Table of Contents
Parameters of IELTS Speaking Interview
Thinking to take an IELTS exam then keep these aspects into your mind to gain higher scores.
INTRODUCTION:-speaking test consists of an interview, between the candidate and an examiner. It lasts for approximmately 11-14 minutes. There are three parts:-
- Personal Introduction
- Individual long turn
- Two-Way discussion
- Personal Introduction:- In this part, both test taker and an examiner introduces themselves. Examiner asks general questions on topic such as, related to personal interest, work, hometown, studies and family. This part lasts for 4- 5 minutes.
- Individual long turn:- In this part, an examiner gives a Cue Card and one minute is given by an examiner to candidate in order to prepare for the topic of Cue Card. Candidate may make some notes s per his wish. This part lasts for 3-4 minutes.
- Two-Way discussion:- this part of speaking consists discussion between the candidate and an examiner, which is related to the topic of Cue Card. Candidate has to analyse the topic as well as he can justify his opinion. This part lasts for 4-5 minutes.
= Skills assessed:- the speaking test assesses the ability to communicate effectively in English Language. There are four factors on which a candidate’s band score is determined by an examiner:-
- Fluency and cohesion
- Pronunciation
- Lexical resources
- Grammatical range and accuracy
- Fluency and cohesion:- this criterion, examines how fluently you can speak at length your ability to talk without any pause or hesitation and without any self-correction. It also assesses the efficient use of cohesive devices like pronouns, connectors, conjunctions and more. You must speak in an accent and language that is easily understood by an examiner. Don’t memorized answers, they sound unnatural and are easy to spot.
- Pronunciation:- your ability to use intonation (i.e. rise and fall of the voice while speaking) and the way you pronounce any word is taken into account. Your accent must be such tgat it is clearly understand by an examiner. Take appropriate pauses and the right pace of your speaking. For example, as it is very common problem among students that they pronounce the word ‘Read’ in similar way that it is in the second form of verb. Although the spelling of this word is similar in three forms of verb but its pronunciation is different in case of second and third form as compared to first one. In pronunciation, an examiner may check the smoothness and articulation of your answer to the given questions.
- Lexical resources:- In this criterion, an examiner determines whether you use a wide range of vocabulary or not. Try to convey the meaning in different words and use less common vocabulary. The usage of collocations and paraphrasing at right place, both are also taken into consideration. You must avoid errors while speaking emphasis on specific point, even if you have to elaborate your answer. In this, repetition is also determined when you use particular word for more than once.
- Grammatical range and accuracy:- Try to use appropriate tense such as past, present and future as per the demand of questions in first and third section and in Cue Card. Be sure to use correct pronoun and voice. Think about the tense you need to use when practising and familiarise yourself with functional language for giving opinions, contrasting views, emphasising and so on. There are some rules for speaking accurately according to grammar:-
- First of all, when you use ‘to’ word in your speaking, then you have to use the first form of verb with it.
For example,
- I want to drink tea.
Rather than – I want to drank tea. This is not according to the rule.
Secondly, when you want to use ‘V1+ing’ in your sentence, then be sure that you can only use this rule with same words such as “for, before and after”.
For example,
- I prefer television for watching movie.
Instead of – I prefer TV for watch movie.
- I get ready before going to school.
- I play cricket after reaching home.
- Try to use correct sentenced formation as well as be sure about the rules for various ten.ses.
Phrases and Commonly used words in speaking:-
Introductory phrases:- students can use these phrases in speaking in speaking to start an effective answer such as.
- In my opinion
- Obviously
- Definitely
- To be honest
- Actually
- Generally
- Of course
- Honestly speaking
Ending phrases:- Students must use these fillers to end their answer and Cue Card such as.
- All in all
- And finally I’d say that
- And I suppose that that’s my main point
Connecting phrases:- Students use these connectors in their speaking to create connection between two sentences.
- So
- Next
- Also
- Besides this
Contrasting phrases:-
- However
- On the other hand
- Otherwise
- Although
For giving example:- students can use these phrases in their speaking to cite a example in their answer.
- For example
- For instance