IELTS london IELTS preparation IELTS preparation courses

Useful Tips To Get Better Results In IELTS Speaking

Like our Post? Share Now!

If you’re gearing up to take the IELTS test in London, you’re in for a bit of an adventure! Whether you’re a seasoned English speaker or just starting out, understanding what to expect and how to shine in the IELTS Speaking test is crucial and can make all the difference. Let’s uncover some useful tips and tricks from our IELTS preparation courses to help you ace the Speaking test with confidence.

1. Train Yourself

The more you practise speaking English, the more comfortable you’ll become. Try to get opportunities to speak with native speakers or join a speaking club. Practice answering common IELTS Speaking questions with a timer and record yourself to review your performance. It’s a great way to spot areas for improvement!

2. Expand Your Vocabulary

Having a rich vocabulary can make your speech more interesting and varied. Read books, watch TV shows or movies, and listen to podcasts in English. Note down new words and phrases and try to use them in your conversations. Just remember to use them naturally!    

3. Work on Your Pronunciation

Clear pronunciation is key to being understood. Focus on pronouncing words clearly and practice the intonation and stress patterns of English. You can use online resources or apps to help with pronunciation practice.

4. Master the Art of Storytelling

For Part 2, practice telling stories. Think of your answers as short stories with a beginning, middle, and end. Use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture for the examiner. This makes your response more engaging and memorable.

5. Think Aloud

In Part 3, it’s important to explain your thoughts clearly. Practice thinking aloud and developing your ideas fully. The more you elaborate on your answers, the better you’ll be able to demonstrate your speaking skills.

6. Be Natural and Relaxed

It’s easy to get nervous but try to stay relaxed. The examiner is there to have a conversation with you, not to judge you harshly. Take deep breaths, smile, and approach the test as a friendly chat. Being natural will help you come across as more confident.

7. Follow the Prompts

In Part 2, you’ll receive a task card with prompts. Make sure you address all the points on the card. If you skip some of the prompts, your answer might seem incomplete. Use the minute of preparation wisely to jot down key ideas you want to cover.

8. Practise Speaking at Length

One of the challenges of the IELTS Speaking test is speaking at length. Practise extending your responses beyond short answers. If you’re asked a question, try to add detail, examples, and explanations to make your answer unique.

9. Use Transition Words

Using transition words like “firstly,” “on the other hand,” and “however” can help structure your answers and make your speech flow more smoothly. These words signal changes in your argument or additional information, making your speech easier to follow.

10. Ask for Clarification

If you don’t understand a question, it’s perfectly okay to ask the examiner to clarify. You can say, “Could you please repeat that?” or “I’m not sure I understand, could you please explain?” This shows that you’re actively engaged and willing to communicate effectively.

11. Manage Your Speaking Speed

Speak at a moderate pace—neither too fast nor too slow. Speaking too quickly can lead to mistakes and make it hard for the examiner to follow, while speaking too slowly might affect your fluency score. Aim for a comfortable, steady rhythm.

12. Be Prepared for Unexpected Questions

Sometimes, you might receive questions that you weren’t expecting. Stay calm and use the opportunity to showcase your ability to think on your feet. Take a moment to organise your thoughts before responding.

13. Use Examples to Support Your Answers

When answering questions, provide specific examples to back up your points. If you’re discussing your favourite hobby, share a memorable experience related to it. This makes your answers more compelling and credible.

14. Stay Positive About Your Mistakes

If you make a mistake while speaking, don’t let it throw you off. Everyone makes errors, and it’s how you recover those counts. Stay positive and continue with your response confidently.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To help you further, here are a few common mistakes to steer clear of:

Overthinking Your Answers: Try not to overcomplicate your responses. Keep them clear and relevant to the question asked.

Using Too Many Fillers: While occasional “um” and “uh” are normal, avoid overusing fillers like “you know” or “like.” It can make your speech sound less confident.

Ignoring Grammar and Tense: Pay attention to your grammar and verb tenses. Consistent and correct grammar helps convey your ideas more clearly.

Mastering the IELTS Speaking test is all about practice and preparation. By understanding the test format, expanding your vocabulary, and practising regularly, you can boost your confidence and perform your best. Remember, it’s not just about speaking English; it’s about conversing and sharing your ideas effectively. So, take a deep breath, be yourself, and show the examiner your English-speaking skills! Good luck with your IELTS preparation! With these tips and some practice, you’re on your way to success.

Check out
Our Other Posts

Like what you read? We love to keep you updated about everything at ES. Check out our different courses, exciting facts about London, news, updates, amazing success stories from us and much more.

We don't say that,

our students do!
Check out
Our Social Media

At ES Education, we make learning English a memorable and fun experience for every student. We pride ourselves in the family-like atmosphere of our school. By learning and discovering London with us in a diverse community, your school will become a second home!