test? These steps have been tried and tested by thousands of students, helping them score a high band in the IELTS speaking test.
IELTS Speaking Test
The IELTS speaking test includes 3 different parts. You will be required to answer a different set of questions for each section. However, these questions can become challenging between the different parts.
As an IELTS coach myself, many students find the IELTS speaking test to be the most challenging, especially because an examiner is a face to face with you asking you questions, and waiting for you to answer.
However, it’s important to remember that you should remain confident throughout your discussion with the examiner, thinking of it as an informal conversation.
You are going to learn about the IELTS speaking test format. Next, you are going to see an IELTS speaking test sample, and the top IELTS speaking test questions, and you will be given a list of ways you can complete IELTS speaking test practice. Furthermore, you will read about some top IELTS speaking test tips and see some IELTS speaking test samples with answers.
What is the IELTS Speaking Test Format?
The IELTS speaking test format includes 3 different parts that last for a maximum of 15 minutes. During this time, the examiner will try to get to know you, especially in part 1.
Part 2 is often known as the cue card where you will need to prepare your answer within one minute. Then, as mentioned earlier you will be given two minutes to discuss the answers that you are required to respond to. Remember that you need to make sure you talk for a full two minutes.
The questions that are asked in part 3 are often connected to the set of questions that were asked in part 2.
Remember that the discussion between you and the examiner should be taken as an informal discussion. You should try to relax and think of it as a regular conversation you are having with a friend or colleague. However, do not speak in slag, and make sure you speak in full sentences.
Where You Can Find An IELTS Speaking Test Sample
If you are looking for IELTS speaking test sample questions you may get for the different parts of the speaking section, have a look at the article titled 9 IELTS Speaking Sample Questions With Answers.
The sample answers that are included in the article above are for all the different parts of the IELTS speaking section.
Preparing To Answer The IELTS Speaking Test Questions
Here is a rundown on how you should answer the IELTS speaking test questions:
Step 1. Try not to answer using the same vocabulary in the question. Rather, you should remember to be confident throughout your answers and always use synonym language when you are answering your question.
There are three different parts to the IELTS speaking test. In part one, you will be asked questions about yourself, your living situation, your family size, and maybe a few questions about your hobbies.
Step 2. Take advantage of the one minute that the examiner will give you to prepare your answer for part 2.
In part two of the speaking section, you will be given a set of questions and will be required to discuss the given topic for a full two minutes. However, before being given the full two minutes to talk, the examiner will allow you to prepare for your talk by giving you one minute of preparation time.
That being said, it is extremely important that you outline your answer within one minute. Think of the outlining as brainstorming one or two words of what you are going to say about each question the examiner is going to expect you to answer.
Keep This In Mind While Completing An IELTS Mock Speaking Test
There are many factors you should consider when completing an IELTS mock speaking test. One major thing to consider is how you are going to start your conversation with the examiner in part 2.
Step 3: Think about how you are going to start your discussion in part 2 when you are writing your outline.
While you are writing your outline, you should consider how you are going to introduce your topic and how you are going to answer all the questions. This is vital because you want to ensure you sound confident in what you are saying since you need to remember this is an English test and will be graded on your ability to speak the language.
Where You Can Get IELTS Speaking Test Practice
Trying to get some IELTS speaking test practice is important before test day, especially because you want to make sure you understand the IELTS speaking test format and the different question types that may be asked. However, when you are looking for IELTS speaking test practice material, it’s essential that you do not limit yourself to only completing mock tests.
Step 4: Try to find alternatives that will help you with practicing for the IELTS Speaking test
Some alternatives you can use as IELTS speaking test practice material are by listening to podcasts, trying to strike up a conversation with a friend in English, or reading. These are all great alternatives to preparing for the speaking section as it gives you the opportunity to enhance your English vocabulary and learn how sentences are formed.
Where To Find More IELTS Speaking Test Samples With Answers
Although you have been given an article with different IELTS speaking sample questions above, you may be looking for more IELTS speaking test samples with answers. Have a look at this article that includes many different IELTS Speaking Topics With Answers.
Step 5: DO NOT try to memorize these answers
I highly recommend that you do not try to memorize the answers you read in the different IELTS Speaking test samples, especially because this will NOT help you score a high band. Rather, you should make an effort to get a general idea of how sentences are structured and try to use the same format when answering the questions.
IELTS Speaking Test Tips That Will Help You Score A High Band
Here are some IELTS speaking test tips to help you achieve the highest band you can!
Step 6: Understand The IELTS grading criteria to ensure you meet the requirements and know what the examiner will be marking you on
Having an idea of the IELTS band descriptors is important, especially because you need to know what exactly the examiner is grading you on. In the IELTS speaking section, the examiner will be marking you on four different grading scales.
The first is your ability to speak in synonym language and your lexical ability.
Second, you will be graded on your level of pronunciation and if you are able to pronounce words without any difficulty.
Step 7: DO NOT use any complicated vocabulary you have a hard time pronouncing.
As mentioned, since the examiner will be evaluating your ability to pronounce words correctly, it is extremely important that you are able to remain confident throughout your speech. Therefore DO NOT USE ANY DIFFICULT WORDS.
The third grading scale you will be marked on is accuracy in grammar and if you are able to speak your sentences without making any mistakes.
Finally, the fourth area the examiner will be looking for is if you are able to speak in a clear manner without hesitating and your confidence in your speech. TRY NOT TO SAY “UM”.
Reviewing The Seven Steps
Have a look at the 7 steps you just read again to ensure you understand these different steps together and you are able to implement them into your IELTS speaking test.
Step 1 – Remember synonym language in your answer
Step 2 – Extremely important to outline your answer
Step 3 – Have an idea of what type of introduction you are going to start with
Step 4 – Remember to find alternatives when you are looking to prepare for the speaking section. These can be podcasts, books, articles, or chatting with a friend.
Step 5- Don’t try to memorize the sample answers you read online.
Step 6- Remember to understand the band descriptors for the speaking section. Especially because you want to make sure you are fulfilling the requirements the examiner is looking for.
Step 7- DO NOT use vocabulary you have a hard time pronouncing. Especially because one part of the band descriptors you will be graded on is pronunciation. Choose words you are comfortable saying and have an understanding of the use of it.
Lastly, remember to keep your answers within 2-3 sentences and try not to start your answer with words from the question. Impress the examiner by rewording the answer and using vocabulary related to the topic. This shows the examiner your confidence in speaking English like a native speaker.
This post was all about the IELTS speaking test.
