Many candidates that sit for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) always feel very nervous while waiting to be ushered into the exam room.
They mostly see it as an interview and, most of the time, fear that they will be judged by their appearance, thereby putting on their best outfit.
I’m here to tell you that IELTS speaking is not about your beautiful dress or how you smell; it’s about being your real self and communicating freely as much as you can.
You do not have all the time to impress an examiner with your looks but you can captivate the attention with your communication.
However, you can increase your score by following these simple 10 IELTS Speaking tips and tricks. No 6 and 9 is a secret.
Make a good first impression
The first contact you have with the examiner, either physically or visually is very important. Be confident, smile and feel relaxed even as you place your hands on the table where the examiner can see them. If you need to adjust the headset, do it with ease and confidence or call the invigilator to help. Don’t make the mistake of feeling too confident or proud.
Don’t learn answers by heart
Ensure you speak freely and do not use memorised answers. If you do, the examiner has been trained to detect that, and once it is detected, you already failed. You can learn words and collocations and use them. Flow in your speech. Always remember that the reason for this test is to test your ability to communicate effectively and not your assent.
Practise answering sample questions
It is only he who fails to plan that fails. These tips are to enable you to practice IELTS speaking questions before the exam date. Questions will likely come from sports, family, travels, etc. There is always a demo section of it on the internet. Practice with a friend or in front of your mirror as if you are facing an examiner and you will realise how easy it can be.
Ask the question again if you need to
This tip is best if you use it well, but many candidates use it as a means to buy more time. Don’t forget you have just limited time and nothing will be added. Ask the question again only if you didn’t get it well and not to buy more time. If used properly, you will not lose any points.
Be emotional!
Your examiner is a human being like you, and he or she has emotions and feelings. Employ the use of emotion in your speech as if you are talking to a friend or a loved one. This creates a sense of connection between you and the examiner.
Extend your speech
Avoid short and uncommunicative replies like yes or no answers. Extend your speech till the invigilator interrupts with another question. If a question seems direct and close-ended, create another opening by talking about what you know. The best technique to use in this aspect is the ‘give reason’ technique. Whatever answer you give, always give your reason for choosing the answer.
Always ensure that you are fluent in your speech and don’t fake your assent. You will gain more marks when you speak freely with relatable vocabularies. Use simple grammar too, and don’t speak too fast. Be calm and make necessary pauses when necessary.
Be coherent
Remember that the test is basically to examine your level of communication; therefore, always use linking words and structures like however, and, nevertheless; all in all, it will enrich your speech.
Give yourself time to think
When the examiner asks you a question, and you are not sure how to answer the question, you can buy yourself a bit of time to think by using this tip. First of all, “That’s a tricky question…”, “I’ve never thought about that before…” or “That’s an interesting question…”. This way you’ll have some extra time to plan your answer.
Be time conscious
The tutorial you attend won’t tell you that you have just 17 minutes to spend with the examiner.
Use every minute well and make it count. Don’t spend too much time trying to process the question or to impress the examiner. Answer it as simply as you can and stick to it until she asks you to stop or ask another question. Towards the end of the speaking test, you will be asked to talk extensively on a particular topic. Use the time well and flow naturally.
Did you make a mistake? Don’t panic!
The examiner notices when you make a mistake, and it is expected, but your ability to correct yourself is important. Ensure to apply brief pauses where needed, too. When you are with the examiner, don’t make too many mistakes.
