how to prepare for ielts in 5 days is crucial, but understanding the speaking test format and requirements is even more important for success.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common examiner questions about daily life topics:
- “Tell me about your hometown”
- “What do you do in your free time?”
- “Do you prefer reading physical books or e-books?”
Sample answer for “Do you prefer reading physical books or e-books?” (Band 8-9):
“I actually prefer physical books because they offer a more tangible and immersive experience. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the texture of paper and the distinct aroma of a new book. Moreover, I find that reading physical books helps me retain information better and causes less eye strain compared to digital screens.”
IELTS Speaking Test examiner interviewing candidate
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a book that has taught you something valuable
You should say:
- What the book was about
- When you read it
- What you learned from it
And explain why you found it valuable
describe a book that taught you something valuable can be approached differently depending on your target band score.
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ by Daniel Kahneman, which I thoroughly absorbed last summer. This groundbreaking work explores the two systems that drive our thinking process – one fast and intuitive, the other slow and analytical. The book fundamentally transformed my understanding of decision-making and cognitive biases.
What particularly resonated with me was the author’s comprehensive explanation of how our minds often take mental shortcuts that can lead to errors in judgment. This invaluable insight has helped me become more mindful and deliberate in my decision-making process, especially in crucial situations.
The book’s practical applications extend to various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional choices. It has equipped me with tools to recognize and overcome my own cognitive biases, making me a more rational and discerning individual.”
IELTS candidate delivering detailed response to cue card
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “How has reading habits changed in the digital age?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The digital revolution has fundamentally transformed reading habits in several ways. Most notably, there’s been a significant shift towards consuming bite-sized content on social media platforms, which has arguably impacted people’s attention spans. However, I believe this has also led to more democratic access to information, as digital platforms have made literature more accessible to people worldwide.
Furthermore, the rise of audiobooks and e-readers has created new opportunities for people to engage with literature in different contexts, such as during commutes or while exercising. This adaptability has enabled people to integrate reading more seamlessly into their daily routines.”
describe a goal you set and achieved shares similar principles of structured response and detailed explanation.
Key Vocabulary and Expressions for High Scores
- Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ɪmpækt/ (adj. + n.) – deep and significant effect
- Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (n.) – fundamental change in approach
- Intrinsically linked /ɪnˈtrɪnsɪkli lɪŋkt/ (adv. + adj.) – naturally connected
- Compelling argument /kəmˈpelɪŋ ˈɑːrɡjumənt/ (adj. + n.) – convincing reasoning
describe a time you managed multiple tasks demonstrates how to effectively use these advanced expressions.
Examiner’s Tips
- Practice speaking for 2-3 minutes without stopping
- Record yourself and analyze your responses
- Focus on developing relevant examples
- Use a variety of complex structures naturally
- Maintain eye contact and confident body language
Remember, achieving a high score in IELTS Speaking requires consistent practice and strategic preparation, focusing on both language skills and delivery techniques.
