HOW I PREPARED FOR THE IELTS SPEAKING EXAM

There is no definite, perfect formula to reach your target score in the IELTS exam. You probably have done a lot of research about tips and tricks on how to score high in the IELTS test. A lot of self-proclaimed experts will tell you should follow their formula. IELTS authorities like IELTS IDP and The British Council also provide a handful of advice on how to maximize your score in the test. I have personal favorite websites which I consulted during my IELTS preparation (I will try and write a separate post about them in the future). I combined all the methods and strategies they taught and applied most of them during my two months of IELTS test preparation.

There are several reasons why I believe there is no exact science to getting a high score in the IELTS test. First, every candidate has different English levels to start with. Someone might be at Pre-intermediate level but needs to get a score equivalent to Upper Intermediate level. Another could be at Intermediate level but requires an Advanced level equivalent band score. These mean that some candidates need more effort to improve their IELTS skills (reading, speaking, listening or writing) and some may not need much. Secondly, every candidate has his or her own strong and weak points, in reference to the four IELTS skills. I personally needed, and still need, to work more on my reading skills. Others need to put more effort into their listening, speaking or writing skills.

Although there is no exact formula in getting your target score in the IELTS exam, the assessment criteria used by IELTS examiners around the world is the same. That’s great news. This means that test takers at least have a guide on what is expected of them in the test. IELTS examiners are also trained by the IELTS authorities to ensure they meet the same standards.

Alright then, enough of my personal opinion. Here are the exact steps I took to prepare for the IELTS Speaking Test. These strategies worked for me, I hope they do the same for you.

1. List the Top IELTS Topics. This allows me to identify what topics I should prepare for. This step is crucial, in my opinion. Knowing the topics to expect in the IELTS test is your foundation in terms of building your vocabulary. This applies to all skills: Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening.
2. Gather Common IELTS Speaking Questions. It is easy to find banks of common IELTS Speaking Questions online. Some websites even encourage recent IELTS test takers to post their IELTS questions. I collected literally hundreds of IELTS questions and organized them in one spreadsheet (mine is MS Excel, but you may also use other programs). I did the same for the recent IELTS Writing questions. If you prefer to organize your list the old-fashioned way, you may use a dedicated IELTS notebook. Just divide your notebook per topic, and properly label each section.
3. Sort/Group IELTS questions Per Topic. It is easier to study or do your research if your list of questions is organized per topic. In my experience, I found it easier to do my IELTS vocabulary research when I studied per topic. For example, all questions related to “hometown, cities or home” are in one group I labeled “HOME and HOMETOWN”. So when I had to take notes of new words and phrases to answer questions related to Home, Cities, and Hometown, I put them in the same tab/sheet. I did the same for all IELTS topics. I also grouped the questions according to what part of the Speaking Test do they belong to Interview (Part 1), Cue Card (Part 2) and Discussion Questions (Part 3).
4. Practice using a recorder or practice in front of the mirror. Yes, that is right. Make the most out of your smartphone or similar electronic device. I used my laptop to record myself while I answered some IELTS speaking questions. If you are doing the cue card, make sure you also set the timer.
5. Evaluate recorded speaking practice sessions. Watch and listen to your own recorded speaking test. I did this because I wanted to listen to how I pronounced the words, check my eye-contact while I was answering the question and to pinpoint my own mistakes. Generally, we have the ability to pinpoint our own mistakes (in pronunciation and grammar). I also wanted to know how I sounded like (and later learned my recorded voice was quite awful, unfortunately). Although this last point is really not that important to the examiner. What is more important is “intelligibility.” Regardless of your accent, you should target an easy-to-follow flow of thoughts and your pronunciation easy to understand.
6. Practice Speaking Regularly. I opted not to have a language partner or a teacher to practice with. One reason was that I could not set aside a specific time for my IELTS Speaking practice. You are encouraged to practice with a friend, a language partner or an IELTS trainer/coach.
7. Read English Articles or Books more often. I used BBC News, BBC Learning English, TED Talks and CNN news to find articles to read and to watch. This helped me improve my vocabulary and sentence structure. In addition, it helped me improve my listening skills.
8. Work on vocabulary. I had a dedicated notebook for IELTS Vocabulary. I divided my notebook into the different IELTS Common Topics. Every time I learned a new word or phrase, I write it down in the proper section. For example, I learned that I can say “massive” instead of “huge” to describe my favorite place to go in my city (huge shopping center). So I put the word down in “Hometown/Cities” section of my notebook. I went through the IELTS Speaking questions and wrote down my answers. Then I tried and improved my answers by using more advanced vocabulary and using sentence structures that sound more natural in spoken English.
9. Improve Grammar. For a lot of non-native English speakers like me, grammar is always a big challenge. But we have to understand that in the IELTS test, Grammar is 25% of our score. We cannot obviously underestimate its value in getting the score we need. What I did was I researched the most common grammar mistakes in the IELTS exam and studied how I could avoid them. If you think Grammar is your weakness, you must put more effort into it. However, don’t exhaust all your time with it. Remember, the IELTS test is not just about Grammar, you still have the other 75% to pay attention to.

So there you are. My preparation method is not at all a secret. Maybe it is just a bit more organized and straight to the point. If you have taken the IELTS test before, feel free to share your preparation tips in the comments.

IELTS SPEAKING TIPS and TRICKS

Good day!

How is everyone’s IELTS preparation? We have just published an article featuring IELTS Speaking Tips and Tricks under our IELTS Speaking page.

Let us know what you think.

IELTS Speaking Tips & Tricks

 

 

GO AHEAD! MAKE UP NEW WORDS

Did you know that the word “MOTEL” is a compounded word from “motor” and “hotel”?

Well, this TED-Ed video by Erin McKean explains how words in English are formed. The speaker also encourages everyone to go ahead and make up new words. In the IELTS test however, you have to be very careful about the use of words, not just grammar.

Here is the link to the video. Watch and enjoy, and let us know what you think about her idea.

Cheers!

 

https://embed.ted.com/talks/erin_mckean_go_ahead_make_up_new_words

 

 

HOW TO SCORE HIGH IN THE IELTS SPEAKING TEST

Scoring high in the IELTS Speaking Test requires hard work and employing proper techniques. I have collated tips and suggestions from several books, articles and videos below. Feel free to ask questions and add your suggestions in the comment box.

1. Familiarize yourself with the IELTS speaking format. Know what how you will be assessed in the test. Even native English speakers do not always score high in the IELTS speaking exam. The reason is that IELTS has its own test structure that candidates should be familiar with.

2. Know the most common IELTS Speaking topics and expand your vocabulary on each of the said topics. Some common topics are: Family, Education, Hobbies and Free time, Travelling and Transportation, Technology and the Media, and others. Read more about such topics. Have a dedicated vocabulary notebook where you can list the words and phrases you’ve learned. Use a good dictionary to help you with the correct usage of certain words so it is easier for you to use them in your practice conversation.

3. Learn how to answer each of the 3 sections of the speaking test: Part 1 (Interview), Part 2 (Cue Card/Long Turn) and Part 3 (Discussion). For example, you are expected to have only short and straightforward answers in Part 1 while in Part 3, you are expected to explain things to the examiner and use a good range of vocabulary.

4. Your behavior during the test matters. You should showcase not only your ability to use a wide range of vocabulary and accurate grammar structure but also your confidence. You should be able to speak with the examiner as if it was just a natural conversation and not a scripted or memorized exchange of ideas. Constant practice in front of the mirror, with a friend or a teacher or a language partner will help you boost your confidence.

5. Listen to the questions very carefully and do not try to interrupt the examiner. You must exhibit full understanding of what is being asked. You do not want to provide an answer that is not related to the question because you misunderstood the question.

6. It is important to note that you are allowed to repeat the question, to buy time or to express a lack of opinion. If you did not really understand the question, do not try to answer right away. You may repeat the examiner’s question to make sure that you understood it. Learn to use time fillers such as “that’s a good question..”

7. Practice answering common IELTS Speaking Questions with a partner or you can record yourself. This will help you evaluate which topics are more difficult for you to talk about. Use a timer to simulate the actual speaking test. You can access free our TOP IELTS SPEAKING TOPICS and sample speaking questions to practice with.

8. Make sure to arrive early during the test day. Have enough rest before the big day. Eat well before you leave home. Allow enough travel time to go the test center to avoid getting stressed. You should know where the test center is before date itself. Make sure you have everything you need before you leave home. When you are know you have prepared well, then you should feel more relaxed.

9. During the test, do not hesitate to correct yourself if you make mistakes but make sure to limit it. Too much of this will affect your overall confidence during the exam. Speak in a natural pace – not too slow and not too fast. It is important that you make yourself understood by the examiner. Do not worry about your accent. As long as you speak clearly, your accent will not affect your score.

10. Keep an eye contact with the examiner, smile when appropriate and show your confidence. Do not be intimidated with examiners who do not smile or look too serious. They do not intend to scare you, it’s probably just the way they are.

Do you have other tips on how to score high in the IELTS Speaking Test? Feel free to share them in the comment box.