Part 1: Introduction and Interview Common Questions
Common questions examiners frequently ask in Part 1 include topics about:
- Home/Accommodation
- Work/Study
- Hometown
- Family/Friends
- Hobbies/Free time activities
Let’s look at a sample question and response:
Question: “Tell me about your hometown.”
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I come from Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. It’s quite a bustling city with around 8 million people. The city is famous for its traditional cuisine and historical sites.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’m from Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, which is a perfect blend of traditional and modern elements. The city boasts numerous historical landmarks, particularly in the Old Quarter, where thousand-year-old temples coexist harmoniously with contemporary buildings. What makes it truly special is its rich culinary heritage, especially the street food culture.”
IELTS Speaking Test Environment with Examiner and Candidate
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Cue Card:
Describe a skill you would like to learn
You should say:
- What the skill is
- Why you want to learn it
- How you plan to learn it
- And explain how this skill might be useful for your future
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share my thoughts about learning data science, which is a cutting-edge field that I’m particularly keen on developing expertise in. This skill encompasses various aspects including statistical analysis, machine learning, and programming.
The primary reason that drives me to learn data science is its immense potential in today’s digital age. We’re witnessing an unprecedented growth in data generation, and being able to extract meaningful insights from this data is becoming increasingly crucial.
Regarding my learning approach, I’ve mapped out a comprehensive plan. I plan to enroll in specialized online courses through platforms like Coursera and EdX, which offer structured learning paths. Additionally, I’ll complement these courses with hands-on projects to gain practical experience.
Looking ahead, this skill would prove invaluable for my career prospects. Data science is projected to remain in high demand, and possessing expertise in this field would open up numerous opportunities across various industries.”
IELTS Speaking Candidate Delivering Professional Response
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: “Do you think traditional skills are becoming less important in today’s digital world?”
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think traditional skills are still important, but they’re changing with technology. For example, writing is still necessary, but now we need to know how to write for digital platforms. Some traditional skills are becoming less relevant, but the basic principles behind them are still useful.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“While digital transformation is undeniably reshaping our skill requirements, I believe traditional skills remain fundamentally valuable, albeit in evolved forms. They often serve as the foundation for modern capabilities. For instance, critical thinking, which was traditionally cultivated through activities like reading and debate, is now more crucial than ever in navigating the overwhelming amount of digital information. What we’re seeing is not so much a replacement of traditional skills, but rather their adaptation and integration into the digital context.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions for High Scores
- Discourse Markers:
- First and foremost
- To put it another way
- Having said that
- In essence
- Particularly/Especially
- Advanced Collocations:
- To take a systematic approach
- To draw parallels between
- To strike a balance
- To shed light on
- To delve deeper into
- Complex Structures:
- Not only… but also…
- Had it not been for…
- What makes it particularly interesting is…
- It’s worth noting that…
Examiner’s Tips for Success
- Preparation Quality:
- Focus on developing ideas rather than memorizing scripts
- Practice speaking on various topics daily
- Record yourself and analyze your responses
- During the Test:
- Listen carefully to questions and ask for clarification if needed
- Use natural transitions between ideas
- Maintain eye contact and positive body language
- Demonstrate range of vocabulary and grammatical structures naturally
- Common Pitfalls to Avoid:
- Speaking too fast or too slowly
- Using memorized answers
- Giving overly short responses
- Using informal language or slang
Remember, authenticity and natural delivery are key to achieving a high score in IELTS Speaking.
