When you take the IELTS speaking test, the examiner will give you a score based on four main aspects. There are:
• Fluency and Coherence
When taking the IELTS speaking test, you should always be aware of the appropriate speed. Never speak too slowly or too quickly. Furthermore, ensure that your ideas are connected and produce a coherent image no matter what you say. From experience, we have noticed that certain test takers think in their native language and then try and convert their thoughts, ideas and opinions into English. In the process, they get stuck. A good way to become proficient in any language is to think in that language. Hence, please do not frame your answers in your native language. Instead, develop a habit of thinking about the answers in English and off course, you have to answer in English on the Speaking test.
• Grammar
Everything must be in order, from your word order to the tenses you employ. This component is critical because the test is primarily designed to assess your spoken English. Using correct grammar such as the correct usage of articles (a, an, the) in your sentences goes a long way in demonstrating your maturity in speaking. Using correct tenses is important as well. For example, the majority of the cue card topics on the Speaking test will be based on your past experiences. Hence, using the past tense to address the given topic and narrate your story is a sure-shot way to score high on the Speaking test. Using singular and plural correctly also goes a long way in demonstrating your mastery of the English language and should allow you to score a high band.
• Vocabulary
Another important factor to consider before taking your IELTS speaking test is that you must have a strong vocabulary. Try to demonstrate a range of vocabulary by not repeating the same words again and again; rather, use different words to express your ideas, thoughts and opinions. A good exercise to increase your vocabulary is to look up any word whose meaning you are not aware of and form a sentence using that word. More importantly, start using that word in your day-to-day conversational language. This way, you will have not only become familiar with a new word but also would have started using that word and be able to make a good impression. Continue on with this practice of looking up at least 5 different words on a daily basis to build up your vocabulary to that of an expert in English.
• Pronunciation
Finally, double-check that you understand how to pronounce your words. The examiner should be able to understand everything you say without difficulty. Examiners understand that you are not an American or a Britisher, in other words, you are not a native English speaker and hence your accent will not be that of an American or a Britisher. However, using correct pronunciation is a clear demonstration of your mastery of the English language and impresses upon the examiner that you are well-versed with the nuisances of the language.
Things to Remember on the Day of the Exam
• Practice as Much as You Can – this is one of the most important tasks to engage in. Consistently devote at least 1-2 hours daily to practice mock tests and go through them by applying the tips, tricks and strategies to address the different types of questions on the Listening and Reading test. On the writing test, practice writing both tasks enough to ensure that you have covered the different types of charts/graphs, letters and essays. For nailing the Speaking test, practice speaking with friends, family and co-workers at the office on a daily basis.
• Be Yourself – For example, on the Introduction section of the Speaking test, be as natural as possible and be comfortable and confident the questions which should be easy to answer as these are normally personal and familiar questions asking you about your hometown, education, work/career, hobbies, family, etc.
• Use Interesting Vocabulary – Please see the ‘Vocabulary’ section above for details
• Use Lots of Linking Words – Instead of using ‘and’ over and over again, practice using connectors and linking words such as ‘Furthermore’, ‘Moreover’, ‘However’, ‘Therefore’, ‘Thus’, etc. to start new sentences and link ideas and thoughts together.
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