During an IELTS Speaking test, it’s natural to feel a mix of nerves and a desire to perform your best. You might find yourself wondering if you can clarify instructions, ask for repetition, or even check if your understanding of a question is correct. While the IELTS examiner is there to guide you, the interaction is structured to assess your spoken English proficiency. Let’s explore the boundaries of communication during your IELTS Speaking test.
Clarifying Instructions and Asking for Repetition
What you can do: It’s perfectly acceptable to ask the examiner to repeat a question or instruction if you didn’t catch it the first time. You can use phrases like:
- “Could you please repeat that?”
- “I’m sorry, I didn’t quite understand. Could you say that again?”
What to avoid: Remember, constantly asking for repetition can affect your fluency score. Try to focus and grasp the question as clearly as possible on the first attempt.
Asking for Definitions
What you can do: If you encounter an unfamiliar word in a question, it’s generally acceptable to ask for its meaning. Use phrases like:
- “Could you explain what [unfamiliar word] means?”
- “I’m not sure I understand the meaning of [unfamiliar word].”
What to avoid: Avoid asking for definitions of common words that you should reasonably know at your target band level. The examiner is assessing your vocabulary, so overusing this tactic can be detrimental.
Checking Your Understanding of a Question
What you can do: While you cannot directly ask the examiner if your understanding is correct, you can rephrase the question to confirm. For example:
- Examiner: “Tell me about a time you had to adapt to a new situation.”
- You: “So, you’d like me to describe an experience where I had to adjust to something unfamiliar?”
What to avoid: Do not expect the examiner to confirm or deny your interpretation. The aim is to rephrase subtly and proceed with your response.
Tips for Success
- Listen attentively: Pay close attention to the examiner from the start to minimize the need for repetition.
- Practice paraphrasing: Get into the habit of rephrasing questions during your IELTS Speaking practice sessions. This will make it feel more natural during the actual test.
- Focus on fluency: While clarifying doubts is fine, remember that your fluency is being assessed. Avoid long pauses or hesitations while formulating your questions.
Example from a Real IELTS Speaking Test
Examiner: “Describe a memorable event from your childhood.”
Candidate: “Could you please clarify what you mean by ‘memorable’? Do you mean a happy event or any event that stands out?”
Examiner: “Describe an event from your childhood that you remember well.”
In this example, the candidate sought clarification on the word “memorable.” The examiner provided a slightly rephrased version of the question without explicitly stating if the candidate’s understanding was accurate.
Conclusion
While the IELTS Speaking test has a formal structure, you have some leeway to ensure you understand the questions and instructions. Remember to use appropriate phrases, be concise, and prioritize clear communication to demonstrate your English language proficiency effectively.