How to Pass the IELTS Speaking Exam

So, you've signed up for a language course to prepare for the IELTS exam and are
now looking forward to the chance to showcase your English speaking skills in the
IELTS Oral Paper. OK, you may be feeling a little nervous as well! Try our tips below
to help you relax and show the IELTS examiner just how well you speak English!

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

This first section of the IELTS Speaking exam lasts about 4-5 minutes and gives the
examiner the chance to find out a little about you through some simple 'getting-to-
know-you' questions. These will be questions that you'll have something to talk about
such as your family, where you come from and what your interests are. This is also
YOUR chance to get off to a good start!

Example Questions:

• Q: Tell me a little about where you come from?

• Q: Do you enjoy studying English?
• Q: Why are you taking the IELTS exam?
• Q: Have you got any interests or hobbies?

Impress the examiner with your ability to give full answers to his or her questions.

Top Tips!

• Avoid short, 'yes', 'no' answers.

Q: Tell me a little about where you come from?
A: I'm from Coimbra. It's a city in the central part of Portugal. It's a very
historical city and we have one of the oldest universities in Europe.
• Use examples to back up statements.
Q: Do you enjoy studying English?
A: Oh yes! I went to England last year and loved being able to communicate
with local people. And knowing a second language means you have access to
a whole new culture ... new authors, English films.
• Give the examiner a picture of you.
Q: Why are you taking the IELTS exam?
A: I'm taking an IELTS course in India in order to go to university in the UK.
I've been accepted on a Business course in London but need to get the right
IELTS score so I've been doing lots of IELTS Speaking practice.
• Q: Have you got any interests or hobbies?
A: Not really. I like watching football and read books quite often, but I don't
have any hobbies really. Hopefully one day I'll discover a hidden interest!

Part 1: Troubleshooting

What if the examiner asks you a question you don't understand? How should you
respond in a situation like this?
You may have problems understanding a question. The simple answer is: ask for
clarification. If it was a word or phrase you didn't quite understand just say something
on the lines of:

"Sorry but could you explain what you mean by ........"

"I haven't come across that word/expression before. Could you explain what you
mean?"

If you just didn't understand what the interviewer has said, ask them to repeat the
question:

"Sorry, I didn't catch that. Could you say that again?"

"Excuse me. Could you repeat that?"

And if you're looking for clarification ask the interviewer to confirm what you think was
asked:

"Do you mean ........"

"When you say ........, are you asking/do you mean ........?"

Hopefully, these simple questions will get the interview back on track and you'll also
have impressed the interviewer with your conversation skills.

You can learn several tips for responding to questions fully in the Splendid Speaking
Self-Study Course, details of which appear below.

Learn practical ideas and techniques to help you give short, powerful
introductions to yourself. Find out more about
The Splendid Speaking Self-Study Course

Part 2: The Long Turn

In Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking exam you have to speak for between 1 and 2
minutes on a set topic based on information on a card the examiner will give you.
You'll be a given a minute to prepare what you want to say - just enough time to jot
down some ideas to help give your talk structure and interest.

Example Topics:

• Example 1: Describe a teacher you have fond memories of.

You should say:

 when this was
where you were studying when you met
which subject they taught you
and what it was about the person that makes them so memorable.

• Example 2: Describe an item of technology you use that you couldn't do

without.

You should say:

what this technology is

when you first started using it
how you use it
and why it's so essential for you.

Top Tips!

• Make the most of your preparation time and make notes.

• Structure your talk with an introduction, main body and conclusion. Signpost
your talk at the end with words or expressions like 'So ...', 'As you can see ...',
'To sum up ...'.
• Add personal details such as short anecdotes to help make your talk
interesting.
• Don't speak too fast. Pause between sentences and try to relax.

Part 2: Troubeshooting

Many people preparing for the IELTS long turn worry how they can finish what they
want to say in the time available. The best way to get the timing right is to practise
making short talks on various topics on your own. (Or in front of a friend if you're
feeling brave!) Try building in a short introduction and conclusion to give your talk
structure. You'll almost certainly overrun or finish too quickly at first but the more you
practise the sooner you'll get a feel for the time available. And remember, we often
feel nervous when presenting and this can often lead to us speaking too quickly. Try
not to rush. Regular pauses between sentences will help you control the pace of your
talk and the examiner will find it easier to follow what you're saying.

You can find out more about structuring short talks and using pauses for effect in the
Splendid Speaking Self-Study Course, details of which appear below.

Part 3: Two-Way Discussion

In Part 3 of the IELTS interview, which lasts between 4-5 minutes, you will participate
in a discussion with the examiner based on the topic in Part 2. The examiner is likely
to ask you questions based on your experience or opinion of the subject.

Example Questions:

• Topic = Sport you watch or participate in

Q: How important is it for young people to be involved in sport?
Q: Which sports are particulalry popular in your country?
Q: What would you recommend to someone thinking about taking up a new
sporting interest?

• Topic = Somebody who has been an important friend to you

Q: Why are friends so important to us?
Q: Which qualities do you most value in a friend?
Q: Is it common to have a 'best friend' as we get older?

Top Tips!

• Again, avoid short, 'yes', 'no' answers.

• Use personal anecdotes to help yourself make a point or express an opinion.
• Use expressions to allow yourself time to think. For example: 'That's a good
question.', 'Well, let me think ...'
• Refer to stories in the news to help make a point .

Part 3: Troubleshooting

Many non-native speakers about to attend an IELTS interview are understandably

worried about making mistakes in their use of English. How important is it to be
accurate and should you try to self-correct any mistakes you make? The fact that you
have a good level of English will certainly be an asset and the interviewer will be
reassured if you can speak clearly and reasonably accurately. Self-correction is a
good way of showing the interviewer that you're aware of having made a mistake.
However, don't go mad trying to correct each and every error! Remember, you
should also be demonstrating your fluency skills as well. Monitoring your speech
TOO closely and self-correcting every mistake will slow you down and make you
sound rather hesitant. Remember this: the interviewer will be interested in WHAT you
have to say as well as how you say it so try to concentrate on this fact and worry less
about speaking 'perfect' English!

You can find out how to develop your fluency skills with the Splendid Speaking Self-
Study Course, details of which appear below.

Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking Module

1. What's your name?
2. What do you do?
3. Where do you come from?
4. Do you like your country?
5. What do you like about your country?
6. What street do you live in?
 7. What is the street called?
8. Why is your street called this way?
9. Do you like your street?
10. What do you like in your street?
11. Do you like living in Kharkov city? Why?
12. Are you a city dweller? Why?
13. What do you like doing with your friends?
14. What is your favourite meal?
15. Who cooks in your family?
16. What is their best meal (house special)?

Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking Module

17. Tell me about an important event in your life.
18. Follow-up question. Do you prefer celebrating family
occasions at home or in a cafe? Why?

Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking Module

19. Is it important to celebrate different events in our lives?

Are you a goal-settler? Why? General Information about

the IELTS Speaking Test

1) About the Examiner

 They can come from any country where English is spoken as a native language.

 IELTS examiners are all professional teachers with advanced degrees. They
understand the test is difficult. They will be patient with you, as far as time allows.

 The examiner hopes you will do well. (It's much more interesting!)

 They have received specific IELTS training to make sure they judge you fairly and
honestly.

 They might be tired on the day of the test, or they might be sick. Even though one
examiner might seem unfriendly, your score should be the same in any case.

2) What will the examiner listen for?

 Pronunciation - This is only important if it gets in the way of communication.
Speak clearly and you will be all right.

 Vocabulary - Some students try to improve their speaking score by using difficult
words. However, using words incorrectly will LOWER your score! Avoid using difficult
words or expressions unless you are sure of how to use them.
 Sentence Structure - Using better sentences is the best way to improve your
speaking score in a short time, because using better sentences is how we
COMMUNICATE.

 Fluency and Coherence - Of course fluency is very important but it is useless if

you are not understood (if you are not "coherent"). You do NOT have to speak
quickly, but too many hesitations are bad.

3) Your Score
 If you cannot make good sentences, if you hesitate too much, if your speaking is
not clear or if you use words incorrectly, you will be Band 4 or below.

 To be Band 5, you can make mistakes and have hesitations, but you must make
simple sentences easily and without mistakes.

 To be Band 6, you must be able to use longer sentences with fewer hesitations.
You need to use a variety of language. You can make some small mistakes if your
meaning is still clear. Also, you should be able paraphrase.

 To be Band 7, you should be able to do Part 2 with no problem. You must use a
variety of sentences and connect the sentences well. You must correctly use difficult
vocabulary. You can make very small mistakes if your meaning is clear. You should
be able to paraphrase very well.

 To be Band 8, you need a very wide vocabulary and the ability to speak fluently
on any topic. You may make a few tiny errors, if those errors do not get in the way of
communication.

1. The government wants to make it possible for most people to g onto higher
education.
(eductaion at a university)

2. He went to Oxford University, but I don’t know which college he was at.
(an independent institution which has its own teachers, students, and buildings)

3. I’m in the department of sociology.

(one of the parts into which a university is divided)

4. You should start revising for your exam as soon as possible. Any delay will
result in vital time being lost.
(to read or study agin something that you have learnt, especially when preparing for
an exam)

5. The candidate paced nervously up and down waiting to be called for the
interview.
(a person who is taking an exam)

6. Unless you pull your socks up, you’ve got no chance of passing the exam.
(to achieve necessary standard in an exam, test, etc.)
7. He is the dean of the Arts Faculty.
(the head of a faculty [a group of related departments in a university])

8. The academic year begins in October.

(the part of a year at university whan students have classes and exams)

9. They’re advertising a lectureship in the Sociology Department.

(the position of a lecturer)

10. I’ve just been appointed to the chair of/professorship of European History.
(the position of a professor)

11. She's giving a series of lectures on molecular biology.

(to talk to a group of people on a particular subject)

12. All the students have to give a seminar paper at least once.
(a talk which is given for a seminar)

13. She was my tutor at Durham.

(a person who teaches a small group of students)

14. My dissertation is being supervised by professor Holroyd.

(to work as a supervisor)

15. I’m not happy with the supervision I’m getting.

(when you supervise someone)

16. I'm doing some research into animal behaviuor.

(to study something carefully and in detail)

17. I'm a university student.

(a person who is studying at a college or university)

18. I'm doing an undergraduate course.

(a student who has not yet taken his or her first degree)

19. They have brought new computer facilities for the postgraduates in the
department.
a student who is studying for a second degree at a university

20. I'm planning to spend a year abroad before I go to university.

(to attend universe y regularly as a student)

21. I got a place ace at Manchester University.

(an opportunity to study at university)

22. I live in hall.

(to live in a hall of residence [university building where some students live])
23. This course consists of six modules.
(a part of a course [a complete series of lessons or classes])

24. I need another four credits to complete this course.

(a part of a course that a student has completed and that appears on his / her record)

25. I have to take a maths exam.

(to take a written, spoken, or practical test of what you know or can do)

26. I have to hand in an essay on biology.

(a short piece of writing on one subject)

27. You need to do well in your assignments as well as in the exam.

(a piece of work that you are given to do by university teachers which counts towards
your final degree)

28. I'm writing my thesis at the moment.

(a long piece of writing on something which you have studied or researched,
especially as part of a university degree)

29. I've got a degree in psychology.

(a qualification gained by successfully completing an academic course at a
university)

30. I'm majoring in English.

(to study something as your main subject at college or University)

31. I've got a diploma in hotel management.

(a qualification of a lower level than a degree)

32. I'm a graduate in engineering.

(a person who holds a (first) degree from a university)

33. I graduated in History from Sussex University.

(to receive an academic degree or diploma)

34. After graduation, I plan to do a postgraduate degree.

(the time when you compltee a university degree course)

35. I've got an upper second in politics from Surrey University.

(grades for a university degree in Britain: first (class), (upper) second (class), third
(class) e.g.: a first class honours degree)

36. I've got an MA (Master of Arts) in English literature.

(a degree taken after a first degree in an arts subject)

37. MSc (Master of Science)

(a degree taken after a first degree in a science subject)
38. BA (Bachelor of Arts)
(a first university degree in an arts subject)

39. BSc (Bachelor of Science)

(a first degree in a science subject)

40. PhD, Dphill (Doctor-of Philosophy) / (doctorate)

(the highest university degree e.g. to get a PhD, to work for a doctorate)

41. I'm hoping to get a student grant.

(money that is given (by the government) to help you for a university or college
education)

42. She's won a scholarship, to study music.

(an amount of money that is given to a person who has passed an exam or won a
competition in order to help pay for their studies)

43. He started university but dropped out after two years.

(to leave university without finishing your studies)

44. I'll have to read up on (infml) the third chapter for my exam.
(to read a lot about something so that you learn about it)

45. I did (infml) Archaeology for two years at university.

(to study a particular subject)

46. I'm afraid I don't know much about that. It isn't my field.
(a general area of study or knowledge)

47. There are a lot of people with expertise in this field.

(special knowledge or skill which a person has)

48. She specializes in family law.

(to give most of your attention to one subject)

49. I've done a study of modern American society.

(a piece of scientific research into a particular subject)

50. I've collected a lot of statistics relating to air pollution.

(information about something in the form of numbers)

51. We are gathering data on graduates without jobs.

(facts or information used in research)

52. Data collection has already finished; I'm doing the analysis now.
(studying or thinking about the different parts or details of something in order to
understand it better)
53. The theory needs to be tested by experiment.
(a thorough test using scientific methods to discover how someone or something
reacts under certain conditions)

54. Joule carried out / performed a series of simple experiments to test his
theory.
(to do a task or something)