The IELTS Speaking test consists of three parts, designed to assess your fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar range, and pronunciation. The test lasts around 11-14 minutes and includes a face-to-face interview with an examiner. One common topic you might encounter is “Describe a time when you gave someone a compliment.” This question evaluates your ability to narrate personal experiences, describe emotions, and use appropriate language.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself, such as your hobbies, interests, or daily activities. This part lasts about 4-5 minutes.
Here’s a typical question you might get:
Sample Question
Q: Do you often give compliments to other people?
Suggested Answer
Yes, I often give compliments to others because I believe it’s a simple yet effective way to make someone’s day better. For example, just last week, I complimented my colleague on her presentation skills, and it seemed to boost her confidence. Compliments create a positive atmosphere and foster stronger relationships.
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic. You will have one minute to prepare and will need to speak for about two minutes.
Cue Card
Describe a time when you gave someone a compliment. You should say:
- Who you gave the compliment to
- What the compliment was
- Why you gave the compliment
- And explain how they reacted.
Sample Answer
One particular instance that comes to mind is when I complimented one of my close friends, Lisa, on her cooking skills. Last summer, Lisa invited me over for dinner, and she prepared an exquisite three-course meal. I was particularly impressed by the main dish, which was a beautifully cooked salmon with a unique herb crust. I told Lisa that her culinary skills were outstanding and that she could easily compete with professional chefs. I gave her this compliment genuinely because I wanted to acknowledge her effort and talent in cooking. Lisa was initially modest about it, but I could see how much my words meant to her. She beamed with pride and told me that my appreciation encouraged her to pursue cooking even more passionately.
Follow-up Questions
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Why do you think giving compliments is important in our society?
- Suggested Answer: Giving compliments is crucial because it fosters positivity and mutual respect. Compliments can boost someone’s confidence and strengthen interpersonal relationships. They serve as a simple yet powerful way to acknowledge and appreciate someone’s efforts or qualities.
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Have you ever received a compliment that made a significant impact on you?
- Suggested Answer: Yes, I remember receiving a compliment from my English professor who praised my presentation skills. she said I had the potential to be a great public speaker. This encouragement significantly impacted my self-confidence and motivated me to pursue public speaking further.
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract and analytical questions related to the topic in Part 2. This part lasts about 4-5 minutes.
Examiner’s Questions
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In what situations do people generally give compliments in your culture?
- Suggested Answer: In my culture, people give compliments on various occasions, such as during festive celebrations, social gatherings, and professional accomplishments. For example, at weddings, it is customary to compliment the bride and groom on their appearance and their choice of venue. In professional settings, colleagues often compliment each other for achieving milestones or delivering excellent work.
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Is it more important to give compliments in professional or personal relationships?
- Suggested Answer: While giving compliments is important in both professional and personal relationships, I believe it holds more significance in professional settings. Compliments at the workplace can boost morale, encourage productivity, and create a supportive environment. They can be instrumental in recognizing hard work and fostering a sense of belonging among team members.
Tips for Excelling in IELTS Speaking
Practice Fluency and Coherence
Practice speaking without hesitation and organize your thoughts logically. Use linkers and connectors to maintain coherence.
Expand Your Vocabulary
Use a range of vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions, and avoid repetition.
Focus on Grammar and Pronunciation
Employ a variety of grammatical structures and ensure your pronunciation is clear.
Stay Calm and Confident
Confidence reflects positively in your performance. Practice deep breaths to manage nervousness.
Get Feedback
Regularly practice with peers or teachers and get feedback to identify areas for improvement.
By preparing in these ways, you can excel in your IELTS Speaking test and achieve a high band score. For more tips on mastering IELTS, check out our article on How to Manage Stress in IELTS Speaking.