IELTS JOSHUA

          SPEAKING TEST OVERVIEW 

 

The IELTS speaking test is the same for the Academic and for the General Training. The test is made up of three parts, the total length of the speaking test is from 11 to 15 minutes.

 

The first part consists of a short interview–the examiner will introduce him or herself to you, will ask your name and a few questions, giving you the opportunity to relax and to speak.

 

The kind of questions you could be asked in this first part are;

 

Can you tell me something about your hometown?

Are you a student or are you working?

What do you do in your spare time?

 

Click on the video link to watch

a complete speaking test.

 

How should you answer?

Try to speak naturally, be confident and try to expand on your answers, giving details if you can. This is your opportunity to SPEAK ...

Focus more on speaking in a natural manner than trying to impress the examiner. For example, if the examiner asks you, Where are you from? - and you are from Madrid - some IELTS candidates might go on to say that ... ¨I`m from the wonderful city of Madrid where the flowers blossom in early March and ...¨ HOWEVER ... it would be much more natural just to say, ¨I`m from the capital city, Madrid.¨ There will be plenty opportunity to expand on your answers in a natural way later. Also please consider, if a native speaker uses idioms or metaphors, it`s only if the conversation presents itself, she doesn't try to turn a conversation around, just so she can use an idiom. Just focus on speaking clearly and naturally – giving details, using contractions in a normal way.

 

In part 2 of the speaking test the examiner will give you a card with a topic that you should talk about for 1 - 2 minutes. The examiner will also give you paper and pencil for you to make notes. You have 60 seconds to prepare for the speaking part. The topic card will have sub questions, questions which are designed to help you give details and speak freely.

 

In this minute try to write down words which will help direct your thoughts and prepare you to speak and answer the questions. At the end of this 1–2 minute period the examiner will ask you another question and possibly more.. again this is your opportunity to speak and show the examiner your skills.

 

Can you expand on your answers, giving reasons for your opinions and preferences? Feel free to give examples which relate to the topic, perhaps your own experiences or that of others.. however it could be that you give your opinions and speak about your likes, preferences and experiences  but then feel that you have run out of things to say.

How about comparing the PRESENT situation with the PAST. For example the conversation might be about the effects of the internet on society and your opinions about this. You could talk about the benefits of having access to the internet, and go on to compare that with how people used to live and get information. You might also be able to speak about the FUTURE, contemplating future changes in technology and how they may affect society. By doing this you will have a fine opportunity to show the examiner that you can talk about the present, the past, and the future.

 

Also try to speak about the ADVANTAGES and DISADVANTAGES of the subject or topic. For example if the examiner asks your opinion about the internet, or home schooling or globalisation.. any subject.. you can give your opinion and talk about the advantages and disadvantages, giving examples if you are able. Remember, the examiner wants to hear you SPEAK.

 

Points to remember;

• Speak naturally and be confident.

• Expand on your answers.

• Try to compare present, past and the future related to the topic.

• Speak about advantages and disadvantages.

 

 

 

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