Complete IELTS speaking guide
Hey!!!
Speaking is the ability to express one’s view in a particular fashion. There are different ways of expressing but speaking is the most appropriate one. It feels quite easy to speak. The thing which matters the most is the choice of words. The right choice of words can build good relations. Here is the complete IELTS speaking guide for your 2020 IELTS exam preparation.
In the examination also to create an impression the essential things are to have the right tone, words and formation of sentences. It is a relaxed section of the entire test. It seems to be like an interview which is mostly to brief on one-self. The basic platform on which the answer can be built is required to be very strong. For this preparation, the raw materials needed are given below. Let’s collect them and start building the steps to our success.
Complete IELTS speaking guide
We are going to cover the following topics:
- IELTS
- Speaking test
- Scoring pattern
- Sample question
- Speaking topics
- Strategies
- Don’ts to prefer
- FAQ’s
- Points to Ponder
Introduction to IELTS
The full form of IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It is jointly conducted by IDP Education Australia, British Council and Cambridge English Language Assessment. The duration is 2hours 45 minutes. It checks the ability of the student under four categories: reading, writing, listening and speaking. It is widely accepted in countries like USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The results for online are given within a week. The offline results are given within 13 days from the day of the examination. The score band measures from 0-9, in which 1[low] and 9[high]. It also provides scholarships and loans to deserving students on a regular basis. It helps them to support themselves financially in abroad countries.
IELTS Speaking test:
This section of the test depends on the interpersonal skills of a person. It is a process of communication between a well trained and certified examiner and a student with self-confidence. It usually lasts for 11-14 minutes. It may or may not be conducted on the same day of the other sections of the exam.
It is divided into three parts. They are as follows:
- Introduction:
As one enters the hall, they must introduce themselves. It could be about education, hometown, job, carrier, family, and country. It is for 4-5 minutes. It may have the 5w’s [what, where, why, when, and who] questions.
- Key features:
It is most probably about the questions asked in part 1. They are relatable and then asked to the student to elaborate. The student must speak for 2 minutes. This may have all the ‘h’ questions i.e. how.
- Discussion:
This part is a combination of part 1 and 2. It mainly requires speaking in detail. The examiner may ask to either justify or analyze the given question. It is for about 5-6 minutes.
IELTS speaking score
The score band is based on 0-9. The entire discussion is marked on the basic four categories. They are lexical resource, grammar, pronunciation and fluency & coherence. To achieve a good band score one must be thorough in all these categories.
- Lexical Resource:
This is particularly on the kind of vocabulary being used in the conversation. One must not use complicated words which can be inappropriate. The usage of various idioms and collocations with the right meaning and a structural sentence with least error, it must convey the message properly. Paraphrasing the given sentence is also advisable.
- Fluency and coherence:
Just as jam and butter are related to bread, in the same way, fluency and coherence are related to high band score. Being fluent is to speak in English effortlessly and coherent is the ability to relate those words and contexts. The examiner looks at how well can the student be fixed to the topic given and logically adds instances. The student can cleverly give-ups and downs which can make the answer sound interesting.
- Grammar:
Being equipped with weapons such as punctuations, complex sentences, verb tenses and structure formations will lead to the path of success. It also depends to limit the grammatical mistakes. Being accurate and precise in grammar will be helpful for all the sections of the exam.
One should practice speaking before the exam. It can be recorded. Listening to it and noting the errors and correcting them will assist in the final step i.e. exam. One can also seek help from native English speakers.
- Pronunciation:
The quality of words, rhythm, intonation patterns and sound of words is calculated in this section. Monotonous tone or mispronunciation of words must be avoided. It may lead to confusion and ambiguity.
One can listen to different channels and record them. They can rehearse and try to grasp the accent and the way they are spelt.
IELTS speaking sample question:
Introduction
- Where is your hometown?
- What is your qualification?
- What would you do to change the situation of your hometown?
- What do you prefer books or TV?
- Are you good at time management?
- Who do you think as your inspiration?
IELTS speaking Key features:
Cue card-1
Describe an old person from your hometown.
- relationship with you
- how regularly do you visit them
- what people think about the old person.
Cue card-2
Describe the genre of the books you read.
- names of few books, with authors
- content of them
- How often do you complete reading them?
Cue card-3
Describe a situation where you could manage time in a better way.
- speak about a challenging situation
- what you did in that instance.
- how has it helped you in life?
Discussion
- What is your opinion about the way culture has changed in your hometown?
- How has it affected the lives of people?
- How do you analyze the text if you were the author?
- What can be the suggestion if you were the author?
- Do you think time management is a good idea?
- What would you do if you have a time machine?
- How can you justify your decision in that situation?
IELTS speaking topics
The topics are very simple and revolve around daily life instances and also personal life experiences. A few topics are listed below:
Food
Gifts
Fun & entertainment
Museums
Sports
Flowers
Education
Seas
Family
Water
Globalisation
Seasons
Technology
Wedding
Arts
Smoking
Dreams
Nature
Environment
Games
Travel
Resources
Communication
Health
Hobbies
Hospitals
Time
Values
Newspapers
Happiness
Childhood
Leisure
Pollution
Passion
Cooking
Hometown
Books
Neighbour
Tradition & culture
Festivals
Country
Moral beliefs
Weather
Global warming
Restaurants
Fashion
Complete IELTS speaking guide
Best strategies for IELTS speaking
- Rephrase:
It is the most useful technique used in the test. It is a smart way to answer. Use the words which are similar [synonyms] to the ones in the question and recreate the sentence. Make sure it must have the same meaning as it had before. It refers to paraphrasing the given work either at the start or end of the response.
Example: He has tons of stuff to throw away.
He needs to get rid of a lot of junk.
- Increase quality:
The introductory part has questions which require a precise answer and it is very short. One must not answer just a word but continue it as a sentence and elaborate it.
- Subject focus:
It is preferable to stay on the topic. If the student moves away from the actual matter and gives irrelevant information it is a loss of marks. It may be due to nervousness. One must remain calm during the entire 15 minutes conversation.
- Time management:
The second part of the test is crucial. One has to make notes and also speak about it. The period is 2 minutes.
Dealing with time is an important aspect of life. Students must not waste time in recalling things; instead, move with the flow of the ideas related to the question. It will help to save time and answer all the sections.
- Eye-contact:
Looking into the examiner’s eye will build a bond and ease the situation of being anxious. Before starting a conversation it is better to make an eye-contact as a part of non-verbal communication. Do not stare at the opposite person and make the situation uncomfortable.
- The show must go on:
The third part is time-constrained. First come, first serve must also go with the ideas. Do not indulge in a response which can be perspective accurate but is not fluent to understand. Pick up ideas which are easy to pronounce and convey the opinion. If there is no opinion create one. It does not test whether the answer is right or wrong, it measures the ability to speak in English.
- Choice of interests:
The meaning is simple. Speaking for the sake of marks is not required; rather talking with emotions is prominent. One can speak until the examiner stops. But do not speak off track. Be fixed to the topic and express the opinion which is asked in the paper. The answer can be made interesting by the choice of words and the way they are structured.
- Smile, Confidence:
This is a face-to-face talk one must have a smile and a confident look. It creates a good impression on the examiner. One must look good, smell good. This will help increase self-confidence and reduce anxiety due to exam. One can create a false impression by having a smile.
Complete IELTS speaking guide
Do’s and Don’ts for IELTS speaking
- Do not hesitate to clarify doubts.
- Do not move away from the topic.
- Avoid using complicated words.
- Do not waste time in creating opinions.
- Do not feel anxious.
- Do not give one-word answers.
- Do not speak in a low tone. Have a moderate tone that is audible enough.
- Do not inculcate slang in the sentences.
- Do not include sample answers as it reduces the marks.
- Do not reach the exam centre late. Be on time.
- Do not show more concern about grammar than fluency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It is mainly an introduction. It can be 2-3 sentences. It is for about 4-5 minutes.
No. A decent formal or casual dress is fine.
No. It is not recommended to do so.
One should try to use the entire time given for the task.
It shows that you are confident and also body language matters the most.
Each section contributes 25% to the whole.
The examiner will stop them if exceeded.
Each section contributes 25% to the whole.
It is not a problem. But the examiner must understand the response as it is.
Yes. But do not stop between the talk, clever manipulation is required.
No. The test is about speaking skills and not which accent one has mastered.
Complete IELTS speaking guide
Points to ponder for IELTS speaking:
* Section: IELTS Speaking
★Time period: 11-14 minutes
★Parts: 3
- Introduction [4-5 minutes],
- Cue-card [2 minutes],
* Discussion [5-6 minutes] - Band score: 0-9
- Key notes:
Lexical resource [25%]
Grammar [25%]
Pronunciation [25%]
Fluency and coherence [25%] - Important notes:
Practice; being confident, Elaborate, Show must go on, Choice of interests.
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Complete IELTS speaking guide
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Complete IELTS speaking guide
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Complete IELTS speaking guide