As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered countless students who wonder about the importance of answering all questions in the IELTS Speaking test. Some believe that staying silent on unfamiliar topics is better than giving a flawed response. However, let me assure you that answering all questions is crucial for achieving a high score in IELTS Speaking.
The Significance of Answering All Questions
The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. This involves not just vocabulary and grammar but also fluency and coherence. When you leave a question unanswered, you directly impact these crucial aspects:
1. Fluency and Coherence
Hesitations and long pauses disrupt the flow of your speech, affecting your fluency score. A smooth transition between ideas and a consistent speaking pace demonstrate strong coherence, which is vital for a high score.
2. Resourcefulness
The IELTS examiner wants to see how you handle challenging situations. Answering all questions, even if you’re unsure of the answer, demonstrates your ability to think on your feet and maintain a conversation.
3. Comprehension
Answering all questions indicates to the examiner that you’ve understood the questions and are engaging with the task. It shows your willingness to participate actively in the conversation.
Strategies for Tackling Challenging Questions
Now that you understand the importance of answering all questions, let’s explore some strategies for dealing with challenging ones:
1. Use Filler Phrases
Filler phrases like “That’s an interesting question…”, “Let me think for a second…”, or “I haven’t considered that before, but…” buy you valuable thinking time without disrupting the flow of the conversation.
2. Paraphrase and Rephrase
If you’re unsure about a specific vocabulary word or phrase in the question, try to paraphrase it or use synonyms to demonstrate your understanding. For example, if the question is “What is your opinion on globalization?”, you could rephrase it as “What do you think about the interconnectedness of the world today?”.
3. Draw from Personal Experience
Relate the question to your own life experiences, even if the connection seems tangential. This shows your ability to think creatively and personalize your responses.
4. Be Honest and Polite
It’s perfectly acceptable to admit if you don’t have in-depth knowledge about a particular topic. You can say, “I’m not very familiar with this topic, but I can share my general thoughts.” or “I haven’t had much experience in that area, but I’m eager to learn more.”
IELTS Speaking Test Tips
Examples from Real IELTS Speaking Tests
Let’s consider a few examples of how you can answer challenging questions effectively:
Question: What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a big city?
Possible Answer (If you have limited experience living in a big city): “While I haven’t personally lived in a big city, I imagine the advantages would include greater job opportunities and access to cultural attractions. On the other hand, I suppose the disadvantages could be higher living costs and a faster pace of life.”
Question: Describe a time when you had to adapt to a new situation.
Possible Answer (If you struggle to recall a specific event): “Adapting to new situations is something I often encounter in my studies. For instance, when I started learning English, I had to adapt to a completely different way of thinking about language.”
Key Takeaways for Success
Remember, the IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your communicative ability, not your knowledge on specific topics. By employing these strategies and practicing regularly, you can confidently answer all questions and achieve your desired IELTS score.
