Preparing for your IELTS Speaking Test

There are several ways you can prepare for your IELTS speaking test.

Practice, practice, practice

As with everything related to the IELTS test, you may know that practice is also 100% necessary for the speaking test.

The first thing you need to do is start speaking in English wherever you are! It is never a good idea to speak English in a class and then go out with friends, or go home to your family and speak in your mother tongue! It really is the best practice you can give yourself in order to help you get the score you need!

If you have any English speaking friends, ask them if they would spare you some time to sit and have a conversation with you about different every day subjects to see if you are using the right vocabulary, or right phrases.

I would also strongly recommend watching the BBC News. By listening to the presenters you will be able to see how they break between sentences. You will also hear the right intonation being used, and of course, the correct English pronunciation of words.

Don't think for one minute that you need to have the same pronunciation as a native speaker. It's only important that you are able to pronounce words clearly, so as to be understood. Different accents are always acceptable, as long as you are clear.

You should also read newspapers. What? Why should you have to read newspapers for the speaking test? Well....you will get to read about a lot of everyday topics and happenings which will come in very handy when you take the test. This is also true for the writing test too!

Some candidates feel quite worried about Part 2 of the test. The way to overcome this is to practice speaking about everyday topics in front of a mirror. Time yourself and make sure that you can speak for just over two minutes - the examiner will stop you at 2 minutes.

Sign up to one of Mobile Testing Solutions' IELTS courses, where you will be able to practice your speaking there too!

What happens in the IELTS Speaking Test

IELTS Speaking Test: Part 1

The entire test will be recorded.

Part 1 is just a general introduction where you will be asked to identify yourself, and to show your passport to the examiner.

Once the checks have been made you will be asked a few questions about yourself. Don't feel you have to talk non-stop!

Be guided by the examiner's expressions, as they will indicate when you need to stop.

You will then be asked a few questions about a couple of different topics. These topics are very general. Again, if you watch the news or read newspapers, the answers will be very easy for you to answer.

IELTS Speaking Test: Part 2

You will be given a topic, but before that, listen to what the examiner tells you. You will be given a minute to prepare. MAKE SURE YOU USE IT! Many, many candidates read their topic and say they want to start speaking straight away. DON'T DO THIS! The candidates who do start straightaway are usually not able to speak for more than one minute! Use the time given to you to prepare. Make notes on the piece of paper the examiner will give to you. Make a plan. It really does help you to keep talking.

Sometimes, it is necessary for the examiner to tell you to stop speaking (this could happen at any time during the test). This means that the examiner needs to move onto the next question or part of the test. If an examiner stops you speaking mid-sentence, or before you've finished discussion your topic in Part 2, don't feel that you have done something wrong. You haven't!

While you are talking, try to avoid fiddling with the pen or piece of paper. Sometimes this can affect the recording. It is better to talk without anything in your hand.

You will be asked to give the piece of paper back to the examiner, along with the writing materials.

IELTS Speaking Test: Part 3

By this time, candidates usually feel a little more relaxed. Your examiner will take you through a series of questions related to the topic you were given.

Make sure you understand the question. It is ok to ask the examiner if you are not sure what was said.

This part is a two-way conversation between you and the examiner.

When the examiner brings the test to a close, you must not ask the examiner how you did in the test. The examiner is not allowed to discuss anything with you once the test has finished.

Overview

The most important thing to do in preparation for the IELTS speaking test is to practice, and practice every day. It will not be enough to practice once a week in class if you want to score well. I cannot stress this enough!

As long as you do practice, you will find that you will feel more relaxed during the entire test.

Wishing you all the very best of luck in your test!