IELTS Speaking Tips, Practice Papers, and Samples

Bhaskar Das

Sep 11, 2024

IELTS speaking tips are necessary for candidates as it helps improve their fluency with the language. IELTS speaking tips include appropriate use of grammar structures, avoiding use of unfamiliar words and regular practice. The IELTS speaking tips also include vocabulary for IELTS speaking that is a necessity for IELTS speaking test. If you are from non English speaking country, you might find it difficult at first. But dont worry, the IELTS Speaking tips can help you excel the test.

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You will be allowed to spend 11-14 minutes for both the general and academic IELTS speaking tests. IELTS speaking test is all about assessing your ability to communicate effectively in English. It's divided into three parts, each with its own set of challenges and objectives. The first part is introducing yourself by stating your hobbies, background and academic qualification. You will be given a topic to speak in the second part and in the third part, the examiner and you will have a discussion on the same topic. You can have a casual conversation to more structured discussions.

You'll need to prove your language skills across a variety of topics ranging from socila dilema to current affairs. One of the most important things to remember during the IELTS speaking test is to stay calm and confident. This will help to improve IELTS Speaking score. Another crucial tip is to listen carefully to the examiner's questions and instructions. Sometimes we might miss important details and hence, it is important to listen and then speak.

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IELTS Speaking Test Format

The speaking test is divided into three parts 1, 2 and 3. The IELTS exam pattern for the speaking section is:

  • Part 1 IELTS Speaking: The duration of this test is 4-5 minutes. Part 1 IELTS speaking questions are centered upon introduction and interview of the candidates. Part 1 IELTS speaking questions comprise generic questions based on topics like studies, family, and candidate’s interests.
  • Part 2 IELTS Speaking: IELTS speaking part 2 is of 3-4 minutes. Candidates are given a cue card along with a few points and are required to address while they speak. In cue card IELTS speaking, candidates get one minute to prepare for the topic. For the remaining one to two minutes, candidates are required to speak against the given topic.
  • Part 3 IELTS Speaking: IELTS speaking part 3 is of 4-5 minutes. Candidates get involved in a two-way discussion. Candidates are questioned more about the cue card IELTS speaking topic provided in IELTS speaking part 2. IELTS speaking part 3 questions require candidates to speak more about the cue card topic given to them.

IELTS Speaking Tips and Tricks

To enhance IELTS score in speaking sections, candidates are to ace in four different aspects as mentioned below:

  • Speaking with fluency and negligible hesitation
  • Incorporate vocabulary words for IELTS speaking
  • Avoid grammatical errors
  • Ensure correct pronunciation

Meeting the above mentioned criteria will help candidates ensure better IELTS speaking band score. This requires effective preparation for IELTS exam, and undertaking IELTS speaking practice questions. Below mentioned are some of the important IELTS speaking tips:

Speak with Fluency and Be Liberated

Candidates should be aware that being fluent and spontaneous in IELTS speaking test will help enhance the IELTS speaking band score. Rather than using vocabulary words for IELTS speaking, make sure you are fluent with your answers. Avoid speaking in a rushed manner as it might impact on the grammatical construction of your sentences. Part 1 IELTS speaking questions are centered upon introductory conversation that doesn’t require you to account for advanced vocabulary. Identify the healthy balance between speaking in an accurate manner and taking a pause as it will help with scoring IELTS speaking band 9. To understand this effectively, candidates can look for IELTS speaking test samples with answers.

Practice Communication With Other Individuals

To develop skills associated with IELTS speaking test, candidates are advised to practice speaking English with a friend or colleague. This will help with enhancing IELTS speaking vocabulary and teach you about when to use a certain vocabulary. Candidates should be aware that they can score IELTS speaking vocabulary band 9 with the help of IELTS speaking practice questions. One major aspect that candidates are to be aware of is that they shouldn’t get discouraged if their English level is low in comparison to the other individual.

Extend Your IELTS Speaking Answers

One major IELTS speaking test tips that candidates should remember is that IELTS speaking answers should have two to three sentences. Candidates should be aware that IELTS speaking part 2 and 3 are interrelated and require candidates to present broader understanding of their topic. IELTS speaking test tips ask candidates to not limit their answer to a line but extend it. If the examiner asks ‘Do you dance?’, their answer shouldn’t only be ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. They can add sentences like ‘I have been dancing since a very young age. It helps me maintain my fitness.’

Ensure Coherence

Remember to use linking words for IELTS speaking that will help with better structuring of your answer. IELTS syllabus has IELTS speaking words and phrases like ‘nevertheless’, ‘all in all’, ‘however’, ‘moreover’ help candidates enrich their answers. Linking words for IELTS speaking will help with framing effective answers for general IELTS speaking questions. Candidates can master this skill by appearing for a mock IELTS speaking test where they can undertake IELTS speaking practice online and enhance their skills.

Take Your Time

Each of the IELTS speaking part; IELTS speaking task 1 and IELTS speaking part 2 and 3 give candidates a certain amount of time to prepare. Few sentences that candidates can add to borrow more time are; ‘That’s quite a tricky question…’, ‘That’s quite an interesting question…’.To improve this approach, candidates are advised to account for IELTS speaking test samples with answers.

Avoid Using Unfamiliar or Big Words

Candidates might think that using big and unfamiliar words for IELTS speaking will impress the examiner. However, one must be safe and avoid using such words. Candidates might end up committing mistakes by mispronouncing the word or applying them in an incorrect manner. This will largely impact the IELTS speaking average score of the student.

Avoid Speaking in a Monotonous Manner

There are high chances that candidates will speak with a flat sound and in a monotone lacking variations. This impacts the approach of expressing your ideas. Moreover, it complicates the response and examiners find it difficult to identify the important parts of your answer. Remember while answering IELTS speaking questions, one must take the appropriate pause and put emphasis over the correct word. Candidates can practice this from a number of sources that offer IELTS speaking part 2 questions and answers.

Refrain from Using Fillers

Fillers show that a candidate isn’t confident about expressing their idea. Thus, it is advised that while answering IELTS speaking questions, avoid fillers as it portrays a bad impression on the examiner. This will help to improve your IELTS minimum score. Provided below are some fillers that one must avoid:

  • Like
  • You know
  • Umm
  • Ahh
  • Ehh
  • Well

Remember to Smile While Answering

Smiling while answering your questions can help calm your nerves. Having a calm mind will help with pronunciation of words in a correct manner. Try to speak plainly, offering an explanation that is to the point to make progress in the IELTS Speaking Test. A confident speaker has an added advantage to him/herself and this is an important IELTS Speaking tip for scoring high.

Practice the Common IELTS Topics

For the IELTS Speaking part 2 and 3, candidates are asked questions over a cue card IELTS speaking. This might be extracted from numerous IELTS speaking topics. Following are some of the common topics that candidates can practice for IELTS speaking test:

  • Tourism and travel
  • Education
  • Transport
  • Sport and recreation
  • Environment
  • Family life
  • Crime and punishment
  • The internet
  • Advertising and retail

Combination of these IELTS preparation tips can help candidates ace the IELTS speaking test and score desired bands.

IELTS Speaking Practice Tests and Samples

There are a number of sources for IELTS speaking practice that will provide IELTS speaking practice questions and more of IELTS speaking test online samples. Below mentioned are some practice papers that candidates can use to practice the above mentioned tips:

Mentioned below are some of the samples that candidates can undertake for IELTS speaking test practice:

Candidates can find more of these cue card IELTS speaking test and other IELTS speaking test questions over the internet and practice accordingly. This will enhance the speaking skills of candidates and further help in learning new vocabulary words for IELTS speaking.

FAQs

Ques: How can I improve my fluency in IELTS speaking?

Ans: You can improve fluency in English speaking by practicing speaking English regularly with native speakers or through language exchange programs. You can also read aloud and listen to English podcasts to improve fluency.

Ques: How important is pronunciation in the IELTS speaking test?

Ans: Pronunciation is crucial as it affects how easily you're understood. You do not need to change your accent to British or American accent. You just need to pronounce the words clearly. Focus on clear articulation and pronounciation, and try to minimize strong accents that may hinder comprehension.

Ques: Should I memorize answers for the IELTS speaking test?

Ans: No, you should not memorize answers for the speaking test. It's not advisable to memorize responses as it can sound unnatural. You must focus on understanding and responding to the questions asked during the test.

Ques: How can I expand my vocabulary for the speaking test?

Ans: To extend your vocabulary, you must read extensively in English and make note of new words. You should practice using them in sentences and engage in conversations to reinforce vocabulary acquisition.

Ques: Is it okay to pause or hesitate during the speaking test?

Ans: Yes, occasional pauses are natural and won't heavily impact your score. However, if you stop or pause frequently, it will impact your scores. You must try to minimize long pauses by using filler phrases like "well," "you know," or "let me think."

Ques: Can I use idioms and expressions in the speaking test?

Ans: Yes, using idioms and expressions appropriately can enhance your language proficiency. You must ensure they're used correctly and in the context of the speaking. 

Ques: Should I speak slowly or quickly during the speaking test?

Ans: You should neither speak slowly or very fast during the test. You must ensure that you maintain a good pace during speaking. Speaking too quickly might affect clarity, while speaking too slowly may make you sound hesitant. Practice finding a comfortable rhythm.

Ques: How long should my responses be in the speaking test?

Ans: Your responses should be long enough to fully answer the question, but avoid unnecessary elaboration. You can aim for 1-2 minutes for part 2 and 3-4 sentences for part 1.

Ques: Is it okay to ask the examiner to repeat a question during the test?

Ans: yes, it is okay to ask the examiner about the question. If you didn't hear or understand the question, politely ask the examiner to repeat it. However, try to avoid asking repeatedly.

Ques: Can I correct myself if I make a mistake during the speaking test?

Ans: Yes, self-correction demonstrates language awareness. You can quickly correct any errors and continue with your response. Do not stop in between as it might hamper your scores. 

Ques: Should I use formal or informal language in the speaking test?

Ans: Use a mix of both formal and informal language depending on the context of the question. However, avoid overly casual language.

Ques: How can I manage my time effectively during the speaking test?

Ans: Practice timed speaking exercises to get a sense of how long each section should take. Use this to pace yourself during the actual test.

Ques: Is it important to use a variety of grammatical structures in my responses?

Ans: Yes, showcasing a range of grammatical structures demonstrates language proficiency. Practice using different sentence structures in your responses.

Ques: Should I memorize introductions and conclusions for part 2 of the speaking test?

Ans: While it's helpful to have a general structure in mind, avoid memorizing responses. Focus on addressing the prompt naturally and coherently.

Ques: Can I express my opinion in the speaking test?

Ans: Yes, expressing opinions is encouraged, especially in part 3. Just remember to support your opinion with relevant examples or reasons.

Ques: How should I prepare for the cue card in part 2 of the speaking test?

Ans: Practice brainstorming and organizing your thoughts quickly. Use mind maps or bullet points to outline key ideas before speaking.

Ques: What if I don't know the answer to a question in the speaking test?

Ans:Stay calm and don't panic. You can either ask the examiner for clarification or politely explain that you're unfamiliar with the topic and move on to the next question.

Ques: Should I use complex vocabulary even if I'm not sure of its meaning?

Ans: It's risky to use vocabulary you're unsure of, as using it incorrectly can negatively impact your score. Stick to words you're comfortable with and use them accurately.

Ques: Can I use humor in my responses during the speaking test?

Ans: Yes, humor can be effective in engaging the examiner, but ensure it's appropriate and doesn't overshadow the content of your response.

Ques: How should I handle nerves during the speaking test?

Ans: To handle nerves during the test, practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization to calm nerves. Remember that the examiner is there to assess your language skills, not to intimidate you.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.

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