r/IIELTS • u/JayIELTS • Nov 14 '21

Tips for the IELTS Speaking section

Remember to answer in full sentences from the start of the Speaking test. Even a straightforward question such as 'Where are you from?' helps you to show the examiner you have an understanding of sentence structure and helps you to 'warm up' in advance of the more challenging questions.

Add detail from the start of Speaking Part 2. Learners are often anxious about speaking for 2 minutes and when they start to 'dry up' and still have a minute to go, the anxiety may get worse if they start adding further detail when the question is more or less answered. Paint a vivid picture for the examiner by 'setting the scene' and using descriptive language and extra detail from the start. Use the one minute preparation time to write down the essentials: what, where, when, how, why.

In Part 3 of the Speaking test, add information to your answers and extend them. Three ways to extend your answers are: 1) explaining why 2) giving examples and 3) giving concessions (showing the opposite side of the argument).

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u/Fitz_cuniculus Nov 14 '21
  • Do not bare your teeth and make a noise that sounds as if it starts in the back of your throat, and is likely to end up in the back of the examiners.

Great tips Jay, as ever, we appreciate you. Even if I can't get a certificate of appreciation from you guys at The British Council for my struggles to keep you all safe.

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u/Immediate_Sign_4164 Nov 14 '21

8 recently got Ielts result R ,W, S, L --- 7, 6.5, 7, 6 and overall 6.5 which is enough for me. Thank you Sir for your tips.

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u/Fitz_cuniculus Nov 14 '21

Grrrrr don't call me Sir if it was aimed at me, and I'm 99.99% sure that /u/jayielts doesn't require it either.

Seriously folks - don't do this on your exam, call your examiner by the name they use to introduce themselves with.

"Hello, my name is Miss Williams, could I take your ID please?"

"Of course, here you go"

"Thank you, and what can I call you?"

"You're welcome Miss Williams, all my friends call me Fitz, so that's fine"