Every year, thousands of students sit for the International English Language testing System (IELTS). To score a high band, you must stay afloat the competition.
The IELTS Speaking test is one of the main components of the exam where you can score most easily. You don’t have to provide well-structured and reasonable responses! You are going to be judged on the following basis;
- Speaking fluently and without hesitation is essential.
- Make use of a variety of vocabulary.
- Make sure you don’t make any grammatical errors and that you pronounce your words correctly.
So, by practicing and mastering vocabulary, you can score high on the IELTS speaking test.
Follow these essential 11 IELTS Speaking tips and tactics and equip yourself to achieve a good band score in your test.
#1 Speak Freely And Fluently
Speak naturally and fluently. This is not an act, so you can easily get extra points as you talk normally. It’s not necessary to be well-versed. Most importantly, you’ll have to be fluent.
However, don’t speak too quickly and pay attention to your grammar. It would be best if you struck a “good balance” between speaking swiftly and pauses that are too long.
#2 Consider Taking Practice Tests
Typically, you will be asked about employment, studies, sports, family, and other common themes. So, before the exam, practice answering IELTS Speaking test questions.
You will be surprised at how easy they are to make! All you need to do is master how to put your thoughts into words spontaneously.
Take a mock test or have your performance evaluated in an actual test setting, like those offered by Chhundu Training Institute.
#3 Avoid Hesitating Excessively
Speaking without hesitation is crucial. Therefore, if you frequently hesitate when speaking, consider this factor as an alarm to avoid talking for extended periods by connecting your ideas anytime you are about to pause.
Too much hesitation can cause your audience to lose track of what you are saying, especially when you are sharing your opinions during a conversation.
#4 Express Your Emotions
Emotions should be expressed. The tone of a speaker’s speech distinguishes a beginner and an expert speaker. Express yourself like you are speaking in your tongue. This way, you can score high on the IELTS speaking test.
#5 Extend Your Speech
At the very least, try to speak more than the IELTS speaking examiner. If you are asked a question in a single sentence, respond with two or more sentences. And never give abrupt, uncommunicative responses during your IELTS speaking test;
Question: Do you participate in any sports?
A Good Answer: No, I’m not a sports fan (Don’t leave it at that). I am not an active sports person, and I would accept that I really didn’t like P.E. class in school. However, I preferred to engage in academic pursuits. Chess is one of my favorite games.
#6 Avoid Self-Corrections
Self-correcting and repeating what you’ve already said isn’t something you should do all the time. One of the most common ways to lose points in the IELTS speaking test is when you lack confidence, where you often end up correcting yourself too much.
You tend to repeat the sentences that were already told because you lack ideas or content to talk about for a long time.
#7 Pay Great Attention To Grammar
The most crucial quality in your IELTS speaking test of all is the ability to communicate precisely. Without grammatical errors, speaking correctly is more important than speaking fluently.
It would be beneficial to learn grammar and practice speaking to prevent making grammar mistakes. Get yourself started by taking grammar lessons and reading and listening to material online to help you understand how to construct a sentence correctly.
#8 Work On Your Pronunciation
When evaluating speaking abilities in the IELTS speaking test, pronouncing words correctly is crucial. Listening to people and watching videos online might help you develop proper pronunciation. To learn how to pronounce a term, go to the appropriate internet resource.
Listen to audios online, such as on YouTube, and increase your speaking practice. Try interacting in English with others more to improve your pronunciation because you will learn a lot from others while communicating.
#9 Do Not Use Idioms Or Unfamiliar Words
Although vocabulary is essential, some students misunderstand its significance. It is one of the assessment variables, not the main one. The same principle applies to idioms.
If a person uses idiomatic language but makes grammar errors, lacks fluency, or lacks coherence, he will lose marks in his IELTS speaking test.
Some people try to learn difficult words and idioms, but they frequently misuse them. As a result, even if the words or idioms are of average level, correctly applying them during your IELTS speaking test is more crucial.
#10 Don’t Say Anything Out Of The Ordinary
When it comes to the IELTS speaking test, don’t go too technical by trying to employ connectives, idioms, and advanced terminology because you will lose fluidity and naturalness during your IELTS speaking test.
Incorrect word order in sentences and grammatical faults will make your speech sound unsuitable. Don’t try to say something in a fresh style that you haven’t done before; it will harm your speaking fluency because it won’t look natural.
It is a good idea to say what you are comfortable with and confident about so that it comes out effortlessly. It takes time to acquire new vocabulary and idioms, so practice until you feel comfortable using them in conversation.
#11 Answers Should Not Be Memorized
Examiners can tell whether you’re speaking freely or memorized the response before the IELTS speaking test.
Many students attempt to mug up everything, but the examiner may detect this because he will ask you to talk on a topic and answer some questions to which you must respond spontaneously, which is where you will fall short.
It is not advisable to memorize the entire script. Instead, learn individual words and collocations and incorporate them into your speech. You can practice speaking for an extended period of time on an unknown topic.
You will acquire confidence when you feel you can speak on any new question; that is what the IELTS speaking test is all about.
Bottom Line
It will require a lot of practice to speak fluently for your IELTS speaking test, but it is not rocket science. Keep all of the above mentioned tips to improve your speaking in mind as you practice, and they will become a natural part of your speech.
Consider preparing for IELTS with Chhundu Training Institute (CTI) in Thimphu. You can brush your English speaking competencies with access to the most comprehensive IELTS coaching from globally recognized IELTS tutors.
Are you wondering about scoring a good band in your overall IELTS test? Check out 12 Ways To Score High In Your IELTS Exam.