How To Ace The IELTS Speaking Section: Expert Strategies And Techniques

After undergoing the rigorous IELTS exam in March 2023, I received an overall score of band 8 as well as significant insights into its structure, time constraints, and the need for effective language proficiency. This first hand interaction fuelled my desire to become an IELTS trainer. As an instructor, I get great joy from leading students through the complexities of the test, helping them improve their language abilities, and offering techniques for tackling each area with confidence. The transition from test taker to trainer has increased my grasp of the intricacies, allowing me to empathize with and encourage students on their own IELTS preparation experience.

How is the speaking examination carried out?

  • Part 1: Introduction and interview 

    • The examiner introduces him/herself, confirms your identity. Then, the examiner asks you general questions on topics like your school, family, friends, pets, and favorite locations.

  • Part 2: Individual long turn 

    • One task card or cue card is handed to you which includes a topic and some points you can cover in your talk. You are given one minute to prepare before speaking and one to two minutes to speak on the given topic. Following that, the examiner asks you one or two more questions related to the same topic.

  • Part 3: Two-way discussion

    • The examiner asks more general and abstract questions pertaining to the topic of Part 2.

How do I respond to each of the three sections' questions?

Part 1:

  • Pay attention to the topic and use more topic-specific words in your answer.

  • Try to answer the question fully. Avoid giving very short answers as well as very long answers.

  • Provide concise, straightforward, and precise responses.

  • Employ intricate language and include justifications or a brief explanation for your response.

  • It's kind of like a rapid-fire round, so don't spend too much time thinking; instead, make sure your responses are concise and impulsive.

Remember: The objective of the Part 1 is to make you feel at ease, so let down your guard and respond

Part 2:

  • Make better use of the one minute allotted for preparation by organizing your notes into a list of words, a tree diagram, or a flow chart.

  • Introduce your topic by adding some general sentences about it.

  • In order to keep your response flowing naturally and fluently, present it like a scenario or a narrative.

  • Try utilizing adjectives and adverbs to describe things in as much detail and as fully as you can.

Remember: 

  • You can always refer back to your notes or the cue card to continue answering if you run into trouble.

  • Practice answering for more than 1 and half minutes.

Part 3:

  • Make it sound less like an interview and more like a discussion.

  • Answers expected are descriptive, usually 4 to 5 sentences

  • Follow the ORE rule 

  1. O – opinion – give your opinion first

  2. R – 1 or 2 reason/s for it

  3. E – add an example or a personal experience

Remember: It’s possible for the examiner to try to deceive you by repeating a question that has been paraphrased; you must resist repeating your answers.     

Following the provided tips and tactics will help readers approach the IELTS exam with confidence and proficiency. Individuals who include these tactics into their preparation should expect to increase their general performance, raise their scores, and ultimately improve their chances for academic and professional success.

In conclusion, mastering the IELTS Speaking section is not just about fluency in English, but also about understanding the exam structure and employing effective strategies. By following the advice provided above, test-takers can approach each section with confidence and proficiency, thereby improving their overall performance and increasing their chances for success. At Akshay Study Abroad Consultants, we have been guiding students to achieve their desired IELTS scores for over 22 years, assisting over 5000 students in their journey towards academic and professional success. So, what are you waiting for? Join us today and unlock your potential for success in the IELTS exam!

 

Sanjog Rayate,
IELTS & TOEFL Faculty,
Akshay Study Abroad Consultants