IELTS: Speaking Guide
Focus on… IELTS Speaking
Focus on… IELTS. These letters are increasingly important when it comes to English language learning and studying abroad. If you are reading this article, you’re probably about to take, or are thinking of taking, an IELTS Exam. With over three million people across the globe taking it each year, IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is now the international standard of English language proficiency. The full exam includes the four sections typical of language learning, listening, reading, writing and speaking, but this article focuses specifically on the speaking module.
As a professional teacher, I have helped students navigate improvements in their speaking and achieve successful results. I can share some of my knowledge and experience with the hints and tips below and help you achieve the same level of success.
First, the facts. The IELTS speaking module is divided into three parts that together last for a total of 15 minutes. Each part requires a different skill in speaking and can be prepared for in slightly different ways:
The Introduction - The examiner will greet you and introduce themselves. They will then ask you a few interview-style questions about you or about topics which should be familiar to you. For example: Where do you work? What do you like about your job? What is your ideal job?
The Monologue - You are given a card with a question on it (For example: What is your favourite shop?) and some prompts (For example: What is it? Where is it? Why do you like it?). You have 1 minute to prepare, and then you must speak about the topic for 1-2 minutes.
The Discussion - The examiner will ask you a series of questions to simulate a normal conversation. These are often a continuation of the topic introduced in Part 2 (The Monologue).
What are you judged on?
Fluency - The ability to speak coherently, without hesitation (i.e. without pausing/stopping mid-sentence, using filler words like ‘um’ or ‘ah,’ or losing your train of thought).
Grammatical competence - Being able to spontaneously create and say correct sentences in English without making too many mistakes.
Lexical flexibility - Having a good vocabulary (being able to use lots of different words to express yourself).
Pronunciation - Being able to say the individual words correctly.
Part 1 Top Tips:
This part of the exam is all about introducing yourself and ‘small talk’ - light, informal conversation you make when you are talking to someone for the first time. You do this in everyday life and no doubt cover a range of topics. Make sure you are aware of this and consider the topics you are most comfortable talking about.
Research a few common conversation subjects in English. Once you have a few good topics, drill them continuously and experiment with your answers.
Hire a professional teacher for regular conversation practice. Working closely with a teacher is the only way to really give you the edge, and they can keep you on track.
Part 2 Top Tips:
In this part of the exam, you will have to speak continuously for 1-2 minutes. This can be very scary and incredibly daunting, so it is important to prepare.
Just speak! Ignore your mistakes at first until you develop your confidence and fluency. You can improve your accuracy later on.
Practice is key, so once you feel comfortable, try recording yourself speaking or answering questions for an extended time. Then you can listen back and try to recognise your mistakes.
Once again, hiring a professional teacher can really help you develop your speaking skills. Success can still be achieved without a teacher through dedicated self study, but without feedback, the results you want may be harder to obtain.
Part 3 Top Tips:
The final part of the exam features more questions and answers, so the tips for Part 1 (The Introduction) can be used here, too. Remember that the best way to improve is through regular conversation in English. Try talking with your friends, and take note of how much they speak compared to you.
Be willing to make mistakes! It’s important to remember that you are learning. If you only focus on the test, and perfect accuracy, then you limit your potential for natural growth and improvement through regular conversation.
Hire a professional teacher to help you develop your conversational skills. They will keep you working and improving and help you maintain your study schedule.
In addition to these tips, I have a few other general suggestions to make sure you progress through those IELTS levels. The first is to work thematically. Ask your teacher to help you choose a topic to focus on in each class. A good teacher will be able to elicit deep conversation with you around this topic, while providing you with additional corrections and their adept analysis. This should stimulate the development process and greatly increase your flexibility in what you will be able to talk about in the future.
Remember, the best way to build confidence in speaking is through enjoyable conversation, using language that targets your hobbies and interests. As a teacher, I know how important it is for my students to have fun as they grow. Together, we can use these conversations to combine improvement and enjoyment. Your teacher can explain your mistakes, and if you are willing to make them, you will achieve profound results.
Let me leave you with an example. When speaking about a topic, always ask yourself the question ‘Why?’ - this opens up the potential to expand on the topic and continue the conversation. Your teacher counter your answers with more detailed follow up questions that allow the topic to go deeper.
Example:
What is your favourite meal? Answer: Pizza
Why is this your favourite meal? Answer: Because it combines my two of favourite foods - cheese and meat (or tomato).
Why is it not something else? Answer: Because I didn’t eat my vegetables as a child.
Why didn’t you eat your vegetables? Answer: Because my family didn’t make me eat all the food on my plate.
Follow up questions: What is your favourite type of pizza? Answer: My favourite type of pizza is ham and pineapple.
How would you describe the taste of ham and pineapple pizza? Answer: Ham and pineapple pizza tastes both sweet and salty.
Asking ‘Why?’ or using follow up questions is much more beneficial for developing your ideas and collecting your thoughts than simply starting a timer and trying to speak for a while. This is why it is so important to have real conversations with other people to improve your speaking. The more we try to to expand what we say, and think about why we are saying it, the more we unlock our potential in speaking.
I hope this article finds you well and only one thing remains for me to add: good luck with your IELTS!