The IELTS Speaking test is a crucial component that many test-takers find challenging. As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ll share proven strategies and authentic examples to help you achieve your target score. Is IELTS General easier than Academic when it comes to speaking? The assessment criteria remain identical for both versions.
IELTS Speaking Test Environment showing examiner and candidate interaction
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common questions examiners frequently ask:
- What do you do for work/study?
- Tell me about your hometown
- Do you prefer reading books or watching movies?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
Question: “What do you do in your free time?”
“Well, I thoroughly enjoy engaging in various activities during my leisure time. One of my greatest passions is photography, particularly street photography, as it allows me to capture fleeting moments and tell stories through images. I also make a point of reading extensively, especially contemporary literature, which helps me broaden my horizons and improve my vocabulary.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person you admire for their skills:
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What skills they have
- How you know about them
- Why you admire their skills
Sample Answers
Band 6-7 Response:
“I want to talk about my uncle who is a chef. He’s really good at cooking and can make many different dishes. I’ve known him since I was young, and I often watch him cook at family gatherings. His food always tastes amazing, and he’s very passionate about cooking. I admire him because he works hard and makes people happy with his food.”
Band 8-9 Response:
“I’d like to share my admiration for my uncle, who is an accomplished culinary artist. He has mastered the intricacies of both traditional and contemporary cuisine, demonstrating exceptional creativity in his approach to flavor combinations. I’ve had the privilege of observing his culinary journey since childhood, and what particularly strikes me is his unwavering dedication to perfecting his craft. His remarkable ability to transform simple ingredients into extraordinary culinary experiences never ceases to amaze me.”
Part 3: Discussion
Question: “How do you think technology has changed the way people develop new skills?”
Band 8-9 Response:
“Technology has fundamentally transformed the landscape of skill acquisition. Online learning platforms have democratized access to education, enabling people to master new competencies at their own pace. However, it’s worth noting that this digital revolution has also created a potential drawback – the lack of hands-on experience and personal interaction. Describe a time when you learned something valuable from a stranger – this kind of serendipitous learning might become rarer in our increasingly digital world.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
- Demonstrate exceptional (skill) – /dɪˈmɒnstreɪt ɪkˈsepʃənl/ – To show outstanding ability
- Thoroughly enjoy – /ˈθʌrəli ɪnˈdʒɔɪ/ – To completely enjoy something
- Make a point of – /meɪk ə pɔɪnt ɒv/ – To do something deliberately
- Strike a balance – /straɪk ə ˈbæləns/ – To find a compromise between different things
Examiner’s Tips
- Practice speaking with proper rhythm and intonation
- Use a variety of complex sentence structures
- Incorporate topic-specific vocabulary naturally
- Support your answers with relevant examples
- Maintain good eye contact and confident body language
Describe a memorable conversation you had with a stranger can be an excellent topic for practicing these speaking strategies. Remember to describe a wildlife sanctuary you visited with rich vocabulary and detailed descriptions to showcase your language abilities.
