IELTS Speaking Test Preparation & Tips

Tips for the IELTS Speaking Section

Do not worry about mistakes - everybody makes them! Instead, think about communicating well. Do not worry about your accent. Just speak clearly. Say NAMES slowly. If you say a name in your own language, you MUST explain it! Do NOT use difficult words or expressions unless you are 100% sure you know how to use them right. If you use words at the wrong time, your score will be lower! Make good, clear sentences to express your meaning. Do not speak either too fast nor too slow. You cannot ask questions on Part 1 or Part 2, but you SHOULD ask questions on Part 3 if you do not understand. Do not change the topic. The examiner will think you cannot speak enough on that topic and will give you a lower score. If you don't know much about a topic, talk about something related to that topic, then explain the connection. Do not memorize answers to prepare for the test. The examiner will hear that you are not speaking naturally and will change the topic. Practice speaking with a watch. You should use about 4 minutes for each part of the Speaking Test.

What will the examiner listen for?

Pronunciation - This is only important if it gets in the way of communication. Speak clearly and you will be all right. 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.

IELTS Speaking Test: Key Facts

Duration: Between 11 and 14 minutes. Participants: Candidates interviewed individually. The test is recorded. Format: The test consists of three parts.

Part 1 (Interview)
Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test lasts between 4 and 5 minutes. The examiner will ask some simple 'getting-to-know-you' questions which will help the examiner find out a little about you and help put you at ease. These will be general questions such as about your family, your studies, where you come from or what your interests are. Example Questions Q: Where are you from? Q: Why are you studying English? Q: Have you visited any English speaking countries? Q: Do you play any sports? Tips! Giving full, relevant answers to the examiner's questions will help get the interview off to a good start. 1) Avoid giving short, uncommunicative replies. Q: Where are you from? A: I'm from Hoorn in the Netherlands. (Don't stop there!) It's about 35 kilometers north of Amsterdam. It's a modern city but with a lot of history and a lovely place to live. 2) Avoid short, 'yes', 'no' answers to closed questions. (These are questions beginning 'Have you ...', 'Do you ...', 'Is it ...' etc which can be answered simply with a yes or no answer). Q: Have you visited any English speaking countries? A: Yes. (Don't stop there!) I went to England last year and spent two weeks seeing the sights. A couple of years ago I went to New York with my parents and had a great time. Q: Do you play any sports? A: No. (Don't stop there!) I'm not really interested in playing sports. I like watching sport on TV and I really enjoyed keeping up with the Olympics recently. 3) Offer examples to help you explain a statement. Q: Why are you preparing for the IELTS exam? A: Because I need it for my studies. (Don't stop there!) I've been offered a place at a university in England to study on an MBA but I need to show my level of English is good enough.

Part 2 (Long Turn)

Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test lasts between 3 and 4 minutes (including 1 minute preparation time). The examiner gives you a task card and you have to speak about the subject without interruption for between 1 and 2 minutes. Example Task Example 1) Describe a place you have visited that you have fond memories of. You should say: where this was why you went there what you did there and what it was about the place that makes it so memorable. Example 2) Describe your favourite personal possession. You should say: what this possession is when you first got it when you use it and why it's so important to you. Tips! 1.Use your 1 minute preparation time wisely and make notes of the points you'd like to make. Make sure you understand the TOPIC of the question and decide which TENSE you should use. 2. The question will help you with the structure of your talk. The introduction can include the item itself and maybe a brief description. The main body of your talk could describe the situation when you acquired the object and go on to explain when you use it. You can then end with an explanation of why the object is so important. 3. Try to avoid giving a very dry, unimaginative introduction such as 'The object I'm going to describe is ....'. Get your talk off to a memorable start with something on the lines of: 'If I was about to lose everything and could only save one thing it would be my ...', or 'I've got several things that mean a lot to me but the one that really stands out is my ...'
4. 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.

Part 3: (Two-Way Discussion)

In Part 3 of the test, which lasts between 3 to 4 minutes, the examiner will ask you questions linked to the topic in Part 2. Example Questions (Based on example topics in Part 2 above) Q: It is sometimes argued that local cultures are being destroyed by tourism. Why do think people might feel this? Q: What benefits do people get from travelling to other countries? Q: Do you think people are becoming too materialistic? Q: To what extent are people's buying habits affected by advertising? Tips! 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.
If you need time to collect your thoughts use expressions (sparingly) like: 'That's a good question.', 'Well, let me think ...'.

Don't forget to avoid short, 'yes', 'no' answers. Try to offer examples to back up a statement. Help make your contributions memorable. Try explaining a point using a short, personal anecdote. If the examiner asks a question that you don't understand, take control of the situation with questions such as those that appear below. Responding like this will show evidence of your communication skills.

A) If the examiner uses a word or phrase that you don't understand, say something like: "Sorry but could you explain what you mean by ........" or "I haven't come across that word/expression before. Could you explain what you mean?" B) If you simply didn't hear something that was asked, respond with: "Excuse me, I didn't quite catch that. Could you say that again?" "I'm sorry, but would you mind repeating that?"

Make better sentences, get a better score!

Question: Tell me about your family. Common Answer: There are four people in my family. Better Answer: In Vietnam today, a majority of families have four members, and my family is no exception. Note: This sentence is built with three parts. First is the place, Vietnam. Second is the situation, many families with three people. Third is this person's family. Question: What is your hometown like? Common Answer: My hometown is very nice. Better Answer: Although my hometown is not very famous, it has several advantages that make it a great place to live. Question: How do you feel about your job? Common Answer: I like my job very much. Better Answer: Although you might not believe it, I really enjoy my job every day. Question: What do you dislike about your classes? Common Answer: Studying is very difficult. Better Answer: When I think about how hard my classes are, I feel like quitting, which is one reason I've decided to go abroad. Note: The question is about a feeling and the answer is about a feeling. Good! Question: What do you want to do in the future? Common Answer: I want to be a lawyer in the future. Better Answer: I first thought about being a lawyer when I was a child, and now, after many long years of study, it seems my dream will become reality. Note: Excellent! Compare the past dream with the present hard work to show the bright future! Question: What do you do in your free time? Common Answer: In my free time I like to play sports. Better Answer: If I ever had free time, I would probably do many different things, including playing sports, listening to music, and going out with my friends. Note: Good examples. Question: What will you do when you go abroad? Common Answer: I want to study Computer Science in Australia. Better Answer: If I am able to get a visa, I hope to learn about Computer Science in Brisbane, Australia, so that I can come back to China and work for a successful local company. Question: Do you like to go shopping? Common Answer: I hate shopping, but I have to do it. Better Answer: When I think of shopping, I think of all the crowds, all the difficult choices, and all the money I will have to spend, so I hate to go shopping.

Connecting Sentences
Do not use too many connectors when you speak, or it may sound unnatural. Here are some of the most common connection words in English.

1. "after" or "before"
After we did that, we ~ed. Before we can finish that job, we must ~. After that, I went to... Before that, I was working in an office.

2. "although" or "even though" ("in spite of the fact that")

Although my hometown is very small, it has many interesting places to visit. Even though my hometown very crowded and noisy, I like living there very much.

3. "another"
Another good thing about my job is... Another way to solve the problem would be to...

4. "as with" or "just like"

As with the first question, we must consider this one very carefully. Just like Romeo and Juliet, we fell in love.

5. "at the same time"

I wanted to be with her every day. At the same time, I felt I should obey my parents wishes. There are too many cars in Beijing. At the same time, the city is building more subway lines and adding more buses.

6. "besides" or "in addition to"

Besides that fact, here is another interesting point... In addition to that law, there are many other laws to prevent traffic accidents.

7. "but"
This is usually true, but... In most cases that is true, but... In a typical situation that may happen, but... In an ideal situation we can do it that way, but...

8. "because"
Many people believe that is true. I disagree because... My point of view is... The reason I believe that is because...

9. "except for"
Except for that one case, I do not know of any other problems. Except for the main character, all the others were bad people.

10. "for example"

I believe ~ is true. For example... I believe that ~ is the best way. Let me give you an example...

11. "however" or "yet"

I basically agree with you. However, I don't know if that will be true in the future. That is what I have thought most of my life. Yet I wonder if I am wrong.

12. "rather than"

Rather than repeat that process, the hero of the story decided to do something different. Rather than just accept the decision, I decided to change my job.

13. "the reason is"

I don't agree with that at all. The reason is... The reason I doubt that is...

14. "this" or "that"

Some people say that... and I have to agree with them... That was good too, but not as good as... That was good, and an even better way is... Not only is that interesting, but ~ is also quite fascinating.

15. "when" or "whenever"

When I think about such a topic, I think about... When I remember how I grew up, I realize... Whenever I think about my studies, I wonder how I survived!

IELTS Example Test 1

Part 1 (Interview: 4-5 minutes) Ok first then, a few questions about you and your life. Lets talk about your family. Do you come from a large or a small family? Right, and do all your family live in the same town or city? So how often do you see your brothers and sisters (or family)? Do you have a lot in common with them? OK, is it all right to talk about your friends? Do you have lots of friends or just a few, special friends? Uh huh and can you say something about one or two of your friends? What kinds of things do you and your friends do together? Mm, are you a person who enjoys spending time alone? OK. Lets move on to talk about travelling to other countries. What other countries have you visited? Which other countries are you interested in visiting? Uh huh, and what are some of the things that you dont like about travelling?

Part 2 (Long Turn: 3-4 minutes) Describe the best present/gift you have received: Who gave it to you? What was the gift? What was it for? When did you receive it? Give detailed information about the present.

(You have 1 minute to make notes)

Part 3 (Two-Way Discussion: 3-4 minutes) Lets continue talking about gifts and presents. In Vietnam, when do people usually give gifts? How do gifts differ today in comparison to your parents generation? What kind of gifts do you imagine the children of future generations will receive? Would you prefer to receive a gift or a gift certificate so you can choose your own gift?

IELTS Example Test 2

Part 1 (Interview: 4-5 minutes) Now I'd like to find out a little about you. For example, let's talk about your studies. How long have you been studying English? And why are you preparing for IELTS? What's the most difficult thing about studying a language? Now, tell me something about your daily routine. What do you do at the weekends? How do you usually spend your evenings? OK let's move on to talk about food. What kind of food do you like eating? What do people from your country typically eat?

Part 2 (Long Turn: 3-4 minutes)

Describe a technology you use that you couldn't do without. You should talk about: your attitude to technology generally. what the item of technology is you have chosen. why you couldnt do without the item youve chosen. how your life would be changed if you didnt have this object.

(You have 1 minute to make notes)

Part 3 (Two-Way Discussion: 3-4 minutes)

Let's continue with the subject of technology. I'd like to discuss one or two questions with you related to this topic. Could you describe some of the major roles technology plays in society? How does our use of technology today differ from our parents' generation? Is it important that everyone has equal access to technology? In what ways are our lives improved through technology? Do any forms of technology create problems for people or society generally?

IELTS Example Test 3

Part 1 (Interview: 4-5 minutes) Ok first then, a few questions about you and your life. Could you tell me your full name please? Does your name have any special meaning? Is your name important to you? Where do you come from? How long have you lived in your hometown? What places should foreigners visit in your hometown? Are you a student or do you have a job? Do you have a degree? If so, when and where did you graduate? What impressed you most when you were at university / college? What do you do for a living? Do you like your job?

Part 2 (Long Turn: 3-4 minutes) Are there any interesting buildings in your country? What are they used for? Where are they located? Explain why you think they are the most interesting. (You have 1 minute to make notes)

Part 3 (Two-Way Discussion: 3-4 minutes)

Let's continue with the subject of buildings. I'd like to discuss one or two questions with you related to this topic. Are there any old buildings in your hometown? Can you describe them? What are people's attitudes to old building today compared to that of our older generation? Should we protect old buildings? Why? What role do you think old and modern buildings play in society?

IELTS Example Test 4

Part 1 (Interview: 4-5 minutes)

Ok first then, a few questions about you and your life. Could you tell me something about your family? What kind of parent do you have? How does your family feel about you going abroad? What do you usually do in your spare time? Do you think watching TV is a waste of time? Do you think it is important for people to have hobbies? Why? Do you have a lot of friends? What do you usually do with your friends? What characteristics do you think are important in a good friend? Why?

Part 2 (Long Turn: 3-4 minutes)

Describe your most recent vacation in detail. When and where you go? Whom you go with? What things you do? (You have 1 minute to make notes)

Part 3 (Two-Way Discussion: 3-4 minutes)

Let's continue with the subject of travel. I'd like to discuss one or two questions with you related to this topic. What are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling in your country? Why do people travel? What are the differences between people from your country travelling 100 years ago and now? What attracts foreign tourists to visit your country?

IELTS Example Test 5

Part 1 (Interview: 4-5 minutes)

Ok first then, a few questions about you and your life. Where do you live? What are the main places of interest in your hometown? What are the people like in your hometown? What do you usually do on weekdays and on weekends? What do you usually do when you go out? Do you like to go shopping? Why? Why are you taking the IELTS test? What is the first thing you plan to do when you go abroad? How do you feel about living in a foreign country?

Part 2 (Long Turn: 3-4 minutes)

Describe the person in your family that is the most similar to you. Who is this person? How is he/she similar to you? What kind of family is yours? Is it a typical family structure in your country?

(You have 1 minute to make notes)

Part 3 (Two-Way Discussion: 3-4 minutes)

Let's continue with the subject of family. I'd like to discuss one or two questions with you related to this topic. Are people in your country generally close to their families? What are the differences between families in and past and families today? What do you think has caused these changes? What do you think is more important, family or friends? Why?

IELTS Example Test 6

Part 1 (Interview: 4-5 minutes) OK, so first, lets talk a little about you. What do you do? Can you describe the company or organization you work for? What is the process of getting a job in your country? Whats the weather like in your country? Does the weather affect your mood? Whats your favourite season of the year? Do you like to travel? What kind of places have you visited? Which place would you really like to visit? Why?

Part 2 (Long Turn: 3-4 minutes) Tell me about your favourite museum How often do you visit the museum? What type of museums are popular in your country? Why do you like to visit the museum?

(You have 1 minute to make notes)

Part 3 (Two-Way Discussion: 3-4 minutes)

Let's continue with the subject of museums. I'd like to discuss one or two questions with you related to this topic. What do you think of the importance of museums in history? How do you think of the heritage of a country? Compare the museums nowadays and in the past.