IELTS Speaking Test: Tips to Score 7.5+ In Your IELTS Speaking

More individuals look for help with the IELTS Speaking test online than any other element of the exam. Many applicants tell me that this is the portion they are most nervous about. So, it's time to quit stressing and figure out how to earn the necessary score. If you are applying for your masters degree such as MBA in USA, UK, Canada you should have valid IELTS score.

This introduction to the IELTS Speaking test is intended to ensure that you grasp what it is all about, since most individuals believe they do but are mistaken. I don't want this to happen to you. I want you to go into the test knowing exactly what you need to do to earn the highest possible result.

Here's an overview of what we'll be talking about:

1. Speaking test format - Parts 1, 2, and 3
2. The primary cause of poor scores
3. How to Avoid Making This Huge Mistake
4. The four fundamental talents on which you will be evaluated

Format of the IELTS Speaking Test

The Speaking section of the Academic and General IELTS examinations is the same.
It might take place on the same day as your Writing, Listening, and Reading examinations, or seven days before or after them. All testing are documented.

Three sections make up the 11–14 minute speaking portion of the exam.

IELTS Speaking Test – Part 1

Time: 4-5 minutes.
You will be quizzed on yourself and your life. They might be anything related to the following topics:

• Your job or studies
• Your residence Your family
• Your home city
• Your preferences and dislikes

These questions will be simple to answer since you are well-versed in yourself and your life.
Nothing can go wrong, so try to unwind and consider this a warm-up for the remainder of the test.

IELTS Speaking Test – Part 2

Time required: 3-4 minutes

• The examiner will provide you a cue card with a topic printed on it and 3-5 bullet points outlining what you should cover in your presentation.
• You will be given up to 2 minutes to talk on this subject. After then, the examiner may ask you one or two questions concerning your case.
• You will have one minute to prepare and may take notes during that time.
• The topic can be nearly anything, but it must be relevant to you in some way.

IELTS Speaking Test – Part 3

Time required: 4-5 minutes

• The examiner will ask you questions about the topic you addressed in Part 2 on your cue card. These will be more intellectual questions, pushing you to explore ideas and concepts rather than simply recounting facts.
• This will be more of a conversation between you and the examiner, in which you will be able to express your views and opinions about the issue and develop your ideas.

Questions for this party topic will include: - When do people normally throw parties in your country?
- What factors contribute to a successful party?
- How vital is it to commemorate significant events as a group?
- Why do some individuals dislike attending parties?
- How do you generally celebrate the New Year in your country?
- Do you believe that festivals and festivities have become overly commercialised or have lost their original meaning?

What Causes a Low Score?

One of the most common causes for a poor IELTS Speaking exam score is a lack of understanding of the requirements. They may believe they do, but they do not. So let's figure things out so you have the best chance of getting a good score. This is critical. After all, how can you offer the examiner what they want if you don't know what they want? I'll begin by stating what the Speaking test is not.

How to Avoid Making This Huge Mistake

Here are the crucial items to remember:

• It is not an assessment of your knowledge or intellect.
• You are not expected to be a subject matter expert on the topics discussed.
• What you say will not affect your grade.
• The examiner doesn't care what you know or don't know.
• They are just interested in your thoughts and how well you articulate them. That's all.

You are not expected to know much about the subjects you're asked about. You're not taking a Masters's Degree; you're taking an English-speaking test. What you say is irrelevant, and you will not be graded on it. You can even make something up if necessary. This would also help in your IELTS writing task 2.

With everything out of the way, let's take a look at how you'll be evaluated. Examiners adhere to precise grading criteria. If you wish to see them, visit this link to get the official Speaking Test Assessment Criteria in PDF format. It provides the criteria for each of the four skill categories for all nine band levels.

Don't be overwhelmed if you decide to check them out. They're not as difficult as they look at first glance. They are summarised below.

• The IELTS Speaking test is intended to measure your abilities to: Communicate thoughts and facts about common subjects and experiences
• Use proper vocabulary to speak at long about a certain issue.
• Organize your ideas coherently
• Express and justify your opinions
• Analyze, discuss and speculate about issues

There are just four essential skills that you will be marked on, and these are what we'll look at next.

The Four Key Skills You'll Be Assessed On

So, what exactly will you be assessed on? Just these four items:

• Coherence and fluency
• Grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation

These are the only things you need to be concerned about. They both have 25% of the points.

Fluency & Coherence

Fluency – the ability to babble naturally and at a reasonable speed without lots of stops, pauses or repetition.

Coherence – The way that ideas are organized, developed and connected so that they flow from one to the other logically and what is said makes sense.
Both are important.

Vocabulary

• To do well in the test, you must demonstrate the ability to use a wide range of vocabulary correctly.
• I've highlighted the words 'correctly' because many think they have to throw in lots of 'advanced' and'complex' expressions to get a high score for vocabulary.
• As a result, the speech contains improper language that is poorly employed, as well as phrases that are difficult to comprehend. That's a formula for a failing grade.
• The examiner does not want you to attempt to be clever by using sophisticated jargon. They want you to answer the question using the correct or most relevant words and phrases.
• You should sound like a regular person speaking in normal English, not like a university professor giving a lecture. This is critical.
• I've dedicated a whole area of the website to vocabulary assistance, including theme word lists and practise problems with sample answers.

Grammar

Here are three important grammatical elements to remember:

• Most individuals attempt to confuse grammar.
• To respond to each question, use the most relevant wording.
• The questions are intended to measure your ability to employ various tenses

Most individuals attempt to confuse grammar. Yes, you must grasp and appropriately apply the many tenses in English. You will be tested on your usage of various verb tenses and other grammatical structures through the questions you will be asked.

However, like with all aspects of the IELTS Speaking test, you must be able to utilise the most relevant language for each question. If you try to utilise three distinct tenses in your answer only to show that you can, the examiner will not be impressed. Your speech will immediately lose coherence, and you will lose marks.

Pronunciation

The most crucial quality of pronunciation is clarity, which is easy to grasp. If the examiner cannot understand you when you speak, they will be unable to assess your English language abilities.

These five aspects of pronunciation greatly influence the intelligibility of your speech:

• Individual sounds
• Word stress
• Sentence emphasis
• Speech that is linked
• Intonation

Significant grammar faults and inappropriate vocabulary will also make understanding you more difficult, but strong pronunciation allows you to showcase all of your other language talents.
As a result, you are already more prepared than most individuals for the test since you now precisely know what the examiner will be looking for.
 
Significant grammar errors and incorrect vocabulary will also make it more challenging to understand, but good pronunciation enables you to show off all your other language skills.
So now that you know exactly what the examiner will look for when you take your exam, you're already better prepared than most people.

IELTS Speaking Test Tips and Advice

The Speaking test remains the same for both – (Academic and General Training). When you take IELTS on the computer, the Speaking test remains face-to-face with a certified IELTS examiner.

• Test duration: 11-14 minutes (for both Academic and General Training tests)
• Explanation of Each Section of the IELTS Speaking Test Format
• The test takers must all take the identical IELTS speaking exam. This means that the IELTS general and academic speaking formats will stay unchanged. The IELTS speaking exam structure is pretty simple, and you will be evaluated based on the following parameters:
• Your command of the English language and the capacity to speak without pause or hesitation.
• It will examine how you employ devices such as connectors, pronouns, and conjunctions, among others.
• The examiner should be able to grasp the language and accent.
• The examiner will grade your vocabulary as well as your grammar and sentence building skills.
• Pronunciation and intonation will also be assessed by the examiner.

The IELTS speaking exam design is divided into three sections. Let us examine each component in detail:

Part 1 Format:

• Both the examiner and the candidate will make an introduction.
• The examiner will ask generic questions about the candidates' city/town, occupation, personal interests, family, and education.
• Candidates must first state their name, provide their passport/ID, and disclose the name they wish the examiner to address them by.
• This part examines candidates' ability to share their views and ideas about daily aspects and shared experiences.

Part 1 Speaking Test Tips:

• Arrive earlier than expected.
• As you enter the room, smile and relax.
• Keep your identification on hand and avoid appearing overly formal.
• You will next be asked two to three questions about your hometown, house, studies, or job. Make a favourable impression by using simple language.
• Then you'll be asked three-four questions on one topic and three-four more on another. Provide comparably brief responses to these questions.
• Spend around 10-20 seconds on each answer, and don't be concerned if you're interrupted.
• The majority of the questions will be about your life and experiences. Some questions may necessitate a yes or no response. However, expound on your response.
• Including a detail or two might be an excellent idea.

Part 2 Format:

• A Cue Card will be provided. It is sometimes referred to as the Task Card.
• You will be given one minute to compose your response to the assigned topic.
• You will have one to two minutes to talk on this subject.
• This section will assess your ability to talk confidently on any subject.
• If you do not finish in two minutes, you may be asked a last question.
• The entire segment lasts about three to four minutes on average.

Part 2 Speaking Test Tips:

• Gather your thoughts and prepare well in the minute allotted to you.
• Speak in a leisurely tone, without hurriedly accelerating.
• Speak for at least one and a half minutes.
• Before the test, practise speaking for two minutes.

Part 3 Format:

• You will be quizzed on the preceding subject by the examiner.
• You'll need to express yourself more profoundly and subjectively.
• This portion assesses your ability to appraise a problem, express and defend your points of view, and organise your thoughts.
• You will be required to offer extended responses to four to five questions.
• The examiner may interrupt you from time to time; do not be alarmed if this occurs.
• Typically, questions address many parts of your life. They may, however, address larger concepts and subjects.

Part 3 Speaking Test Tips:

• In this part, you must offer detailed responses.
• Extend your viewpoint. Explain and justify your position on anything, and then assess it.
• When the examiner interrupts you, halt and relax. It will have no effect on your overall score.

Tips on How to Do Well in the IELTS Speaking Test

• Now that you understand the IELTS speaking exam style and are perplexed about IELTS speaking test tips, here are some basic guidelines for a decent result.
• Don't be late for your appointment; arrive at least 30 to 40 minutes early. You will have enough time to rest before the exam.
• After entering the testing room, make eye contact with your examiner.
• Speak clearly and gently while without rushing.
• Avoid any expressions of rage or displeasure. This is one of the best tips for preparing for IELTS.
• Talk to your examiner in the same manner you would to others. The responses should be casual.
• Pay close attention to the questions and respond appropriately to each one.
• The examiner's point of view on a subject may not necessarily be one that you share. You might not agree with them. However, make sure to convey your arguments in a nice manner.
• When you express an opinion, try to expound on it. Provide pertinent responses to all questions.

Part 1 of Speaking: Personal Questions

Part 1 of IELTS speaking, will begin with three questions concerning your work/study/living situation. These are the foundational questions that every test begins with.

The examiner will next go on to a personal issue and ask four relevant questions. Only the question on the card can be asked by the examiner.

If you ask questions, he won't answer them; instead, he will repeat them once, and if you still don't get it, he won't bother to explain it again.

Work (2)

1. Where are you now employed?
2. Do you wish to work in a different country?
3. Do you enjoy your job?

Your Country of Origin

1. What country are you from?
2. What is your favourite aspect of your country?
3. Where in your nation would you wish to live?
4. Are your country's citizens patriotic?

Museums

1. Have you ever visited a museum?
2. What kinds of art are on display at your country's museums?

Reading

1. Do you enjoy reading?
2. What kinds of books do you like?

Outdoors

1. Did you enjoy being outside when you were younger?
2. Do you still spend a lot of time outside?
3. Do you prefer to read outside?
4. Outside, where do people in your nation like to go?

Games and Sports

1. Which sport is your favourite?
2. What sport did you participate in when you were younger?
3. Which sports do you like to watch on TV?
4. What is your country's most popular sport?

Notes

1. Do you frequently take notes?
2. Do you make a lot of phone lists?
3. When are you most likely to take notes?
4. Is it typical for individuals in your nation to write notes?

Celebrities

1. Do you have any celebrity friends?
2. Which celebrity are you most familiar with?
3. Do you have any celebs you'd want to meet?
4. Who is your country's most famous person?

Part 2 of Speaking - Describe a...

Part 2 of the test will offer you 1 minute to plan and 2 minutes to speak. In the event the examiner fails to do this, you may file a formal complaint.

The subjects range from personal to universal. Continue to speak throughout the examination; the examiner will stop you.

The examiner will ask a rounding-off question at the end of part 2; do not provide another long response for this. A brief response to this question is preferable.

The topic will be covered again in the following section of the test.

Discuss someone who taught you how to accomplish something. Include the following:

1. Who was it?
2. What did they teach you?

Talk about an animal you want to learn more about. Include:

1. What is it?
2. What do you know about it now?
3. Why do you want to know more?

Talk about an event you went to that had good food. Include:

1. What was the event for?
2. What was the food?
3. Why did you like it?

Talk about a goal that you want to achieve in the future. Include:

1. What is the purpose?
2. When did you think of it?
3. How will you accomplish it?

Part 3 of Speaking

Part 3 will begin with the topic from part 2 but expand on it to make it more general and complex.

Most questions will be general so try not to give personal examples or talk about yourself (it is okay if you do this sometimes).

Typically, the examiner will ask between 6 and 10 questions in this part of the test.

The examiner must paraphrase what is in his book (unlike part 1, where he just reads from the booklet). That's why students will report slightly different wording for the questions – no two examiners will use the exact words, but the meaning of the questions will be the same. Once you prepare this topic you can easily get 7+ band in IELTS. 

The examiner should also ask one follow-up question for each question in the booklet. These follow-up questions will differ depending on the examiner, and if you are a strong candidate, the examiner will ask more complex questions to challenge you.

Police

1. Is your country generally safe?
2. What responsibilities do the police usually have?
3. How do you think the police will change in the future?
4. Do cameras violate a person's privacy?
5. What problems do people have with the police in your country?

Health

1. How often do people in your country go to the doctor?
2. Are doctors always trustworthy?
3. How will hospitals change in the future?
4. Is traditional medicine an essential part of your culture?
5. What makes a person healthy?

Environment

1. How are environmental problems dealt with in your country?
2. What can be done to make people recycle more often?
3. What is the most pressing environmental issue?
4. Is recycling a common practice in your country?
5. Are governments or individuals more responsible?

Civilization

1. Is this the best period in human history to be living?
2. How has technology improved life?
3. Does it have any significant negatives?
4. Do you think progress will continue in the future?
5. Are there any areas where humanity is not making progress?

Advertising

1. What kind of ads are common in your country?
2. Do you think companies should be allowed to advertise to children?
3. Are there laws regulating ads where you live?
4. What makes a good advertisement?
5. Will ads still be helpful and shared in the future?

Deforestation

1. Is there a lot of forest in your country?
2. What dangers does deforestation pose?
3. Are there any alternatives to logging forests?
4. What can ordinary people do to help address this situation?
5. How will the Earth's woods fare in the future?

Books

1. What are genres popular in your country?
2. How does the film industry impact booksellers in your country?
3. How can people be encouraged to read more?
4. Are there any drawbacks to reading too often?
5. What are the differences between reading an actual book and an online one?

Structure of the IELTS Speaking Section

The IELTS speaking test is designed to measure how well you utilise English in everyday interactions. You will be asked to sit in a quiet area with an examiner who will chat with you during the assessment. The speaking component of the IELTS exam is the most difficult for most Indian students.

This part evaluates your vocabulary, fluency and coherence, pronunciation, and accuracy. This blog post will explain how you may get a speaking band 9 and become fluent and certain in your English speaking with enough practise.

Before diving into the IELTS speaking band 9 tips and techniques, it is critical to grasp the test's structure and pattern:

Discussion and introduction (4–5 minutes)
Basic questions about your family, profession, education, interests and hobbies, and so on will be asked of you.

Flashcard (2–3 minutes)
The examiner will next provide you a flashcard with a specific topic written on it. You will have a minute or two to become acquainted with the subject before being asked to talk for around two minutes. Following your presentation, the examiner may ask you a few questions to assess your understanding of the subject.

Discussions (5–6 minutes)
Based on the chosen topic and your speech, further in-depth enquiries and abstract talks will be held. You will be able to elaborate on the concerns surrounding your selected topic.

Tips for Getting an IELTS Speaking Band 9

• No matter if you take the IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training test on paper or on a computer, the speaking exam is the same in both cases. An in-person interview with a certified IELTS examiner is always a part of it. Because it contains practical methods, it is the simplest component of the IELTS exam if handled correctly.
• Here are some techniques and suggestions to help you earn an IELTS speaking band 9:
  Avoid emphasising your accent: the examiner will notice that you are not a natural English speaker from an English-speaking nation. The accent won't have an impact on your total IELTS score, so do not worry about it if you pronounce everything correctly.
• Fillers should be avoided: You may considerably raise your total IELTS score by speaking clearly and confidently. It is best to prevent stuffing. Fillers are typically used by candidates when they are at a loss for words in response to a question. However, this could create the wrong impression on the examiner, leading them to believe you lack the requisite language skills. Avoid these and utilize idioms and phrases to strengthen your response. Also, read 'Latest IELTS idioms' for some expressions and phrases.
• Use a variety of speaking styles: When we say certain sentences, we may talk about a word coldly or monotonously. A lasting impression of your speaking abilities will be made on the examiner if you use effective speaking tactics, such as accentuating keywords and modulating your voice.
• Avoid speaking too rapidly; doing so might result in more errors and a lower fluency score. Instead, maintain your cool, communicate clearly, and speak at a comfortable speed.
• Do not rely on memorization: The questions in the Speaking portion all have the same format. Collocations (frequent word groupings) and relevant vocabulary are crucial, but remembering lengthy passages of speech should be avoided. Examiners are educated.
• Idioms and vocabulary: You should study contemporary idioms and vocabulary by grouping phrases into groups such as sports or movies. This strategy can also help you improve your vocabulary for other sections of the IELTS; the more vocabulary you have, the higher your score!
• Use your one minute wisely: In part two of the speaking portion, where you will talk about a specific topic, the examiner will give you one minute to practise your case. Make the most of this opportunity.
• If you don't know much about the subject, don't panic; you may make up a story or put yourself in the shoes of someone else and tell the story from their point of view. Assume you need to discuss a sporting event you attended but are not a sports fan. Put yourself in the position of a buddy who is in that situation and discuss their experience as if it were your own.
• Remember, there are no right or wrong answers; you are simply being judged on your ability to communicate. The points you will be covering will be listed on a cue card, so use your one minute to jot down phrases or keywords on your writing paper so you can refer to them if you get stuck.
• Always remain relaxed: With everything on your mind, relaxing will be difficult. However, keep in mind that the examiner is not searching for your mistakes, but rather the good features of your speech. They want to see what you can do, not what you can't, and will do everything they can to put you at ease. Consider the speaking exam to be a casual discussion with a buddy. It all comes down to communication, which you do on a regular basis.

FAQs

1. Is the IELTS speaking exam held on the same day as the IELTS writing test?

The IELTS hearing, reading, and writing portions are all administered on the same day. However, in some test centres, the speaking test can be taken on the same day as the exam or seven days before or after the exam. The IELTS computer exam and the spoken test can both be done on the same day, either before or after the other three portions.

2.What should you wear to the IELTS speaking test?

The IELTS interview has no fixed dress code. Candidates should, however, wear something that will keep them comfortable throughout. Tight-fitting shoes may only make them unpleasant, thus they should be avoided. It is also important not to use too much perfume or aroma. The candidate is required by the authorities to wear face masks. When the speaking exam is taking place, they can be requested to take the mask off temporarily.

3. How can you get a band 9 in IELTS speaking?

To get a band 9, you need follow some easy IELTS speaking exam recommendations. These are popular IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training suggestions.
Don't be afraid to engage the examiner in conversation.
Your knowledge and thoughts may not be the judging criteria; your confidence and linguistic abilities are.
Use strong English abilities and creative thinking to get a band 9 on the speaking test.
While answering, consider your life experiences. For example, if the topic is your favourite Indian destination, consider your previous visits to that location.

4. How long does the IELTS speaking exam last?

The IELTS Speaking test is conducted in the form of an interview between a test taker and a licenced and trained examiner. Overall, the test lasts 11-14 minutes. Part 1 lasts 4-5 minutes, Part 2 3-4 minutes, and Part 3 requires four to five minutes of the candidate's time.

5. How tough is IELTS speaking?

The IELTS speaking test can only be challenging for applicants who have not adequately studied for the exam. It is important to prepare for the IELTS Speaking test and follow the suggestions to achieve a high score.