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IELTS examiners are all professional teachers with advanced degrees. They
understand the test is difficult. They will be patient with you, as far as time allows.
The examiner hopes you will do well. (It's much more interesting!)
They have received specific IELTS training to make sure they judge you fairly and
honestly.
They might be tired on the day of the test, or they might be sick. Even
though one examiner might seem unfriendly, your score should be the
same in any case.
Vocabulary - Some students try to improve their speaking score by using difficult
words. However, using words incorrectly will LOWER your score! Avoid using difficult
words or expressions unless you are sure of how to use them.
Sentence Structure - Using better sentences is the best way to improve your
speaking score in a short time, because using better sentences is how we
COMMUNICATE.
Fluency and Coherence - Of course fluency is very important but it is useless if you
are not understood (if you are not "coherent"). You do NOT have to speak quickly, but
too many hesitations are bad.
3) Your Score
If you cannot make good sentences, if you hesitate too much, if your speaking is not
clear or if you use words incorrectly, you will be Band 4 or below.
To be Band 5, you can make mistakes and have hesitations, but you must make
simple sentences easily and without mistakes.
To be Band 6, you must be able to use longer sentences with fewer hesitations. You
need to use a variety of language. You can make some small mistakes if your meaning is
still clear. Also, you should be able paraphrase.
To be Band 7, you should be able to do Part 2 with no problem. You must use a
variety of sentences and connect the sentences well. You must correctly use difficult
vocabulary. You can make very small mistakes if your meaning is clear. You should be
able to paraphrase very well.
To be Band 8, you need a very wide vocabulary and the ability to speak fluently on
any topic. You may make a few tiny errors, if those errors do not get in the way of
communication.
Part 1 - Warm-up
The questions are easy, so the examiner cannot be sure of your level from only Part 1.
You can give very easy answers, but this is a chance to make a good impression. If you
give easy answers, the examiner will not know if you are Band 4 or maybe Band 5. If you
give good, specific answers with explanations, the examiner will think you could be Band
6 or Band 7!
You can use this time to practice making good sentences. If you wait until Part 2 and
Part 3 to give longer answers, you might not do so well. Athletes and musicians always
take time to warm up. You should too!
The biggest mistake students make is to not take notes. The examiner will give you a
piece of paper and a pencil to take notes because speaking for two minutes without
stopping is not easy. Even native English speakers will have trouble speaking for two
minutes! Students who don't take notes often say, "Uh, I think maybe, um.... Um..., well...
It seems to me...". "Uh" and "Um" are Band ZERO! Use notes to help you remember
what you want to say. If not, you WILL get a low score.
Use the P.R.E.P. method. Start with "P" - make one sentence about your main Point.
Then give two or three sentences to provide "R", a Reason. Next give "E", an Example.
Describe the example using two or three sentences. Finish by repeating "P", your main
Point, but use a different sentence. If you have extra time, give a second example.
You must practice! Use a watch and give yourself one minute to take notes on a topic,
then two minutes to make four or five sentences using the PREP method. You should
practice one or two topics every day before the test.
Do not worry about the time. That is the examiner's job. He or she will tell you when
to stop.
Do NOT take so much time. Two sentences for each answer is usually enough. If you
have a long introduction, the examiner will think you don't know how to answer the
question.
Use the General-Specific technique. As soon as you hear the question, give a general
opinion about the topic. Then give a specific reason or example in the next sentence or
two.
This first section of the IELTS Speaking exam lasts about 4-5 minutes and gives the
examiner the chance to find out a little about you through some simple 'getting-to-know-
you' questions. These will be questions that you'll have something to talk about such as
your family, where you come from and what your interests are. This is also YOUR
chance to get off to a good start!
Example Questions:
Impress the examiner with your ability to give full answers to his or her questions
Top Tips!
Part 1: Troubleshooting
What if the examiner asks you a question you don't understand? How should you respond
in a situation like this?
You may have problems understanding a question. The simple answer is: ask for
clarification. If it was a word or phrase you didn't quite understand just say something on
the lines of:
If you just didn't understand what the interviewer has said, ask them to repeat the
question:
And if you're looking for clarification ask the interviewer to confirm what you think was
asked:
Hopefully, these simple questions will get the interview back on track and you'll also
have impressed the interviewer with your conversation skills.
You can learn several tips for responding to questions fully in the Splendid Speaking
Self-Study Course, details of which appear below.
Example Topics:
• Example 2: Describe an item of technology you use that you couldn't do without.
Top Tips!
Part 2: Troubeshooting
Many people preparing for the IELTS long turn worry how they can finish what they
want to say in the time available. The best way to get the timing right is to practise
making short talks on various topics on your own. (Or in front of a friend if you're feeling
brave!) Try building in a short introduction and conclusion to give your talk structure.
You'll almost certainly overrun or finish too quickly at first but the more you practise the
sooner you'll get a feel for the time available. And remember, we often feel nervous when
presenting and this can often lead to us speaking too quickly. Try not to rush. Regular
pauses between sentences will help you control the pace of your talk and the examiner
will find it easier to follow what you're saying.
You can find out more about structuring short talks and using pauses for effect in the
Splendid Speaking Self-Study Course, details of which appear below.
In Part 3 of the IELTS interview, which lasts between 4-5 minutes, you will participate in
a discussion with the examiner based on the topic in Part 2. The examiner is likely to ask
you questions based on your experience or opinion of the subject.
Example Questions:
Top Tips!
Part 3: Troubleshooting
You can find out how to develop your fluency skills with the Splendid Speaking Self-
Study Course, details of which appear below.
IELTS speaking topics (new)
.
What is your hometowns shape? Can you describe it for me
What is your hometowns history?
Do you prefer going out or staying at home? Why?
What will do if you go out?
Part Two A
I'd like you to tell me about an equipment of your household (such as computer,
television, refrigerator, Mobile Phone as so on).
Sample 2
Part One
Now I'd like to ask you a few questions about your family
How much time do you manage to spend with members of your family?
What sorts of things do you like to do together?
Do you get on well with your family? Why?
Part Two A
Part two B
Sample 3
Part One
Now Id like to ask you a few questions about transport systems in your hometown
What is the most popular transport system in use? Talk about its reliability, frequency
and fare.
Do you have any problems using the public transport?
Part Two
Your topic
Part Two B
What do you think for ordinary people the most effective media to get news is?
Whether all people will be interested in national or international news in your country.
Compare the people's attitude to media between now and the past 20 years?
Should we trust the journalists?
What do you think what a good journalist should be?