simon-speaking-advices_part1_2_3.pdf

IELTS Speaking: Basic Information The IELTS Speaking Test is the final part of the exam. Your test will be at some time between 1.30pm and 5.00pm. You can take only your ID document into the exam room. The test lasts between 11 and 14 minutes. You will be interviewed by an examiner who will record your conversation. Timing is strictly controlled by the examiner, so don't be surprised if he or she interrupts you during an answer. There are 3 parts to the Speaking Test: 1. Introduction/ interview: around 10 questions in 4 to 5 minutes. 2. Short presentation: talk for 2 minutes with 1 minute to prepare. 3. Discussion: around 5 questions in 4 to 5 minutes. Preparation is the key to a good score in IELTS Speaking. Different skills are tested in each part, so you need to know exactly what to do. We can predict the kinds of questions that the examiner will ask. We'll prepare ideas, possible answers and good vocabulary for each part of the test. IELTS Speaking: advice Here are a few simple tips that could make a difference to your score: 1. Be confident Although you might be nervous, try to speak clearly and confidently. Smile, be friendly, and make eye contact with the examiner. As you go into the exam, tell yourself that you have prepared well and that you're going to enjoy the challenge. 2. Know that you are prepared You will feel much more confident if you know that you have prepared and practised for the test. You should know exactly what to expect. For example, have you prepared some common topics (e.g. describe a place, a person, a hobby) for the short presentation? Are you ready for a past and a future question in part 3? 3. Imagine the examiner is your friend Try to enjoy a normal conversation with the examiner. Instead of worrying about your grammar, listen carefully to the questions and try to give natural answers. Most of the questions are about you, your life and your opinions, so it's best to be open. I used to be an examiner, and I always found the job more interesting when students spoke openly about their opinions and experiences. IELTS Speaking: informal expressions Yesterday I wrote about 'an event' for IELTS Speaking Part 2. Some of the expressions I used were informal:  we chatted (talked)  to get together with (meet)  to catch up with (talk to someone you haven't seen for a while)  what my friends had been up to (had been doing)  to wind down (relax after something tiring) The examiner would consider these phrases to be “less common vocabulary“. In other words, a few phrasal verbs or informal expressions can help you to get a high score in IELTS Speaking. IELTS Speaking: using the 1-minute preparation time Martin asked a great question: “What's the best way to use the 1-minute preparation time in part 2 of the speaking test?“ I must admit, I don't have a good answer to this question (yet). I'm going to try some different approaches with my students this week - hopefully I'll find some answers. If anyone has any suggestions, feel free to share them in the “comments“ area. I'll share my ideas on Friday. IELTS Speaking: if you don't know the answer How do you answer a question when you don't know anything about the topic? There are 2 things you can do: 1. Be honest and explain why you don't know 2. Guess, and tell the examiner that you are guessing Example question: How has technology affected the kinds of music that are popular with young people? My answer, using both tips above: (1) To be honest I don't really know the answer to that because I'm completely out of touch with what young people are listening to, and I'm not a fan of pop music. (2) However, I suppose that technology must have affected music. Maybe young people are listening to music that has been made using computer software instead of real musical instruments like the piano or guitar. Note: Can you see any “band 7 vocabulary“ in my answer? IELTS Speaking: work or study These are common questions at the start of the speaking test: 1. Do you work or are you a student? 2. Do you like your job / course? Why / why not? Example answers: 1. Before I came to England I was working as an accountant, but at the moment I'm studying English because I hope to do a Master's here. 2. Yes, I really like my job because it's interesting and I work with a great team of people. OR: Yes, I enjoy studying English, but my real aim is to do a Master's and then find a job in an international company. Note: Don't ask the examiner: “Do you mean in my country or here in England?“ - it doesn't matter. Don't worry if you have a job and study at the same time - you can mention both. IELTS Speaking: use what you know In parts 2 and 3 of the IELTS speaking test, you need to make quick decisions about what to talk about. Always try to talk about a topic you have prepared or something you know about. Here are some examples: Part 2: Describe a law in your country. Advice: Choose a typical IELTS topic like “guns“. Explain why people in your country。