Correct Word Stress in ielts speaking
While preparing for IELTS we keep in mind many things like grammar, punctuation marks, pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary and so on which can enhance our scores. But sometime we miss some minor things and we get penalized for it in the exam. One such important thing is word stress which affects your speaking scores as a little misplacement here and there changes the meaning and context of the sentence so today we will discuss about a Fact you never thought can affect your IELTS Speaking scores: Word Stress.
What is word stress?
First thing we should know is what exactly the term “word stress” mean It is the manner in which stress is laid upon a word or to certain words in a phrase or sentence.
For example:
If you are asked “Do you like cycling”?
To answer this if you just say “I love cycling” than this will be a plain answer as you have not stressed on any word .This plain sentence will not emphasis any point that you are trying to make. If you are a one who love cycling a lot than this sentence will not convey your message properly so you need to use word stress. So your answer should be ‘I lovvve cycling” as this sentence will show your emotions properly.
Look at the way the meaning of the sentence changes with each word stress.
I love cycling. ( the important part here is the subject “I’.)
I love cycling. ( the important part here is the emotion “love”.)
I love cycling. ( the important part here is the object “cycling”.)
This is called enunciation. It is about making sure that the words are spoken in a way that is clear, concise and easy to understand.
How and why does this affect your IELTS speaking band?
Well word stress impact your fluency and on the clarity of your speech. As it depends upon how well you enunciate your sentences. This can be done by amplifying your feelings and stressing on certain words in the speaking test. Now the question is how will you know o which word you should stress on?
Let’s see with an example-
1. Sample question: Are you happy with your working atmosphere?
Your answer will depend on whether you agree or disagree with the statement. If you like your working atmosphere, this can be conveyed by saying “I lovvve my working atmosphere” or “I realllyy like my working atmosphere a lot”
Now you must have understood the difference. Now let’s move to other step i.e. improving word stress.
How to improve enunciation or word stress?
1. Reading slowly and clearly
Take any reading material like newspaper, book or magazine and read the articles or any content of your choice slowly and clearly. Try to identify the important element in each sentence and read it by giving stress on that particular word. Also focus on the pronunciation as well enunciation of each word and sentence.
2. Focus on punctuation
You should learn how and when to take breaks for making your speech clear and impressive. The best way to learn this skill is by listening to English news and watch English movies or shows. These will guide you use to punctuations in the correct way in your speaking.
3. Record your sessions
Record your sessions and listen to the clips again and again. This will help you to analyze your speaking skills and you will be able to know where you are lacking and you need to improve.
4. Emote your speaking
Carry gestures and emotions because without them you will sound like a robot and the examiner can also feel that you are delivering a memorized answer. If there will be no expressions on your face you will look like an actor who have the same expression in the entire movie and get criticized. So the right gestures and expressions will improve your speaking skills and not to mention your speaking band in a huge way.
Beside, this fact there is some other things that can affect your score. To know more click here
Hope this content must have helped you. Please share your views and suggestions in the comment section.
