How To Pass IELTS Speaking?
You might have heard people’s varied opinions about the IELTS Speaking exam, leaving you uncertain about the assessment. However, taking chances is not an option.
When you embark on a journey to conquer the International English Language Testing System, a speaking test can be nerve-wracking. But fear not, dispel the notion of apprehension, and implement a strategic approach.
Unlike other exams, IELTS Speaking demands spontaneity. Your first response holds the power to create a lasting impression. Hence, meticulous preparation becomes paramount.
We unlock the secrets to pass the IELTS Speaking exam with confidence. So, discover the proven strategies that pave the way to success.
7 Proven Strategies For Your IELTS Speaking Exam
Below are the strategies to improve your fluency, vocabulary, linguistic structure, and pronunciation to achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking.
1. Use Grammatical Structures
Examiners assess your fluency, coherence, lexical, grammatical accuracy, and pronunciation to mark the IELTS speaking band score. Use several grammatical structures and focus on correct tenses.
You can speak to your friends or record your voice to spot the errors. Analyze the errors and correct them.
When communicating in English, it’s essential to balance simplicity and complexity. Follow simple, compound, and complex sentence structure that works well.
Simple sentences are clear and concise statements using subject-verb-object to give direct answers.
Compound sentences use coordinating conjunctions such as ‘and,’ ‘but,’ or ‘so’ to link independent clauses, showing your proficiency level in connecting thoughts.
While complex sentences show your ability to express complex ideas, using subordinating conjunctions such as ‘although,’ ‘because,’ or while to add dependent clauses.
2. Don’t Use Complex Words
If you think you can impress the examiner with complex words – you’re wrong. Avoid using words that the common audience is unfamiliar with since you could mispronounce or use them inappropriately.
Thus, master vocabulary and speak words relevant to your topic. Simple words convey ideas more properly than intricate ones. Make a list to learn new words or phrases related to different niches.
3. Don’t Use Filler Words
Filler words or redundant phrases don’t add value to the context. These words detract from the clarity and conciseness of the speech, making it boring.
Thus, if you want to sound fluent and confident, use precise language to clearly convey the meaning.
Some filler words include:
- Well
- Like
- Yeah
- Yup
- Umm
- Ahm
4. Avoid Memorizing Answers
Memorizing is a shortcut to success. However, it can ruin your performance. It restricts your ability to respond flexibly to the examiner’s questions.
The IELTS Speaking test assesses how you engage in a natural conversation and express your thoughts and opinions in real-time. When you rely on memorized answers, you might struggle to respond to unexpected questions or follow-ups.
Examiners easily identify scripted responses. Thus, they can further test your language proficiency, negatively impacting your score. Hence, authenticity and spontaneity are valued in the speaking test.
5. Develop Coherence & Cohesion
When speaking, your ideas should flow seamlessly, connecting one thought with the next. Structure your response, and use linking words and phrases to enhance coherence. Organize your arguments or stories so the examiner grasps your key points faster.
To develop coherence:
- Begin with an introduction to provide an overview of your topic or opinion.
- Develop ideas systematically and discuss supporting points or examples.
- Summarize your main points and conclude with a final thought.
6. Speak With Fluency
Fluency contributes to your IELTS overall band score, maintaining the language and the speech, creating a perfect balance. If you take pauses, hesitate, or speak slowly, it shows poor fluency. Therefore, speak naturally to ensure clarity and diction.
In addition, you develop fluency when you speak with correct grammar and vocabulary. And you can master it with consistent practice. Practice speaking aloud to improve your pronunciation, and focus on word stressors, intonation, and sentence rhythm. Also, add phonetic exercises to your practice routine to refine your speaking skills.
7. Give Detailed Answer
‘Yes’ or ‘No’ isn’t an appropriate answer. When an examiner poses a question, show them your English speaking proficiency. Short answers don’t help the examiner judge how good your English is. So extend your answers, add explanations, and quote examples to show your communication skills.
Conclusion
If you want to pass the IELTS, preparation, consistent practice, and strong passion help you score higher. Engage in mock conversations and participate in speaking practice sessions to refine your fluency and coherence.
Mastering the test questions isn’t enough, but developing effective communication skills takes you a long way in the IELTS Speaking exam.
Hold your confidence high,
Catch you soon,
Janet