Proven strategies for IELTS writing and speaking

Hello Everyone.

IELTS examination is a dream for every student who aspires to study abroad or migrate to their desired destination. After scoring good marks one can fly to the USA, the UK, Canada and other beautiful countries and it will also benefit for visa applications. For this vision to be a reality it is required to practice well. This is the article which has the tips to accomplish it. It would also help to tackle other situations in the workplace and daily life instances. Select a point and inculcate other points to improve. We will cover the latest 2020 exam strategies for IELTS writing and speaking.

We are going to cover the following topics in this article

• IELTS exam
• Writing tips
• Speaking tips
• Scoring and Marks
• Brief revision
• FAQ’s

What is the IELTS exam?

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It is organised jointly by the British Council, Cambridge English Language Assessment and Education Australia. The students are marked on the score band from 1[non-expert] to 9[expert].

It is based on abilities in four categories: listening, reading, speaking and writing. The total test time is 2hours and 45 minutes. Reading and writing have a difference in the two versions i.e. academic and general training.

The most important skill for the test is to give the examiner what they require. The most important things are vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation. It is actually the basic skills in English language and knowledge about it.

IELTS Writing Strategies:

Often people include uncommon vocabulary, complex sentences, over-complicated grammar to impress the examiner or to enhance their written work to score well. Is it really required? No, it isn’t.

Below given are all the main key points summed up into ten most important ones for easy understanding and learning. Let’s get started on the way to score good and high band.

strategies for IELTS writing and speaking

IELTS writing Proven Strategies:

• Analyze and answer every part of the question:

The main thing is to know the number of ideas asked to write in the given question. If two ideas are asked and only one of them is answered then the examiner will obviously mark band score less than six. Underlining the keywords in the question paper can be a great tip to ensure that all parts are solved and noted down.

• Usage of words with what you know:

Often words like ‘dude’, ‘bro’ and many other words whose slang is similar to texting language cannot be used. The usage of such words will ensure that one gets a low score. The test is to check the ability of knowledge about English and not about the right answer. A simple idea which is clearly described with correct vocabulary will fetch a good score band

• Tone and writing style:

Do not use informal language. It can be used only in writing task 1 for informal letters. The tone must usually be academic or formal. The words like ‘hate’, ‘ugly’ should not be used. Better choice of words in a neutral tone is advisable. As mentioned above to check the words which are written.

• Follow the standard structure:

For academic task 1 it is:

1. Introduction: describe the given picture
2. Overview: main trends, few changes
3. Specific details: support by data given

For general writing task 2 it is:

a. Introduction: rephrase topic+ give opinion

b. Body paragraphs: central idea+ supporting idea

c. Conclusion: paraphrase the opinion from the introduction.

• Start on a good note:

Though it is said one must not waste much of the time on the introduction, it is always convincible to write a strong thesis statement. The examiner will know what is the main point and will appreciate a well-organised essay. It will usually be the two /three opinions which are framed into a statement as the base of the entire response.

• Plan time wisely and keep a record:

According to the thumb rule, proper timing, number of words and number of mistakes should be taken care of. It is required to track the time taken, figure out mistakes and also words. It would be helpful to take up the future test. The easy method to do so can be drawing a mind map and noting down things.

• Know the marking criteria:

75% of the marks for writing task 2 will be based on vocabulary, grammar accuracy and proper structure. One can write down the common mistakes while practising. During the last five minutes of the exam, one can look for the same mistakes and rectify them.

• Paraphrase, Paraphrase and Paraphrase:

It is better not to write the same thing from the question. This would lower the score band of the student. It would also have a notion that the person is confused, not clear with question. Usage of synonyms and tips to paraphrase is helpful to score a high band in the test.

• Do not branch off:

The positive point is to stay on the topic. Moving away from the topic, packing with irrelevant information and trying to complete the answer will also lead to a low score. The other side is planning your writing will keep on point.

• Do not rework the examples:

Examiners look for something fresh to read. But students try to rework on the examples from the model question paper and try to add or subtract words and make it convenient to the given query. It is a waste of time, instead of writing some original work will be profitable.

IELTS Writing task 1 example:

1. The above given example is for academic writing task 1.
2. The below given example is for general writing task1.

IELTS Speaking Strategies:

Most of the candidates are nervous as they think it is the most difficult part of the test, as it is face-to-face communication. Even the examiners do not ask one to be an orator or public speaker. They mark based on four criteria:

1. Speak fluently without hesitation
2. Different vocabulary
3. No grammatical error
4. Pronunciation

Though interviews are spontaneous, the examiners do not expect logical and structured answers. One can practice the below-given strategies to score high and well.

strategies for IELTS writing and speaking

IELTS speaking proven strategies

• Elaborate your speech:

Try and speak as much as possible. Do not end in just a sentence. The examiner wants to check one’s ability to speak at any length. Do stay on the topic. Uncommunicative and short replies are not to be practised.

• Clarify the given question:

Do not hesitate to ask the question again. One can clarify things if not understood. It is a well-known communication strategy. It would not cause any loss of marks. It would help to score as one will understand the question and exactly answer to the point.

• Think and articulate thoughts:

As the saying goes, “think twice before you speak”. The same applies to this field. If you are confused about the answer one can use, ‘that’s a tricky/interesting question”, “I have not heard about it”, such things will give extra time to think. Silence can also be a weapon, which is proven to be an efficient killer to the given query.

Articulating thoughts consume time. It is recommended to do so by using the above tips. It can help one speak fluently and coherently.

Example: What was your favourite book in childhood?

What book did I like as a child? Let me see…..

• Do not by heart answers:

The examiner is a well-learned teacher and equipped enough. They would easily identify if it is planned or spontaneous. Learning full scripts from previous sample question papers is not worthy. It is better to learn separate words, other collocations and include them while practising for the test.

• Express your opinions with emotions:

Speak with emotions. One should speak to express and not to impress. The words must have the same feel as one speaks in their native language. The opinion must also be put forth. The main purpose is to assess abilities on the basis of communication. So, having an opinion and also able to justify is the main purpose. Both emotion and opinion must go hand-in-hand.

• Do not panic:

If a mistake is made then the first thing is being panicked. It is advisable not to do so. If self-correction is possible, one has to either correct them smoothly or continue speaking. One will not lose marks for a few mistakes. It does not show a lack of knowledge but just an error.

• The first impression is the best:

Though it is not very important, it can go on a long run. One should look good, smell good and feel good. It is very necessary to relax as it helps it to think and has a flow of thoughts. Being confident and having a smile is very essential. It is to enjoy the speech and speak in English.

• Record and practice sample:

The topics are usually sports, education or daily life circumstances. If sample paper is practised it can be assisted to learn vocabulary and grammar. This can result in recording the number of minutes one requires to complete the task. Noting down things like:

Example: the use if – word “as you know”,

Did you repeat yourself? ,

How much time is required to finish the task?

These may be an experience which can be profitable.

• Be honest:

“Honesty is the best policy” is very much relevant in this scenario. If a question is not understandable clarify it. Being honest and responding would be better rather than telling a lie and the response will also be wrong.

• Be coherent:

Usage of linking words and structures would enhance the speech. Try using a few complex ones; it should also be grammatically correct. Add a few unique words which can create an impression on the examiner.

Example: because⇒one of the reasons for this is…

Nevertheless, moreover, however, such phrases can be used.

The below given is an example for the questions which can be a part of the examination.

IELTS Scoring and marks:

As the writing section has two tasks it is marked in a different way. In general writing and academic writing also have a slight difference in marking.

strategies for IELTS writing and speaking

IELTS Writing section:-

Total writing band score: 7+6.5= 13.5\2= 6.5

It is rounded to 7.

IELTS Speaking section:-

• ★Fluency & Coherence
• ★Lexical Resource
• ★Grammatical Range & Accuracy
• ★Pronunciation

These criteria are equally weighted and the Speaking Band Score is an average of the total score of these criteria.

1. Brief summary:

Writing task 1:

• Being fluent and coherent.
• Tone of writing should be taken care.

Writing task 2:

• Practising before the examination and recording it.
• Do not move away from the topic.

Speaking task:

• Do not panic.
• Have a good knowledge about vocabulary.
• Try to express and not to impress.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ’s:

AccioIbis for your IELTS writing and speaking evaluation

If you are dedicated to improving your IELTS Writing task then AccioIbis is the best solution. You can INSTANTLY evaluate your IELTS writing tasks and get scores along with detailed feedback and suggestions.

Students around the globe are using AccioIbis to improve their IELTS writing and speaking task scores so what are you waiting for?

With AccioIbis IELTS Instant Writing evaluation, you will get the power in your hands, no more waiting no more searching for the right teacher, simply register and start practising. You can practice from any device from any place.

strategies for IELTS writing and speaking