Speaking Module

Speaking Module

Learn more about the speaking test and practice your skills.

Understand the test format

What is the IELTS Speaking test?

The Speaking test of IELTS consists of a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner.The Speaking test is the same for both the General and Academic versions of the IELTS.You can expect the test to last 11-14 minutes.

The examiner will ask you questions about a variety of everyday topics such as work,stories,activities,people and places.These topics have been chosen to be appropriate to test-takers form all parts of the world regardless of their age,gender,culture or religion.

You do not need special knowledge of any of the topics.The interview tests how well you can communicate in English.It does not test your knowledge.If you are asked a question about something you know little about,be honest and tell the examiner.Then continue answering the question as best as you can.

Question Types

What kind of questions will be asked?

The Speaking test is divided into three parts.The types of questions that you will be asked are different in each part

Part 1

Part 1 questions test your ability to speak about yourself and a range of common topics.These questions

require fairly brief answers and explanations.

Tips for answering Part 1 questions:

Your answers should  be neither too short nor too long.Avoid saying only 'yes' or 'no' or giving one word answers.You are required to answer the examiner's questions in full and give some reasons for your answers.However,you are not expected to give lengthy explanations unless the examiner prompts to say more

 Part 2

Part 2 consists of a long turn.The examiner will give you a topic card and ask you to speak about it for two minutes.You will have one minute to prepare your answer and make notes before you start speaking.This part tests whether or not you can speak about a topic at length.The examiner will not interrupt you during your long turn.After you've finished speaking,the examiner might ask one or two rounding of questions.These require only very brief answers.

Tips for answering Part 2 questions:

Keep speaking until the time is up and give a coherent answer.Your answer must be relevant to the topic you are given and it must be easy to follow

Part 3

Part w is a conversation between you and the examiner during which the Part 2 topic is discussed in more depth.The examiner will ask you to compare and analyze different ideas.You might also be asked to suggest reasons for something or speculate about solutions to a problem.This part is a test of your ability to talk about a topic in an abstract way and to explain and justify your opinions.

Tips for answering Part 2 questions:

Don't be afraid to say what you think!.There are no wrong or right answers.The examiner is interested in your opinions and would like to hear your explanation and justify them.If the examiner suggests a position different from yours,it is simply a cue for you to comment.It doesn't mean you have to relinquish your point of view.

Assessment Criteria

Understand how the speaking test is marked

Fluency and Coherence

Speaking fluency means being able to speak at length without long breaks or too many pauses.A fluent test taker will also be able to answer questions without repeating or correcting themselves too often.

The examiner will furthermore judge the coherence of your speech or,in other words,whether or not your responses make sense.Your answers must be easy  to follow and directly relevant to the questions that are asked.

Fluency and Coherence Tips

DO-Use a Variety of Signposts

Signposting language is words and phrases that help the listener follow your ideas by showing how ideas are connected and signaling when you move on to a new thought.

Examples:

Due to

so

first of all

Secondly

Third of all

DON'T-Memorize answers

Some test takers prepare answers and memorize them for the Speaking test.This is not advised them for the Speaking test.This is not advised!Examiners are trained to notice memorized answers and you might get a lower score if your answer is not completely relevant to the topic or does not sound natural.

DON'T-Give an incoherent answer

If your answers do not make sense, it will have a negative impact on your score.Make sure you give an answer that is easy to follow.

Lexical Resource

The examiner will pay attention to the range and accuracy of your English vocabulary.Being able to talk about many different topics proves you have a wide range of words at your disposal.It is equally important to choose the right words to express what you want to say

Lexical Resource Tips

Do- Paraphrase

Paraphrasing means you say something in different words.This is important in different words.This is important to showcase the range of your vocabulary.

Don't Use words repetitively

Using the same words over and over again is a sign that your vocabulary is limited.Avoid unnecessary repetition of words.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

You will be judged on your ability to use different kinds of simple and complex sentences to express your ideas.As with vocabulary it is only the range,but also the accuracy that counts.The sentences you use must be accurate and appropriate to the ideas you want to communicate.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy Tips

Do-use a variety of sentence structures

Using different kinds of simple and complex sentences shows that you have mastered a variety of grammatical structures.This will improve your score.

• Simple Sentence:has only one verb phrase.An example is"I might try it later"
• Complex Sentence:It has two or more verb phrases for example"What I know is some people will cycle to work everyday''.

This sentence has three verb phrases,It consists of an independent clauses.

Don't -overuse certain tenses

It is not only important to use different kinds of sentences,but also to show the examiner that you are able to use different tenses in appropriate way. IELTS speaking test questions will require you to speak about past.present and future events.Pay attention to choosing the right tense for the idea you want to express

Pronunciation

The examiner will listen to the accuracy and clarity of your pronunciation. Do not make the mistake of thinking good pronunciation means speaking in a particular accent.The examiner will not decide your pronunciation score based on your accent.

Do-Pronounce words clearly and accurately

Test takers are sometimes very nervous on test day,which causes them to mumble or speak too softly.Avoid doing this.Take care to speak clearly and to pronounce words as accurately as possible.

Don't-talk too fast

Speaking too fast will compromise the clarity of your pronunciation.The examiner might not be able to understand what you're saying.Make sure you maintain a comfortable pace:neither too slow,nor too fast.