Preparing For Your IELTS Speaking Test: 8 Things You Must Know

You wouldn’t sign a paper before reading what’s written on the paper, would you? 

Just like that, you wouldn’t want to appear for the IELTS speaking test without knowing what will happen in the quiet examination room.

If you do it will be like the cops’ interrogation room with their stupefying questions! That’s why you need to know everything related to the IELTS speaking test. 

If you know the following 8 points, you can tackle all the questions that the examiner throws at you.

These points and tips will guarantee you a good band score of about 8 or 9. Let’s get it at our fingertips!

1. IELTS Speaking Test Format

Of course, you ought to know the IELTS speaking test format first! It will be a blunder if you don’t know its structure. 

The time is approximately about 15 minutes. So, every minute and second counts!

The speaking test format comprises three main phases; 

Phase 1: Introduction and Interview

It’s a 4-5 minute “introduction and interview” session with the examiner. The examiner will introduce himself or herself first and then ask you to do the same.

Phase 2: Individual Lengthy Turn

You will get 3-4 minutes to talk about a specific topic. The examiner will also give you some crucial points to cover. Watch your tongue because the examiner will ask you a couple of questions about the content you just provided at the end. 

Phase 3: Two-Way Discussion

It’s the final round where the examiner allows you to participate with him/her on hot themes. You can share what you know – facts and honest opinions.

2. How Do They Score Your Speaking Test?

Please keep in mind that scores on the IELTS speaking test are computed using specific criteria. You must meet all the requirements while speaking to the examiner. 

Four key criteria influence your IELTS speaking score, and each criterion is scored independently, added together, and then the totals of all are divided by four.

4 Key Criteria for the IELTS Speaking Test

• Fluency & Coherence
• Lexical Resources 
• Pronunciation
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy

Example:

Let’s say you scored 7 in fluency and coherence, 7 in lexical resources, 6 in pronunciation, 7 in grammar and accuracy. 

Add all the scores (7+7+6+7), and you get 27.

Divide the total by four (27/4), and your score is 6.75.

Round it to 7, and it’s your final score for the IELTS speaking test.  

3. Gather Reliable Resources and Materials for Preparation

Materials and resources are the key factors that will determine your speaking test score. It doesn’t mean you have to collect all the stuff possible to improve your speaking skill. 

Get a few latest versions that include everything that could help you sharpen your knowledge and skills. 

Here are a few resources you should consider while preparing for the IELTS speaking test;

Books

Referring to a book to prepare for the IELTS speaking test helps enhance your confidence and tackle crucial questions you may encounter during the test. 

There are various publications available, particularly for IELTS speaking. The books listed below will help you improve your IELTS speaking score.

• IELTS Speaking: Ultimate Guide To IELTS Success
• IELTS Speaking Masterclass: Proven Strategies for an 8+ Band Score
• The Perfect Guide for IELTS Speaking Cue Cards
• IELTS Speaking 8.5 Master Plan
• Collins Speaking for IELTS

Online Resources

If you are not a bookish person, you can always rely on online resources to prepare for the speaking test. 

Various resources are available online to assist you in comprehending the speaking test pattern.

You may improve your English speaking skill for achieving the highest possible score by taking mock tests, practicing sample questions, and watching tutorial videos online. 

The following list of top online resources will help you prepare for the test;

• DCIELTS.com – IELTS Speaking Guide
• IELTSblog.com – IELTS Speaking Page
• IELTS-Simon.com – Speaking Resources
• IELTSspeaking.co.uk – IELTS Task Sheets
• iPASSIELTS.com – 10 Speaking Tests

If you have any questions about IELTS, it’s always better to seek professional help. Don’t hesitate to contact IELTS consultancies, institutes, and agencies in your area. 

4. Preparation Tips for the IELTS Speaking Test

If you are given an axe and 8 hours to chop down a tree, you must spend about 6 hours sharpening your axe!

Practice as much as you can, both physically and mentally. An excellent physical presentation is crucial, and being mentally prepared keeps you calm when the examiner asks you sensitive questions. 

List down specific topics (like education, travel, transportation, environment, and current trends) and practice with your family, friends, or tutors 2-3 days before the exam. 

Let’s give you some tips on how to prepare for the test;

• Practice as many times as you can in front of a mirror. It will boost your confidence and give you a sense of how you appear to the examiner.
• Go over all of the faults you made during practice and correct them.
• Check that you have all of the necessary items, and if not, make arrangements ASAP.
• Avoid last-minute preparations.
• Review all of the tactics and criteria you’ll need to use while speaking.
• Practice popular IELTS subjects by using proper sentences. 
• Read something lighthearted that isn’t relevant to the exam topic.
• Maintain a clear mind, a healthy lifestyle, and a regular sleep pattern. 
• Don’t let your negative thoughts build up; always be optimistic about the outcome.
• Finally, get enough rest the day before the exam. 

5. Top Tips To Follow While Taking the Test

The 15 minutes test is the perfect time to give your best shot and score a good band score. It will make a significant impact on your overall IELTS score. 

So, follow these tips, and you are good to go;

• Take three silent deep breathes when you enter the examination room.
• Carry a water bottle and stay hydrated during the test.
• Face the examiner while answering and maintain good eye contact. 
• Keep your mind clear, and don’t let anything else distract you.
• Take a moment to think before you speak.
• Speak up about what you know. Don’t try to cook up new ideas. 
• Avoid speaking in a monotone tone. Highlight certain words and phrases that are related to the topic. 
• Be honest and inform the examiner if you are unfamiliar with certain questions. 
• Employ a variety of grammatical structures.
• Maintain a friendly smile between your talks. 
• Avoid using too many filler words like-You Know, Umm, Ahh, Yeah, etc.
• Avoid using big words or idiomatic phrases.
• Don’t be concerned about your accent.

6. Tips To Improve Your Fluency and Coherence

Keep this pointer in mind to improve your fluency and coherence while speaking;

• Be self-assured in the language you use when speaking.
• Do not memorize the topic or how you will speak.
• Stay on the necessary topics and avoid getting carried away.

7. Tips To Improve Your Lexical Resources

Follow these tips to score as high as possible in your lexical resources criteria;

• Be conscious of your word choice.
• Use appropriate words for the situation.
• Make sure you know what you are speaking-what the term or sentence means.

8. Tips for Better Pronunciation

You can make a lot of difference in pronunciation by following the given tips; 

• Make sure your words are clear.
• Listen to public speakers and great orators.
• Practice popular phrases like “Betty bought some better butter to make the bitter butter better” to improve your pronunciation. 
• Put a lot of emphasis on the terms that are relevant to the situation.
• Record yourself speaking and correct any mistakes
• Do not hurry or talk carelessly.

It’s the universal truth that we all learn better when we are guided and trained personally than learning by ourselves at home. Not just the IELTS, it applies to everything! 

You will learn two times better when there is someone who can correct your mistakes and encourage your potential. For that, look for a reputed institute or an agency in your locality.

If you reside in Thimphu, Bhutan, Chhungdu Training Institute (CTI) is the right place to begin perfecting your speaking test approach. 

We have professional counselors and tutors who can guide you through each step. You will be confident to sit for the IELTS speaking test by the end of the coaching session.