IELTS Speaking Test: 10 Tips from Experts - Part 2

Today we’ll look at more tips that will help you prepare for the IELTS Speaking test including a list of common IELTS topics that are frequently used!

This article originally appeared on ielts.idp.com

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Last week, we looked at an overview of the IELTS Speaking test with descriptions of all 3 parts, and Tips 1-4 IELTS Speaking Test: 10 Tips from Experts - Part 1 — MOSAIC engage and today we’ll continue with Tips 5-10!

Tip 5: Pause to think

There is no harm in taking a brief pause to think about what to say. We all do it to process questions. You can use phrases to give you time to think during the Speaking test - phrases such as:

  • That's an interesting question

  • I have never thought about that, but...

  • Let me see

  • That's a good point

  • That's a difficult question, but I'll try and answer it

  • Well, some people say that is the case, however I think...

  • Let me think about that for a minute

Tip 6: Avoid using fillers

Speak confidently and avoid using filler words. We generally use fillers when we don't know what to say, however, this shows the examiner that you can't access the appropriate language or ideas so it's important to avoid them and to use the phrases we gave you in Tip 5.

Avoid the following fillers:

  • Like

  • You know

  • Umm...

  • Ahh...

  • Ehh...

  • Well

  • Yeah...

Tip 7: Extend your answers

Try and answer the examiner's questions in full. Extend your answers and don't wait for the examiner to prompt you with a question. When your answers are short, this shows the examiner that you cannot talk in detail about a topic. If the examiner says 'Why?', they are prompting you to give a reason for your answer and to extend more fully.

Tip 8: Smiling helps pronunciation

Smiling can help calm your nerves which in turn helps your pronunciation. Make sure to enunciate clearly, opening your mouth wide enough so that sounds come out clearly. When we smile, our mouth is bigger and the tone of our voice is more friendly. Using clear enunciation and tone will show the examiner that you can use a range of pronunciation features.

Tip 9: Don't speak in a monotone

Sometimes when we speak, we produce a flat sound, a monotone, with little variation. This makes it more difficult to express what you say and makes it more difficult for the listener to identify what parts of your message are important. Putting emphasis on certain words and pausing at sections in your speech can make your conversation with the IELTS examiner more engaging. When we emphasise certain words it makes it easier to compare and contrast ideas by stressing key words. It also increases the flow of conversation, so remember:

  • Don't speak in a monotone

  • Vary the stress and intonation to add emphasis

  • Use your hands to gesture and help the rhythm of the conversation

Tip 10 - Practice common IELTS topics

Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test requires you to speak on a given topic for about 2 minutes. Practice common IELTS topics with friends, family or colleagues to improve and to learn vocabulary associated with each topic.

Common topics you can practice for the Speaking test include:

  • Tourism and travel

  • Education

  • Transport

  • Environment

  • Family life

  • Sport and recreation

  • Crime and punishment

  • The internet

  • Advertising and retail

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect, so with plenty of practice you will be well on your way to getting the band score you need in your IELTS Speaking test!

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