What Should You Do If You Run Out Of Things To Say During A Speaking Test?

Remember that uncomfortable moment when you're at a loss for words and just stare at the examiner? Have you ever encountered a situation during the IELTS speaking examination in which you didn't completely understand what the examiner was asking and was unsure how to begin your following sentence? What are your options then? What can we do to avert this embarrassing situation?

IELTS Speaking tests can be intimidating, but keep in mind that they are not meant to trip you up. The examiner wants you to succeed! Remember that forgetting a word or phrase does not reflect poorly on your Language skills! There are things we forget, overhear or misunderstand all the time when we speak our first language. It's the same when we speak other languages, too. Take a second to think of the word/phrase. If it doesn't, talking around it is fine and can help you show your fluency. For example, if you were in the middle of a test and forgot a term, you could remark "I forgot the word, but it is..." and then clarify it in that Language. In this way, the examiner can better replicate a real-life conversation & you get more time to collect your thoughts and get back on course.

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What is an IELTS Speaking Test?

The IELTS Speaking test is the last section of the IELTS examination and lasts for roughly 15 minutes. IELTS Speaking Part 1 is a 4-5 minute interaction between the examiner and the test taker about ordinary topics like family, work, friends, etc. The examiner will deliver a cue card and the test taker will have to talk for 2-3 minutes on the topic after preparing for a minute. Finally, the examiner will ask several questions depending on the cue card topic, which will take 4-5 minutes. Although the IELTS Speaking module is divided into three sections, the final result is the average of all three.

Why is the IELTS Speaking Exam Divided Into Three Sections?

The IELTS Speaking test 1 assesses candidates' ability to communicate ideas and information coherently in everyday situations. Depending on the test taker's speaking speed, answers can be provided in 2-4 sentences. IELTS Speaking test 2 assesses the test taker's ability to communicate effectively on a specified topic using acceptable language. IELTS Speaking test 3 has more difficult questions that are more generic in nature than the personal questions in section 1. However, the questions in Part 3 will expand on the subject covered in Part 2. This is to determine the exam taker's ability to rationally justify their thoughts and discuss their ideas. In conclusion, the IELTS Speaking test is about fluency, not information. As a result, the exam taker must speak naturally and focus on providing answers fluently and without making any grammar problems.

What Should You Do If You Are Unable To Comprehend A Question?

The most effective way to address a question that you do not understand is to simply request that the examiner repeat it without stating that you do not understand. There are far more effective methods for determining the meaning of the questions. Rather than informing the examiner directly that you do not understand the question. You can put in a request from one of the ways listed below.

• Could you please repeat the question?
• Could you just repeat that?
• I apologize; I'm not certain I understand. What do you mean by (that)?
• Excuse me! Could you rephrase the question for me?
• Sorry! I'm not exactly sure what you're saying. When you say...?

These concise questions are reasonable to believe. It does not demonstrate your lack of awareness. It is suited for the IELTS Speaking Test and is polite.

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Be careful not to become overly anxious:

While it is natural to be nervous, nerves can affect someone's score in a variety of ways. For example, some people speak at a very low volume when they're nervous, which makes it harder for the examiner to understand what you're saying. Others mutter when they are afraid, which is not a good strategy for the IELTS Speaking test. To combat this, test takers must regularly prepare themselves to feel confident.

What If I Make An Error While Speaking?

It is common for an examinee to make an error in vocabulary, syntax, or pronunciation during an IELTS Speaking test interaction with the examiner. In that case, the examinee should avoid panicking, as there are no additional points awarded for rectifying them. It is ideal to continue speaking and earn a high fluency score.

Read More IELTS Speaking Related Samples

Avoiding Grammatical Errors:

If the examinee makes an error in the interpretation of an answer, it is easy to rectify the situation without causing an undue disturbance. However, the exam taker must refrain from repeating the same word. Rather than that, reword and continue speaking. Again, this demonstrates your English language's adaptability.

Example 1: I rather prefer home-cooked meals to fast food. Home-cooked foods prepared at home are more hygienic and contain fewer calories. Additionally, it helps me save my pocket.

Example 2: I'd rather eat home-cooked food than fast food because it's more nutritious and made in hygienic settings. Additionally, it is lower in calories and does not cost much.

As we can see, example 2 demonstrates a more organic use of the English language, complete with appropriate connectors, accurate meanings, and no redundancy.

What Do You Do If You Run Out Of Things To Say Or Feel Stuck While Answering?

It is fairly normal to feel puzzled or forget a question while answering. In that scenario, you can attempt to utilize the following words and phrases to demonstrate that you are actively considering the subject:

• Actually…
• Indeed...
• Allow me time to consider...
• In my opinion...
• Personally, I believe...
• It appears to me that...

While you are nervous, you may forget certain words or have difficulty finding the appropriate phrases. However, do not be concerned. Rather than identifying something, you may always use another term to describe it. For instance,

• I'm not sure what you name it, but it's what we use to cut down trees. (a Saw)
• I'm not sure what the English term is, but it refers to a person's medical condition if they don't have enough blood in their body. (anaemic)

The secret is to quickly add these words into your conversation without halting for a long time, which usually comes with a lot of practice. These phrases and terms can come in handy when you're stumped for something to say and need a moment to collect your thoughts before speaking to the examiner. Put an end to your anxiety and prepare for such scenarios, and you'll definitely succeed on your speaking test.