Key Tips to Help You Through the IELTS Speaking Section

IELTS denotes the abbreviation for the International English Language Testing System, which is designed to test an individual’s understanding of the English language. IELTS is a well-structured test comprising of four different modules, each designed to effectively analyse the comprehensive communicative abilities of an Individual whose first language is not English. One of the most crucial sections in the IELTS is the IELTS Speaking section.

It can sometimes become quite difficult for non-native English speakers to get a good band score owing to the hesitation and lack of confidence of speaking in a language that one is not used to. Therefore, an IELTS candidate must always go prepared for his IELTS Speaking section and the first thing to follow is the breakdown of the structure of the test. The test comprises of three parts:

Part 1: Introduction and Interview
This section lasts for a duration of 4-5 minutes. In this part, a candidate gets a chance to speak on familiar topics. The examiner asks a number of straightforward questions about the candidate and about familiar topics, and these questions must not seem too difficult to answer. This is an opportunity to overcome any nerves and demonstrate the basic fluency that one possesses.

Part 2: Short Talk
The duration of the short talk is 3-4 minutes where the candidate is asked to talk for 1 or 2 minutes on a topic chosen by the examiner. The candidate will have a minute to prepare and then he/she will have to speak on the topic without stopping. The topic will be based on the candidate’s personal experiences and feelings, so the talk should be lively and interesting.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion
The two-way discussion is for a total of 4-5 minutes. In this section, the candidate is asked more abstract questions, broadly linked to the topic introduced in Part 2. Then, they are encouraged to discuss the topics more fully. This is where the candidate has to demonstrate control of language, the ability to express abstract ideas, and to support the opinions appropriately. The candidate must aim to give longer replies than in the Part 1 questions.

As per the breakdown of the section mentioned above, the whole speaking interview lasts for 11-14 minutes in total. The best aspect about IELTS is that the examiners are specially trained to rate the spoken English on the IELTS scale. They are generally clear and encouraging, so that the candidate can do his/her best on the day of the test. The examiners are aware that candidates usually feel nervous, But, they can only assess what they hear, so they will expect a candidate to speak up and to produce plenty of language.

The examiners rate the language you use on a scale of 1-9 in four major areas: fluency, vocabulary, grammar and accuracy, and pronunciation. This book provides guidance in these four areas and explains how they are assessed in the Speaking test.

Following is a list of the skills and strategies that will be tested in the IELTS speaking section:

1. Use of linking words
2. Choice of appropriate words
3. Correcting one’s self
4. Correct use of articles
5. Correct use of the tenses
6. Emphasis on the words to convey meaning
7. Getting the stress right on long words
8. Ability to keep going and talk on the topic
9. Finding a way to say something when you don’t have the right word
10. Ability to join the ideas
11. Use of complex spoken sentences
12. Use of a variety of words and expressions
13. Getting the word order right
14. Speak clearly
15. Production of sounds so that they can be understood
16. Choice of words that go well together
17. Use of idiomatic language
18. Correct use of conditionals

If one is able to cope with the above mentioned tips, the IELTS Speaking Section wouldn’t feel too difficult in that case. The key point is to practice with a friend of a companion. Also, diagnose the weakest point of your speech. Eventually, after a lot of hard work and practice, a score of 8 bands becomes achievable. It is quite common for candidates to feel hesitant about their ability to practice on their own, therefore hiring a good guide or joining the best IELTS institute becomes very essential. Without proper assistance, candidates usually put their scores and eventually, their future at risk, which is certainly not advisable.

Students, who wish to avail proper guidance for IELTS, may give a call at 9878222772 to speak to the experts at New Cambridge College – Gateway to Success… the leading and the best IELTS institute in Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali.