For the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), proper strategies is important.

Spoken English competency is evaluated by the IELTS Academic Speaking exam. All Speaking examinations are recorded, and they are administered face-to-face by a certified IELTS examiner.

If your properly use correct strategies to convey your thoughts and ideas, you easily ace the speaking test during your IELTS exam.

The easiest way to enhance your strategies is to study each rule individually, read some instances, create your examples, and then put each rule into practice by performing exercises.

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1. Remain Composed

The speaking test is a 11 to 14 minutes exam where your ability to speak fluently and coherently will be put to test. It’s important that you remain calm and concentrate on the questions that you are asked.

In the beginning you’ll be asked straightforward questions regarding well-known subjects like family or your home.

The examiner can appear “robotic” at times, due to the scripted format of the test and the fact that the examiner is concentrating on conducting the test, reading the questions, and giving directions – all while assessing and grading your language! 

The examiner will adopt a more conversational style during the test’s final section as they cover less common and more abstract subjects. 

Again, relax, smile, and try to speak to the examiner as though you’re having an intriguing and engaging conversation with someone.

2. Know What’s Coming

Are you taking the IELTS exam for the first time? Do you know how the Speaking test is set up? Even students who have taken the test several times, it’s important to know the structure of the test so you are prepared for whats coming next.

Knowing how to take the test is half the battle. When you are prepared, you can quickly and easily respond to the questions. Here are a few straightforward inquiries to which you ought to have the answers: 

• How long is the speaking test?
• How many parts or sections are there?
• What does each part consist of?
• What areas of my language are assessed?
• Who grades my performance – the examiner or somebody else?

3. Simply Respond To The Question!

Instead of going into too much detail about your responses at the start of the test, only provide the required information. 

Provide appropriate responses and avoid rambling about everything as students often stray from the topic by going off on tangents. Think of structuring your responses this way:

Sample IELTS Speaking question: “What type of weather do you enjoy most?”

OPENING (optional)	Hmm. It’s hard to say because I like all seasons, but…
ANSWER	I would say summer would have to be my all-time favorite.
REASON/EXAMPLE	You know, the summer is just great. There are so many things to do outside; you can be near the water, yes…if it’s too hot, it’s better to hang out at the beach. I really love the beach and watersports like surfing…
CLOSE	so, yeah, if I had to choose one, it would be summer for sure.

4. Examiner’s Lips Are Sealed

The examiner can only discuss a limited amount of what is printed in the test booklet because they read from a script. It can get awkward if you try to ask the examiner a question during the speaking test.

If you don’t understand something, ask the examiner politely to repeat the question. Avoid asking too many questions – your job is to answer the questions and show the examiner that you can hold conversations and comprehend the language. 

Note: Be polite and leave the room when the test is finished. Don’t try to seek reassurance from the examiner, and definitely don’t ask her, “so, how did I do? Was it bad?” 

Remember, the Speaking test is recorded, and the examiner cannot discuss the test or your performance.

5. Make It A habit To Respond To The Inquiry “WHY?”

The examiner will often follow up on straightforward responses by asking, “why?” This is because she requires additional information from you to evaluate your language appropriately. 

However, if the examiner feels she must repeatedly ask “why” to get information, you can receive a failing grade for lack of fluency.

Students must be “ready to speak at length” to score a B and 6 on the IELTS exam speaking section. 

Short responses require the examiner to prompt you again and again. On the other hand, don’t be overly alarmed if the examiner asks you “why” a few times – it’s their job to keep you talking.

OKAY	BETTER
Examiner: What’s your favorite color?Candidate: Blue, I think.Examiner: Why?Candidate: I don’t know. I just like it.	Examiner: What’s your favorite color?Candidate: Blue, I think. Yeah, blue, because it reminds me of the ocean and the sky. I feel calm when I see the color blue. I also like to wear blue – it looks good on me.

6. Strategically Use Key Phrases

Consider what you can say in a variety of test-related situations. For instance, the first section of the test will inquire about your life at home, with your family, at work, or as a student. 

This is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your command of the present perfect.

• Home – I’ve lived in my apartment for two years.
• Family – We’ve been married for only six months.
• Work – I’ve been an engineer for fourteen years.
• Student life – I’ve been studying English for five years.

After asking a few personal questions, the examiner will move on to questions about more general topics. 

However, you might get caught off-guard by a random question about sunshine, pets, or trees in your country. If you’re unsure what to say, use a phrase like, “Hmm, that’s an interesting question…” to buy yourself some thinking time. 

Everyone wants to perform well on their first attempt and receive a high band score on their IELTS exam. Since getting a high band score is the initial requirement for studying and living abroad.

However, knowing that you have our team of professionals on your side will give you the assurance that you have what it takes to ace your IELTS exam the first time around.

Want to know well-kept secrets to achieve a high IELTS score? Read  10 IELTS exam reading tips for band score 9 to ace your IELTS exam.