How can you prepare yourself for the IELTS speaking test?
I’m gonna share with you my tips what will help you to feel more confident and get a
higher score.
It’s Asiya with you today and let’s get started.
Remember, that during IELTS speaking you need to talk much more than your examiner does.
The way to do this is to develop your answers.
For example, you get a question: Do you have brothers and sisters?
Don’t say: no, I don’t.
I could say: I’m the only child but I have 5 cousins.
When I was little, we spent a lot of time together.
Another tips is: Don’t be silent.
I understand that sometimes you simply don’t know what to say.
Think in English, aloud.
For example, you are asked: What is your favourite music band?
If you believe me or not, that would be a difficult question for me.
I could say: I’m not even sure if I have a favourite music band.
I don’t listen to music too much these days.
And when I do, I simple turn on the radio.
I know that during the exam many feel pressure to say something smart.
It’s not a test on your IQ or knowledge.
Simply talk.
Don’t filter your thoughts.
Say whatever is coming to your mind.
That’s the way to talk more and score more.
You probably know that your grammar and vocabulary are assessed during the IELTS exam.
But don’t try to say something complicated just for sake of it.
Speak naturally.
Don’t try to use complicated grammar structures or past perfect continues tense.
Don’t talk in very long sentences.
You’re more likely to make mistakes.
If you like the question or not, attempt to answer it.
Don’t change the topic slightly just because it’s easier for you.
If you’re not sure what the actual question is, ask for clarifications.
That’s okay.
You can say something like:
‘I’m sorry I didn’t quite get that, could you repeat the question please?’
I’m sorry, are you asking if…
You’re allowed to do that.
But don’ abuse it.
Ask to repeat only if you really didn’t get the question.
Don’t use it if you simply don’t know what to say.
In this case, you can do the following:
Sometimes a question can catch you out.
If you don’t know what to say, you can buy yourself a bit of time.
Start your answer with one of these phrases:
I’ve never thought about it before but I guess…
I’m not sure what my opinion is, to be honest.
But I’d think that…
I don’t know much about it but the first thing that comes to my mind is…
While you’re saying one of such phrases, you have a couple of second to think how you
can actually answer the question.
The good thing is you’re still showing you can speak English and there’s no awkward
silence after the question.
But make sure it sounds natural.
That’s very important.
I’ll explain you why in a second.
Don’t learn your answers!
Many IELTS speaking questions are predictable.
But don’t be tempted to learn some answers by heart.
That’s serious.
Examiners are trained to spot memorised answers.
And you’ll get 0 points for those.
Speak naturally and make sure you don’t repeat the same phrase over and over again.
However, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t practise.
Actually, it’s the over way around.
You need to practise as much as you can.
There’s a list of typical topics for the IELTS speaking section.
And you can download it in the corner of the screen or in the video description.
One of the ways to practise is you find yourself a buddy – sometime who’s also preparing
for IELTS.
And ask each other questions.
If you want to do that, just leave a comment below with your Skype or mobile phone.
And let other candidates find you.
If you don’t have a buddy, just talk to yourself in English.
You can think of IELTS questions yourself and then attempt to answer them.
Talk aloud like you would do during the exam.
That’s a very good tactics and it will help you.
Even simpler, you can practise thinking in English.
When you’re sitting there, just thinking about something, try to think in English.
It will help you to build the sentences and find words in English quicker.
If you don’t speak English often, it may be difficult for you to switch from your native
language to English in one moment.
The morning before your speaking exam, listen to some news in English.
Arrive to your IELTS centre a bit earlier.
Find a quiet spot nearby and just speak to yourself in English.
You can pick one of IELTS topics.
Or again, talk whatever you’re thinking at that moment in English.
If doesn’t matter what you’re talking about.
But it will help you to switch your brain to English.
And once you enter the room, you will feel ready to speak to the examiner.
I hope these tips will help you get your desired score in IELTS speaking.
If you can download the list of typical IELTS topics from the screen or the video description
below.
Thank you so much for watching my video.
If you want to get more tips about IETLS preparation, subscribe to my channel.
Good luck with your IELTS exam.
And see you soon.
Bye!