General Information about

the IELTS Speaking Test

1) About the Examiner

 They can come from any country where English is spoken as a native language.

 IELTS examiners are all professional teachers with advanced degrees. They
understand the test is difficult. They will be patient with you, as far as time allows.

 The examiner hopes you will do well. (It's much more interesting!)
 They have received specific IELTS training to make sure they judge you fairly and
honestly.

 They might be tired on the day of the test, or they might be sick. Even
though one examiner might seem unfriendly, your score should be the
same in any case.

2) What will the examiner listen for?

 Pronunciation - This is only important if it gets in the way of communication. Speak
clearly and you will be all right.

 Vocabulary - Some students try to improve their speaking score by using difficult
words. However, using words incorrectly will LOWER your score! Avoid using difficult
words or expressions unless you are sure of how to use them.

 Sentence Structure - Using better sentences is the best way to improve your
speaking score in a short time, because using better sentences is how we
COMMUNICATE.

 Fluency and Coherence - Of course fluency is very important but it is useless if you
are not understood (if you are not "coherent"). You do NOT have to speak quickly, but
too many hesitations are bad.

3) Your Score
 If you cannot make good sentences, if you hesitate too much, if your speaking is not
clear or if you use words incorrectly, you will be Band 4 or below.

 To be Band 5, you can make mistakes and have hesitations, but you must make
simple sentences easily and without mistakes.

 To be Band 6, you must be able to use longer sentences with fewer hesitations. You
need to use a variety of language. You can make some small mistakes if your meaning is
still clear. Also, you should be able paraphrase.
 To be Band 7, you should be able to do Part 2 with no problem. You must use a
variety of sentences and connect the sentences well. You must correctly use difficult
vocabulary. You can make very small mistakes if your meaning is clear. You should be
able to paraphrase very well.

 To be Band 8, you need a very wide vocabulary and the ability to speak fluently on
any topic. You may make a few tiny errors, if those errors do not get in the way of
communication.

Strategies for the

IELTS Speaking Test

Part 1 - Warm-up
 The questions are easy, so the examiner cannot be sure of your level from only Part 1.
You can give very easy answers, but this is a chance to make a good impression. If you
give easy answers, the examiner will not know if you are Band 4 or maybe Band 5. If you
give good, specific answers with explanations, the examiner will think you could be Band
6 or Band 7!

 You can use this time to practice making good sentences. If you wait until Part 2 and
Part 3 to give longer answers, you might not do so well. Athletes and musicians always
take time to warm up. You should too!

Part 2 - the "Long Turn"

 The biggest mistake students make is to not take notes. The examiner will give you a
piece of paper and a pencil to take notes because speaking for two minutes without
stopping is not easy. Even native English speakers will have trouble speaking for two
minutes! Students who don't take notes often say, "Uh, I think maybe, um.... Um..., well...
It seems to me...". "Uh" and "Um" are Band ZERO! Use notes to help you remember
what you want to say. If not, you WILL get a low score.

 Use the P.R.E.P. method. Start with "P" - make one sentence about your main Point.
Then give two or three sentences to provide "R", a Reason. Next give "E", an Example.
Describe the example using two or three sentences. Finish by repeating "P", your main
Point, but use a different sentence. If you have extra time, give a second example.

 You must practice! Use a watch and give yourself one minute to take notes on a topic,
then two minutes to make four or five sentences using the PREP method. You should
practice one or two topics every day before the test.

 Do not worry about the time. That is the examiner's job. He or she will tell you when
to stop.

Part 3 - General Questions

 Part 3 is the hardest part of the Speaking Test and it comes very fast. Most students
aren't ready. When you hear the examiner say "And now I'd like to ask you some more
GENERAL questions RELATED to your Part 2 topic", you know Part 3 is starting. Be
ready!

 Do NOT take so much time. Two sentences for each answer is usually enough. If you
have a long introduction, the examiner will think you don't know how to answer the
question.

 Use the General-Specific technique. As soon as you hear the question, give a general
opinion about the topic. Then give a specific reason or example in the next sentence or
two.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

This first section of the IELTS Speaking exam lasts about 4-5 minutes and gives the
examiner the chance to find out a little about you through some simple 'getting-to-know-
you' questions. These will be questions that you'll have something to talk about such as
your family, where you come from and what your interests are. This is also YOUR
chance to get off to a good start!

Example Questions:

• Q: Tell me a little about where you come from?

• Q: Do you enjoy studying English?
• Q: Why are you taking the IELTS exam?
• Q: Have you got any interests or hobbies?

Impress the examiner with your ability to give full answers to his or her questions

Top Tips!

• Avoid short, 'yes', 'no' answers.

Q: Tell me a little about where you come from?
A: I'm from Coimbra. It's a city in the central part of Portugal. It's a very
histirical city and we have one of the oldest universities in Europe.
 • Use examples to back up statements.
Q: Do you enjoy studying English?
A: Oh yes! I went to England last year and loved being able to communicate with
local people. And knowing a second language means you have access to a whole
new culture ... new authors, English films.
• Give the examiner a picture of you.
Q: Why are you taking the IELTS exam?
A: I'm taking an IELTS course in India in order to go to university in the UK. I've
been accepted on a Business course in London but need to get the right IELTS
score so I've been doing lots of IELTS Speaking practice.
• Q: Have you got any interests or hobbies?
A: Not really. I like watching football and read books quite often, but I don't have
any hobbies really. Hopefully one day I'll discover a hidden interest!

Part 1: Troubleshooting

What if the examiner asks you a question you don't understand? How should you respond
in a situation like this?

You may have problems understanding a question. The simple answer is: ask for
clarification. If it was a word or phrase you didn't quite understand just say something on
the lines of:

"Sorry but could you explain what you mean by ........"

"I haven't come across that word/expression before. Could you explain what you mean?"

If you just didn't understand what the interviewer has said, ask them to repeat the
question:

"Sorry, I didn't catch that. Could you say that again?"

"Excuse me. Could you repeat that?"

And if you're looking for clarification ask the interviewer to confirm what you think was
asked:

"Do you mean ........"

"When you say ........, are you asking/do you mean ........?"

Hopefully, these simple questions will get the interview back on track and you'll also
have impressed the interviewer with your conversation skills.

You can learn several tips for responding to questions fully in the Splendid Speaking
Self-Study Course, details of which appear below.

Part 2: The Long Turn

In Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking exam you have to speak for between 1 and 2 minutes on
a set topic based on information on a card the examiner will give you. You'll be a given a
minute to prepare what you want to say - just enough time to jot down some ideas to help
give your talk structure and interest.

Example Topics:

• Example 1: Describe a teacher you have fond memories of.

You should say:

when this was

where you were studying when you met
which subject they taught you
and what it was about the person that makes them so memorable.

• Example 2: Describe an item of technology you use that you couldn't do without.

You should say:

what this technology is

when you first started using it
how you use it
and why it's so essential for you.

Top Tips!

• Make the most of your preparation time and make notes.

• Structure your talk with an introduction, main body and conclusion. Signpost your
talk at the end with words or expressions like 'So ...', 'As you can see ...', 'To sum
up ...'.
• Add personal details such as short anecdotes to help make your talk interesting.
• Don't speak too fast. Pause between sentences and try to relax.

Part 2: Troubeshooting

Many people preparing for the IELTS long turn worry how they can finish what they
want to say in the time available. The best way to get the timing right is to practise
making short talks on various topics on your own. (Or in front of a friend if you're feeling
brave!) Try building in a short introduction and conclusion to give your talk structure.
You'll almost certainly overrun or finish too quickly at first but the more you practise the
sooner you'll get a feel for the time available. And remember, we often feel nervous when
presenting and this can often lead to us speaking too quickly. Try not to rush. Regular
pauses between sentences will help you control the pace of your talk and the examiner
will find it easier to follow what you're saying.
You can find out more about structuring short talks and using pauses for effect in the
Splendid Speaking Self-Study Course, details of which appear below.

Part 3: Two-Way Discussion

In Part 3 of the IELTS interview, which lasts between 4-5 minutes, you will participate in
a discussion with the examiner based on the topic in Part 2. The examiner is likely to ask
you questions based on your experience or opinion of the subject.

Example Questions:

• Topic = Sport you watch or participate in

Q: How important is it for young people to be involved in sport?
Q: Which sports are particulalry popular in your country?
Q: What would you recommend to someone thinking about taking up a new
sporting interest?

• Topic = Somebody who has been an important friend to you

Q: Why are friends so important to us?
Q: Which qualities do you most value in a friend?
Q: Is it common to have a 'best friend' as we get older?

Top Tips!

• Again, avoid short, 'yes', 'no' answers.

• Use personal anecdotes to help yourself make a point or express an opinion.
• Use expressions to allow yourself time to think. For example: 'That's a good
question.', 'Well, let me think ...'
• Refer to stories in the news to help make a point .

Part 3: Troubleshooting

Many non-native speakers about to attend an IELTS interview are understandably

worried about making mistakes in their use of English. How important is it to be accurate
and should you try to self-correct any mistakes you make? The fact that you have a good
level of English will certainly be an asset and the interviewer will be reassured if you can
speak clearly and reasonably accurately. Self-correction is a good way of showing the
interviewer that you're aware of having made a mistake. However, don't go mad trying to
correct each and every error! Remember, you should also be demonstrating your fluency
skills as well. Monitoring your speech TOO closely and self-correcting every mistake
will slow you down and make you sound rather hesitant. Remember this: the interviewer
will be interested in WHAT you have to say as well as how you say it so try to
concentrate on this fact and worry less about speaking 'perfect' English!

You can find out how to develop your fluency skills with the Splendid Speaking Self-
Study Course, details of which appear below.
 IELTS speaking topics (new)

1. What is the meaning of your name?

2. Does your name affect your personality?
3. Tell me something about your hometown.
4. What are the differences in accent between your hometown and Hanoi?
5. What is the character of the people like in your hometown?
6. What is people's favourite food in the region where you live?
7. Do you think that people have enough time for leisure now?
8. Are there any historic monuments in your region?
9. Describe your Job? How do you spend your typical day?
10. Tell me something about the Hue Festival.
11. How have weddings changed in recent years?
12. Tell me something about the <Holi> Festival. <change with the festival name of your
country>
13. Describe a traditional wedding ceremony.
14. Name a person whom you admire? Why? What influence does he / she has on your
life? Would you like to become like him / her in future?
15. Are there any traditions concerning the birth of a baby?
16. How do you like <The test city> Compare it to your hometown. How did you get to
this place?
17. What place do you like best in Hanoi?
18. What places in Delhi should a foreigner visit?
19. What places would you recommend a visitor to go to in your region/hometown?
20. If you had the choice, where would you choose to live in India?
21. Which parts of India would you recommend a foreigner to visit?
22. Tell me something about your family.
23. Which is your favourite colour?
24. Do you think colours influence our life? How?
25. Which is the best place you've been to in India?
26. Who does most of the household chores in your family?
27. Are the traditional sexual roles within the family changing?
28. Why is the divorce rate increasing so rapidly? Is it a problem?
29. What is your opinion of the planning family policy?
30. How do you discipline your child?
31. Is it acceptable for couples to live together without marrying?
32. If you had the choice, would you have a son or a daughter?
33. Are you going to bring your child up any differently to the way your parents did?
34. What hopes do you have for your child? (if you are married)
35. Do women still have too heavy a burden in their day to day life?
36. Is the increasing influence of the West largely a positive or negative thing?

37. Are you looking forward to anything in particular in Australia / UK / USA ?

38. What do you do in your leisure time?
39. What will you do if you fail the IELTS?
40. Who should bear the responsibility for payment of tuition fees?
41. What can be done to improve education in rural areas?
42. Have recent changes affected your job in any way?
43. Do you agree with private education? Why?
44. What can be done to close the gap between urban and rural areas?
45. If you had the power, what changes would you carry out within education?
46. Describe a typical working day for you
47. How do you see yourself in ten years time?
48. If you had the opportunity to change your job, what would you do instead?
49. If you had one million dollars, what would you do with it?
50. If you could start your life again, would you do anything differently?
51. What ambitions do you have?
52. Which country/place would you most like to visit?
53. What changes do you think India will see in the next few years?
54. Will any possible future changes affect your job in any way?
55. How do you think you will cope abroad?
56. How does it feel to go abroad for the first time?
57. Are you looking forward to anything in particular in Australia / UK / USA ?
58. What do you do in your leisure time?
59. What will you do if you fail the IELTS?
60. Why are you giveing IELTS? What course / job do you intend to pursue after
IELTS.?

Speaking test samples page 2

Part One

.
What is your hometowns shape? Can you describe it for me
What is your hometowns history?
Do you prefer going out or staying at home? Why?
What will do if you go out?

Part Two A

I'd like you to tell me about an equipment of your household (such as computer,
television, refrigerator, Mobile Phone as so on).

You should say

What it is?
What do you do with it?

And explain why it is important for you.

Part Two B

Will you always keep it?

Is it worth much?
Could you please explain with some examples about the changes of technology which are
used by people in our daily life between now and the past 20 years?
Whether those equipment you've ever mentioned in your examples is used in you home?
How about other Indian families?
Do you think the technology will have what development in the future?
Do you think it is important?
How often do you access internet?
Do you have one computer?

Sample 2

Part One

Good morning. My name is … could you tell me your name please?

Please show me your identification/ passport? That’s fine thanks you.
Where are your from?
Do you have a large family or a small family?
Can you tell me something about them

Now I'd like to ask you a few questions about your family
How much time do you manage to spend with members of your family?
What sorts of things do you like to do together?
Do you get on well with your family? Why?

Part Two A

I'd like you to tell me about your learning English

All right? Remember, you have only 1 or 2 minutes for this so doesn't worry if I stop you.
I'll tell you when. Can you start speaking now, please?

You should say

When and where you study English
What English course do you like best?
And explain why it is important for you.

Part two B

Why are you study English?

Do you think learning English will benefit to your first language study?
We've been talking about household equipments and I'd like to discuss with you one or
two question related to this. let's consider:

What do you think is the best way to study English?

What is the most difficulties do you think of teaching of English in you country?
How this can be solved in the future?

Sample 3

Part One

Good morning. My name is … could you tell me your name please?

Please show me your identification/ passport? Thats fine thanks you.
Do you work or are you a student?
What subject are you a studying?
Why did you choose that subject?
Are there things you dont like about it?

Now Id like to ask you a few questions about transport systems in your hometown
What is the most popular transport system in use? Talk about its reliability, frequency
and fare.
Do you have any problems using the public transport?

Part Two

Your topic

I'd like you to tell me about your favorite news channel

You should say

What is it
How often do you use it?

And explain why you like it.

Part Two B

What do you think for ordinary people the most effective media to get news is?
Whether all people will be interested in national or international news in your country.

Compare the people's attitude to media between now and the past 20 years?
Should we trust the journalists?
What do you think what a good journalist should be?