IELTS Speaking test is divided into 3 parts ( Part 1 is called Introduction, Part 2 is called cue-card and part 3 is called cross-questions). It is important to know what to do and what not to in IELTS Speaking test in order to perform better in the test.
First, let’s talk about IELTS Speaking Do’s
Be Formal
Be Natural
Always Focus on speed
Start well
Eye Contact
Gestures
Fluency
Be Formal
This is an international level examination and you should use formal language only. Let me explain with a very simple example ( Instead of Thanks you must use Thank you).
Be Natural
Most students are having confusion between Pronunciation and accent and just because of that they are using different accents (The fake U.S or U.K accent). If you are fluent in your own accent don’t change it. I really mean it. You don’t need to change it at all.
Always Focus on speed
Speed does matter. Don’t speak too fast and don’t speak too slow. Always focus on your speed. If you prefer to speak fast you may miss some ideas and will reach to the end very soon and if you are very slow you will need more time to reach to end line and trust me in both these cases you are in loss. Your examiner will expect more if you finish early and in another case, you might not get extra time to cover up your remaining answer.
Start Well
You must have heard about First Impression is the last impression. You will have 2 benefits if you start well. The first one is Good Impression on examiner ( Like you are good in English). The second one is the most important, You will gain a lot of confidence if you start well.
Eye contact
This one is not in the list of IELTS Speaking Criteria. I have already explained the Speaking criteria in detail. Click here to know more about it. Let me explain this with a simple example. Let say you are talking to your friend in your native language in that case you will not miss eye contact so the same way you need to maintain it during your test ( act like you are good in English )
Gestures
This is also not listed in the criteria but you must need to focus on gestures. You can express your feelings with hand gestures and eye gestures and always keep smile on your face. Even if you don’t know the answer of any questions do not express it find the solution and answer it with confidence.
Fluency
Do not prioritize anything over fluency. Fluency is the most important thing. Always speak with confidence.
Now Let’s talk about IELTS Speaking Don’ts
Memorizing answers
Short Answers
Asking For Feedback
Out of track
Repetition
Ask to repeat
Skipping Questions
Memorizing Answers
It may be the very first time for you but the examiner is well experienced and successfully completed 100s of speaking tests. They know all the common answers so never memorize any answer. Always make your own unique answers.
Short Answers
Never give short answers. Let me explain this with a simple example ( Question – Name of your favorite Chocolate? Wring Answer – Dairy-milk / KitKat) ( Correct Answer 1- I personally don’t like chocolate because I don’t like sweet but still I would prefer XXXX chocolate ) ( Correct Answer 2 – I love chocolates and there are many in my favorite list but XXXX is the most favorite one)
Asking For Feedback
Never ask your examiner how you have performed in the test. He/She will never revert to this question. They are not allowed to answer this question.
Out Of Track
Stay focused and talk related to the topic. Never go out of the track to just speak for 2 minutes.
Repetition
Most students are facing this problem due to less content. Never repeat Ideas, Vocabulary, and common structures. Quick tip – Utilise 1 minute of preparation time properly to collect ideas so you don’t need to repeat at all
Ask to repeat
If you don’t understand the question you can ask to repeat a maximum of 1 time not more than that. Stay active during the test and listen to each and everything very carefully. If you have confusion in question you can clear it for sure.
Skipping Questions
Something is better than nothing. Never choose to skip your answer. Speak anything related to the topic. ( Let me explain with a simple example – During my test examiner asked me about my favorite COLOR when I was a kid and why it was my favorite COLOR? To be frank, I don’t have any favorite COLOR at the age of 27 but I bluffed and answered the question)