IELTS Speaking is a component of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) designed to assess an individual's ability to communicate effectively in English.
It evaluates a person's proficiency in spoken English, including pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and fluency. The IELTS Speaking test is a face-to-face interview conducted by a certified IELTS examiner.
The Speaking test is divided into three parts and takes approximately 11-14 minutes to complete.
In Part 1, the examiner will ask the test taker general questions about themselves and a range of familiar topics such as work, hobbies, and family.
In Part 2, the test taker is given a topic on a card and is asked to speak about it for 2 minutes, after which the examiner may ask some follow-up questions.
In Part 3, the examiner asks more abstract and complex questions related to the topic in Part 2.
The test is designed to evaluate a person's ability to express themselves coherently and fluently in the English language, so it's important to practice speaking in English as much as possible. This can be done by conversing with native English speakers, taking practice tests, and using online resources to improve your vocabulary and grammar.
Additionally, it's helpful to be familiar with the test format and prepare for potential questions that may be asked in each part.
Top 5 mistakes in IELTS speaking that Every Student Makes
Not listening to the question correctly.
This mistake occurs when a student is nervous or under pressure during the Speaking test. It's essential to take a moment to understand the question fully before answering and listening attentively, asking for clarification, and thinking before responding. It's better to take a few seconds to gather thoughts and provide a coherent answer.
Being too brief
A common mistake some students make is giving short answers or one-word responses to questions asked by the examiner. Doing so can make it difficult for the examiner to assess the student's English proficiency as it needs to give them more information to evaluate their language skills. To avoid this mistake, it's important to elaborate on the answers provided by giving examples or additional information, using a variety of vocabulary and grammar structures.
Speaking too fast or too slow
The pace of speaking can significantly impact the overall quality of the response. Speaking too fast can make it challenging for the examiner to understand the speaker's ideas while speaking too slow can give an impression of a lack of fluency. To overcome this mistake, the student should practice speaking naturally, clearly and audibly and trying to balance speed and clarity.
Memorising prepared answers
It's common for students to prepare and memorise answers to common questions. This can hinder the test-takers ability to think on their feet and respond to questions appropriately. Learned responses are easily identifiable, and the examiner may reduce points for this. Instead, the student should practice answering various questions and developing skills to respond spontaneously.
Not using a variety of vocabulary or grammar.
Using a limited range of vocabulary or basic grammar structures repeatedly can impact a student's score. It's essential to use a variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures while answering the questions to demonstrate proficiency in English. The student should also try to use new words and phrases that they have learned to showcase their language skills. Reading English literature and watching English shows/movies is recommended to improve vocabulary and fluency.
Tips to avoid making Mistakes
Here are some tips that can help students avoid making common mistakes during the IELTS Speaking test:
- Listen carefully to the question: Pay attention to what the examiner is asking and take a moment to understand the question before answering. Ask the examiner to repeat the question or clarify any doubts.
- Use a range of vocabulary and grammar: Practice using a variety of vocabulary and grammar structures while speaking in English. Reading English literature, watching English TV shows/movies, and conversing with native speakers can be helpful.
- Speak naturally: Try to speak at a natural pace that is clear and understandable. Practice speaking at a moderate speed and articulating words clearly. Record your voice and listen to it to analyse your gait and clarity.
- Avoid memorising answers: It's important to practice answering different questions, but avoid memorising answers. The examiner can quickly recognise memorised responses, negatively impacting the score. Practice giving spontaneous responses that demonstrate your language proficiency.
- Elaborate on your answers: Provide detailed and informative responses to the questions asked by the examiner. Use examples, facts, and figures to support your solutions. This will showcase your language skills and help the examiner assess your English proficiency.
- Get feedback from a qualified English teacher: Consider taking classes from a certified English teacher or tutor. They can provide valuable feedback and help you identify areas for improvement. You can also take mock tests to simulate the Speaking test and get feedback on your performance.
