IELTS Speaking

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Techniques about IELTS speaking task.

  1. last 11 to 14 minutes overall, timing is very strict.

  2. Natural language, not difficult language.

  3. Answer as quickly as you can

Part 1 : focus on fluency

[Overviews]

  1. last 4 to 5 minutes
  2. 10 or 11 questions
  3. 3 topic areas
  4. It’s an easy warm-up

Answer each question under 30 seconds, so quick question, quick answer.

[technique]

  1. Try to show fluency
  2. Don’t stop and think
  3. Don’t worry about vocabulary or grammar
  4. Give short, simple answers
  5. Answer the question, then give it a reason. One or two sentences is enough.
  6. Stop with confidence, don’t keep talking, smile at the examiner.

Way to Practice

Ask yourself questions begin with ‘Do you like….?’.

Example

What’s your favorite color?

My favorite color is blue because it’s the color of the sky on a nice day.

Part 2 : focus on vocabulary

[overview]

  1. 3 to 4 minutes
  2. Get a Task Card, pencil and note. Prepare for 1 minute
  3. Speak for 2 minute

[technique]

  1. Idea and vocabulary is more important than grammar or linking
  2. go with the same order as the structure of task card
  3. say as much as you can for each point
  4. Speak naturally, explain in detail

Way to practice

Prepare for common topic area because the question would repeat in a good chance.

6 main topic areas: Describe [a person], [a place], [an object], [an event], [an activity], [your favorites]

Prepare more ideas.

Describe a person

[question structure]

  1. Who(appearance, personality)
  2. What he / she does
  3. When / how/ where you met
  4. how you know about this person
  5. why you like this person

[kinds of people]

teacher, friend, family member, famous person, child, someone who helps people, someone who does something well

[Detailed preparation tip] (before exam)

  1. Think of a ‘theme’ for all kind person above.
  2. Start with easy adjectives
  3. Search for better words and phrases
  4. Think of examples or stories to demonstrate each theme

Eg.

  1. Theme “hardworking”

    then adjectives could be “busy, active”

    words and phrases for this theme could be “conscientious, someone you can count on, enthusiastic, energetic, studious, persistent, motivated, determined to succeed, someone who sees things through, a good team player, likes to challenge himself”

  2. Theme “friendly”

    then adjectives could be “kind, caring”

    words and phrases for this theme could be “generous, unselfish, big-hearted, supportive, down-to-earth, easy going, always there when you need him/her, someone who cheers me up, a big/magnetic personality, lights up the room”

Describe a place

[question structure]

Describe a place:

which place

where

what you did / can do there

why you like it

[kinds of places]

a city you've visited

a city you would like to visit

somewhere you went on holiday

a river/lake/sea

a journey where you went

(We can prepare a place for all question above)

a historic place

a shop

a restaurant

a street market

[preparation]

  1. Think of a ‘theme’ for every places above.
  2. Start with easy adjectives
  3. Search for better words and phrases
  4. Think of examples or stories to demonstrate each theme

eg.

  1. Theme “an interesting place”

    Easy adjectives: fun, lively

    Words and phrases: fascinating, unforgettable, the time flew by, bustling, hectic, thriving, cosmopolitan, multicultural, fascinating, unique, a special atmosphere, sightseeing, entertainment, an unforgettable experience, enjoyed every minute, endless things to see and do, it was over too quickly

  2. Theme “historic place”

    Easy adjectives: ancient

    Words and phrases: old buildings, palaces, statues, monuments, landmarks, where great events took place, connection to the past, reminders of the past, everywhere you look, full of history, a rich cultural heritage

  3. Theme “friendly restaurant”

    Easy adjectives: welcoming, inviting

    Words and phrases: warm, approachable, polite, thoughful, attentive, great atmosphere, make you feel at home, the service was excellent, nothing was too much to ask, an unforgettable evening, we lost track of time because, the waiters really made us feel special

Describe an object

[question structure] what, where, who, how, why

[kinds of object]

something you own, something you would like to won, something you use every day, a piece of electronic equipment, a gift you received, a gift you gave, something old that you own

[preparation]

  1. Choose an object that could be used for any of the topics above
  2. Think of a theme for this object
  3. Search for better words and phrases
  4. Think of examples or stories to demonstrate each theme

eg.

  1. Theme “electronic watch features”

    Words and phrases: synchronise with phone / computer, contacts, photos, emails, store music, receive notifications, search the web, it responds to voice commands, make ‘contactless’ purchases, track exercise goals, fashion accessory - it looks stunning

  2. Theme “electronic watch useful”

    Words and phrases: various features and functions, organise my life, work, appointments, social life, check calendar at a glance, set reminders and notifications, practical, functional, convenient, the ultimate in portable devices, instant access to…, couldn’t live without it

  3. Theme “old watch”

    Words and phrases: antique, I’m emotionally attached to it, it reminds me of, it brings back happy memories, traditional clock dial and hands, color, minimalistic design, classic, durable, resilient, well-made

Describe an event

[question structure] what, where, who, why

[kinds of events]

an important event in your life, a festival in your country, a party, a celebration

a sports event that you watched

a concert or music event

[preparation]

  1. Think of a theme for all the events
  2. Search for better words and phrases
  3. Think of examples or stories to demonstrate each theme
  4. search on the internet for ideas about the particular events that you would choose
  5. Describe what happened step by step, from the beginning to the end of the event

e.g.

  1. Theme “a special event”

    Memorable, unforgettable, spectacular, fantasitic, wonderful, a day to remember, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I had a great time, I enjoyed every minute, I was blown away, I couldn’t have asked for more, it exceeded my expectations

  2. Theme “the place of an event”

    The venue, a perfect / prime location, beautifully decorated, the decoration / lighting was … ,spectacular, romantic, a lovely setting, a fantastic atmosphere, we were impressed by…, service, staff, attention

  3. Theme “Wedding”

    Bride, groom, guests, ceremony, marriage vows, speech, wedding reception, flowers, clothing, cake

  4. Theme “festival”

    What it commemorates, religious significance, gifts, decorations, customs, special meal, public holiday

  5. Theme “sports”

    Athletes, crowd, spectators, stadium, commentators, the contest

  6. Theme “concert”

    Band, group, orchestra, lighting, sound, stage, crowdd, audience, instruments, voice, song, piece of music

Describe an activity

[question structure] what, where, who, why

[kinds of events]

a hobby, a sport, a game

something healthy that you do

something new that you have done recently

[preparation]

Think of a theme for all the events.

Think of examples or stories to demonstrate each theme.

e.g.

  1. a healthy sport (swimming)

    Keep fit, stay in good condition, get in better shape, feel refreshed, rejuvenated, invigorated, gives me an energy boost, a good cardiovascular workout, build strength and endurance, a low-impact sport, helps to relieve stress, relaxing, helps to clear my mind

    Example of the theme: Yesterday I had a lot on my mind, but as soon as I hit the water, all of my troubles disappeared.

  2. an enjoyable game (chess)

    Board game, a chess set, pieces e.g. king, queen, bishop, taking the opponents pieces, checkmate, hone my skills, thinking ahead, out-think / outwit the opponent, concentration, metal workout, problem solving, strategy, learn from mistakes / losses

    Example of the theme: I had one friend who always beat me, but I copied his strategies when playing other people.

Describe your favorite

[question structure] what, when, where, who, why, how

[kinds of favorite]

Film, book or TV programme

song / piece of music

website

Advertisement

[preparation]

connect and use ideas from other topic

Part 3 : focus on structure

[Overview]

3 to 6 questions

4 to 5 minutes

Give long, detailed answers

[steps]

  1. Answer the question directly
  2. Explain your answer (reason)
  3. Give an example
  4. Explain the opposite/alternative (what would happen if…)

[technique]

Focus on structure, make it long and clear.

[examples]

Do you think that it’s better to have clear aims for the future, or is it best to take each day as it comes?

(Answer) I think it’s best to have a good idea of what you want to do with your life, especially in terms of studies and career. (Why) Having aims allows you to plan waht you need to do today and tomorrow in order to achieve longerterm objectives. (Example) For example, if you want to become a doctor, you need to choose the right subjects at school, get the right exam results, and work hard at university. (Opposite) Without a clear aim, it would be impossible to take the necessary steps towards a career in medicine, or any other profession.