1. You must talk about what is on the card
Read the card carefully. What you say doesn’t need to be true, but it must be relevant.
2. Answer all the points given on the card
You don’t need to spend an equal amount of time on each point, but you should talk about all of the points.
3. You have 1 minute to make notes before you start
Write down some key words and phrases that you can use in your speech. Use the points on the card to help you.
4. Practice speaking for 2 minutes
Time yourself speaking for 2 minutes. Understand what it feels like to speak for 2 minutes.
5. Record yourself
Record yourself and then listen back for mistakes, and think about how to improve your answer. Did you answer all of the points on the card? Could you improve your vocabulary? Was your talk coherent? Did you get stuck and hesitate for a long time?
6. It’s easier to describe real people/ events/ places
However, you can “borrow” facts and use them in your speech. For example, when asked to describe an experience with a family member, you could use an experience you really had with a friend. But, make sure you say the experience was with a relative if that’s what the card asks for!
7. Practise describing people
A lot of IELTS questions ask you to talk about a person, so it’s very useful to be ready to describe a person using lots of good adjectives and phrases.
8. Practise describing indoor places
You will often be asked to describe an experience indoors. This could be, for example, at home, at a friend’s house, or in a restaurant, so be ready to describe indoor places with some appropriate adjectives (cosy, spacious, cramped, warm atmosphere, etc.).
9. Practise describing outdoor places
You may be asked about an outdoor activity, a town park, or a place in the countryside, etc.. Be ready to describe these outdoor places (wildlife, plants, scenery, paths, trails, etc.).
10. Speaking fluency is important
If you can’t think of the perfect word or phrase, move on, and don’t focus on perfect grammar. If you hesitate for too long, it will be bad for speaking fluency. Speaking fluency is as important as grammatical accuracy.
11. Don't memorise answers
It's normally very obvious. But do practice key topics regularly such as describing people, indoor and outdoor places, activities and experiences. You will be able to use vocabulary and phrases you have practised in the real test.
12. Try to be confident
Talking with confidence could create a good impression. You never know, it might increase your score for fluency. Remember, the speaking test is not only about grammar and vocabulary. Speaking fluency is equally important.
13. Get Feedback from a teacher
Practise with a teacher who can give you good feedback. Ask the teacher to correct your pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar mistakes, and to give you feedback on coherence.
14. Practise with an AI
AI’s like ChatGPT can ask you IELTS style questions for all three parts of the tests. They can also give you feedback on your answers.
The feedback on grammar is particularly useful. Unfortunately, the feedback on vocabulary often suggests formal and unusual vocabulary which isn’t necessary in IELTS speaking. Also, please be aware that the IELTS band score estimates are usually not accurate.
15. Regular Practice
Regular practice is key. Try to speak English regularly to build your confidence and fluency. You can take conversation classes with a teacher or tutor, or use AI’s like Chat GPT if classes are not in your budget.
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