A lot of candidates who take the IELTS Speaking test find this section the hardest one because it involves face-to-face communication. But in fact, IELTS Speaking is the easiest section of IELTS to improve your score.
You may think, “How? The speaking test is so spontaneous! I just won’t have enough time to plan a good answer. Plus I'll be so nervous meeting someone new......”.
It’s true, all test-takers are nervous and don’t have much time to plan their answers. The examiners are used to that. Did you know they don’t even expect you to give very logical and structured answers! You’re only tested on your ability to:
speak fluently and without hesitation,
use various vocabulary,
avoid grammar mistakes,
pronounce words well.
You can also increase your score by following these simple IELTS Speaking tips and tricks.
Here are my Top 10 IELTS Speaking tips to increase your IELTS Speaking score:
Be fluent and speak freely - Speak spontaneously. You will gain more points. Don't worry too much about using clever vocabulary, it's more important to be fluent and not speak too fast.
- Typically, you will be asked about everyday topics, such as work, studies, sport, family and so on. You will be surprised how simple they are!Practice answering sample questions
Ask the question again if you need to - Don't be shy, if you want to clarify something ask!
Be emotional! - Speak with feeling, use your hands, interact with the examiner just as you would in your native language.
Extend your speech - always answer with more sentences than the examiner's question.
Be coherent - use linking words but remember it's a conversation so keep it natural.
Give yourself time to think - reformulate the question or if you are unsure how to answer the question, give yourself a bit more time to think by saying: "That's a tricky question...", "I've never thought about that before..." or "That's an interesting question...".
Made a mistake? Don't panic! - Try to correct yourself as smoothly as possible. In every day conversations people correct themselves all the time!
Make a good first impression - Look good, smell good and feel good. Be confident. Sit up straight and show the examiner you are ready to answer them. Body language goes a long way.
Don't learn answers by heart - remember this exam tests your natural ability to speak and communicate. Examiners are able to sense if you are not speaking from the heart.
And my number one tip....BE YOURSELF ! Forget it's a test!
Relax and just be yourself. After all it's just a conversation with someone.
Want to learn more about how to get your target score in the speaking test? or
Want to practice before the test day? I'd love to hear from you. Good luck !