THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SPEAKING TEST FORMAT
The Speaking test in IELTS is the same for both Academic and General Training. It is one to one interview which is divided in three parts. The whole test takes 11-15 minutes and the whole session is recorded, for further references to know more about it click here. So here are some things you should know about speaking test format.
The three parts of the speaking interview are-
Introduction & Interview (4-5 minutes): This is first part of the test in which examiner first introduces him/herself and then asks you to introduce yourself and confirm your identity. After introduction examiner asks you question on general topics, (e.g. family, work, studies and interests).
Cue Card (3-4 minutes): In the second part (cue card) of the test you will be asked to speak on a topic for two minutes. The cue card will be about a particular topic with bullet points and you have to cover all points in your talk. You will be given preparation time of one minute and you will be allotted a pencil and paper to prepare notes.
Two-way discussion (4-5 minutes): In the third part of the IELTS Speaking test examiner will ask you some questions related to the topic of Part 2. This part gives you an opportunity to discuss more general issues and ideas.
Now let’s have a look on some tips which can help you to score more in Speaking test:
1. Before appearing in the exam it is essential to practice a lot. You can practice with your friends, family members, colleagues or with teacher. In case you don’t find anyone just record your own practice sessions and listen to it to identify your mistakes.
2. In IELTS speaking exam examiner only asses your ability to express your ideas and opinions in good English. He least bother that either your provided information is right or wrong.
3. If you feel nervous, imagine that examiner is your friend and start conversing with him. This will help you to feel relaxed.
4. Don’t repeat the words used by the examiner in the question. Use your own vocabulary, this will show the examiner your full speaking ability.
5. In the Speaking test clarity of voice matters so speak clearly and at a natural pace. If you speak fast, not only the chances of pronouncing words incorrectly increase but you can also make several other mistakes.
6. Avoid answering in ‘yes’ or ‘no’ provide as much as detail you can. Try to elaborate answer of each question, try to give examples drawn on your own experience.
7. First listen to the question carefully and identify the tense in which you should answer. Use the correct verb tense according to the question when answering in the Speaking test. For example, if the question is ‘What kind of music do you like?’ (in the present tense) your answer should also be in the present tense (e.g. ‘I like pop music best’). You can go on to use other tenses as you extend your response, e.g. ‘I haven’t always enjoyed that kind of music…’.
8. Use simple, commonly used vocabulary and make sure that you use it correctly. Don’t use advance vocabulary or any word whose meaning is not clear to you. If you are aiming 7+ bands than you have to use advance vocabulary to show the examiner that you know how to use more advanced vocabulary.
10. Try to answer as fully as possible and give reasons for your answers. This will help you to use a wider range of vocabulary and grammar.
Thank You 🙂
