IELTS Speaking Latest Test: Latest Key Facts, Interview and Speaking Latest Tips .

 

IELTS Speaking Test: Key Facts

Duration: Between 11 and 14 minutes.
Participants: Candidates interviewed individually. The test is recorded.
Format: The test consists of three parts.

Part 1 of the Ielts Speaking test lasts between 5 minutes. The examiner will ask simple 'know-you' questions that will help the examiner find out a little about you and help you relax. These will be common questions such as your family, your studies, your background or any of your interests.

Example questions

Q: Where are you from?

Q: Why are you learning English?

Q: Have you ever visited English-speaking countries?

Q: Do you play a game?

 

Tips!

Providing complete, appropriate answers to the examiner's questions will help the interview to get off to a good start.

1) Avoid giving short, nonverbal answers.

Q: Where are you from?

A: I come from Hoorn in the Netherlands. (Don't stop there!) About 35 miles north of Amsterdam. A modern city with a rich history and a lovely place to live.

2) Avoid short answers, 'yes', 'no' to closed questions. (These are the starting questions 'Do you ...', 'Do you ...', 'Do you ...' etc can be easily answered with a yes or no answer).

Q: Have you ever visited English-speaking countries?

A: Yes. (Don't stop there!) I went to England last year and spent two weeks sightseeing. A few years ago I went to New York with my parents and had a great time.

Q: Do you play a game?

IMP: No. (Don't stop there!) I really don't like playing sports. I love watching sports on TV and I really enjoyed going to the Olympics recently.

3) Give examples that will help you explain the statement.

Q: Why are you preparing for the Ielts exam?

A: Because I need it in my studies. (Don't stop there!) I have been offered a place at the University of England to study for an MBA but I need to show my level of English good enough.

Section 2 (Long Curve)

Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test lasts between  2 and 5 minutes (including 2 minute preparation time). The examiner gives you a work card and you should discuss the topic without interruption between 1 and 2 minutes.

An example of work

Example 1) Describe a place you visited that you have fond memories of.

You should say:

 

where it was

why did you go there

what have you done there

and what it was about the place that made it so memorable.

Example 2) Describe something you like about yourself.

You should say:

what this property is

when you first get it

if you use it

and why it is so important to you.

Tips!

1. Use your 1 minute preparation time wisely and write down the points you would like to make.

2. The question will help you with the structure of your speech. The introduction may include the item itself and perhaps a brief description. The theme of your talk can describe the situation when you find something and then continue to explain when you use it. Then you can conclude with an explanation of why something is so important.

3. Try to avoid giving a very dry, thoughtless introduction such as 'The thing I will explain is ....'. Make your speech a memorable start with something in the lines: 'If I had to lose everything and save one thing it would be mine ...', or 'I have a few things that mean a lot. for me but the highlight is mine ... '

4. If you are worried about not having enough to talk about it for 1 to 2 minutes or running out of time before you finish, the answer is to exercise as often as possible. Take time to ask your friend for an answer.

Section 3: (Two-Way Discussion)

In Phase 3 of the test, which lasts between 3 and 4 minutes, the examiner will ask you questions related to the topic in Part 2.

Sample questions (Based on the article in section 2 above)

Q: It is sometimes argued that local culture is being undermined by tourism. Why do you think people might hear this?

Q: What benefits do people get from visiting other countries?

Q: Do you think people are becoming more and more materialistic?

Q: How much do people's buying habits affect advertising?

Tips!

1. If you need time to gather your thoughts use expressions (slightly) such as: 'That's a good question.', 'Well, let me think ...'.

2. Do not forget to avoid short answers, 'yes', 'no'. Try to give examples to support the statement.

3. Help make your offerings memorable. Try to explain the point using a brief, personal anecdote.

4. If the examiner asks a question that you do not understand, control the situation with questions like the one below. Responding in this way will show evidence of your communication skills.

A) If the examiner uses a word or phrase that you do not understand, say something like this:

"Sorry but you can explain what you mean by ......" or

"I've never met that word / phrase before. Can you explain what it means?"

B) If you have not heard something asked, reply:

"Sorry, I didn't catch that. Can you say that again?"

"I'm sorry but can you repeat that?"

C) If you want to make sure you understand what the examiner asked you to say:

"You mean ..........."

“When you say ........,do you mean / ask ............?