IELTS TIPSFOR SPEAKING –EXAMINER APPROVED
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INTRODUCTION
If you’re reading this guide, chances are you’re either preparing
for IELTS yourself, or supporting someone who is going to sit thetest.
You know that preparation is the key to success in IELTS andyou’re ready to put the time and effort into improving your English
and perfecting your test technique.
Whether your goal is to study, work or live in an English-speaking
environment, this list of examiner approved test tips will help youto understand what examiners are looking for and provide helpful
insights and reminders to help you do your best in the IELTS
Speaking test.

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SPEAKING TEST FORMATThe Speaking component is the same for both tests (IELTS Academic andIELTS General Training). There are three parts. The test is recorded.

Introduction &Interview(4-5 minutes)

The examiner introduces him/herself and asks you to introduce
yourself and confirm your identity. The examiner asks you
general questions on familiar topics, (e.g. family, work, studies
and interests).

Individual long turn
(3-4 minutes)

The examiner gives you a task card which asks you to talkabout a particular topic and which includes points you cancover in your talk. You are given one minute to prepare yourtalk, and you are given a pencil and paper to make notes. You
talk for one to two minutes on the topic. The examiner thenasks you one or two questions on the same topic.

Two-way discussion(4-5 minutes)

The examiner asks further questions which are connected tothe topic of Part 2. This gives you an opportunity to discuss
more general issues and ideas.

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SPEAKING TIPS
1. In the lead up to the Speaking test, make sure you take the

4. Try to avoid repeating the words used in thetime to practise speaking English – with friends, at work and on
the phone. You could also consider recording yourself, so you
can listen back to your responses to help you improve.

examiner’s question. Use your own words, to show theexaminer your full ability.

2. There are no right or wrong answers in the Speaking test.
The examiner will assess you on how well you can express yourideas and opinions.

5. Speak clearly and at a natural pace. If you speak
too quickly, you may make mistakes or pronounce words
incorrectly.

6. Answer in as much detail as you can. Don’t just
3. It will help you to feel relaxed if you imagine
you are talking to a friend. Remember that you
are not being assessed on your opinions, rather
on your use of English.

answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Try to develop your response toeach question − draw on your own experience and give
examples. The examiner wants to hear whether you cantalk at length on a range of topics.

Sometimes the examiner may have to stop you
mid-sentence to ensure the test is fair for all candidates.
That doesn't mean the examiner isn't interested or isn't
listening to what you have to say. The Speaking
examiner is there to support you to get the best
demonstration of your language skills.

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7. Use the correct verb tense when answering questions inthe Speaking test. Listen carefully to the question and notice
which verb tense is used. For example, if the question is‘What kind of music do you like?’ (in the present tense) youranswer should also be in the present tense (e.g. ‘I like popmusic best’). You can go on to use other tenses as you extend
your response, e.g. ‘I haven’t always enjoyed that kind ofmusic...’.

10. In Part 2, the examiner will give you a task cardand some paper. You then have one minute to prepare
your answer. First think about the topic and then decide
which is the most appropriate tense to use in yourresponse. You should use the same tense(s) as thequestions on the card.

8. Practise the pronunciation of numbers to be sure that yourmeaning is clear. For example, many numbers can sound very
similar when spoken, so be sure to say them clearly, e.g. ‘Thirty’and ‘Thirteen’, ‘Forty’ and ‘Fourteen’, ‘Fifty’ and ‘Fifteen’ etc.

11. Try to answer as fully as possible and givereasons for your answers. This will help you to use awider range of vocabulary and grammar.

9. It is better to use simple, commonly usedvocabulary and to use it correctly than to use
advanced vocabulary that you are unsure about.
However, to get a high score, you must show you
know how to use more advanced vocabulary.

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MORE ESSENTIAL TOOLSIn addition to the tips provided here, we have a range of other official IDP Education
IELTS preparation tools available including:

IELTS Support Tools – a step-by-step guide to improve your language
and test taking skills, available to download from IELTS.com.

IELTS Essentials Facebook Page – an active community of more than
1 million test takers, monitored daily by an IELTS expert who answers
questions and posts test tips.

IELTS Essentials YouTube Channel – lots of free IELTS preparation
videos and support.

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