As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ve noticed that success in the speaking test requires more than just good English skills. Today, I’ll share professional insights on how to excel in each part of the speaking test, particularly focusing on delivering high-scoring responses.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common questions in this section often revolve around familiar topics. Let’s look at some frequently asked questions about describe a hobby you used to have as a child:
Examiner: “What hobbies are popular in your country?”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“In my country, there’s been a notable shift in popular hobbies recently. While traditional activities like reading and sports remain common, there’s been a surge in interest in digital activities such as coding and content creation. What’s particularly fascinating is how these modern hobbies often blend with conventional ones, creating unique hybrid interests.”
Part 2: Individual Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card:
Describe a traditional food from your country that you enjoy
You should say:
- What it is
- How it is prepared
- When people usually eat it
- And explain why you like it
Candidate Discussing Traditional Food During IELTS Speaking Test
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share my thoughts about Pho, which is undoubtedly one of the most iconic Vietnamese dishes. What makes this dish particularly special is its complex preparation process. The broth, which is the soul of the dish, is simmered for at least 12 hours with various spices and beef bones. What fascinates me most about Pho is how it represents the perfect harmony of flavors – the aromatic broth, tender meat, fresh herbs, and chewy rice noodles all come together to create an unforgettable culinary experience.”
For more inspiration on food-related topics, check out this guide on how to describe a dish you would like to introduce to a friend.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “How have eating habits changed in your country over the past decade?”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“From my perspective, there’s been a dramatic transformation in eating habits. What’s particularly noteworthy is the increasing awareness of health and nutrition. We’re witnessing a significant shift towards plant-based diets, and there’s been a growing emphasis on sustainable food choices. Another interesting development is how social media has influenced food trends, leading to a fusion of traditional and international cuisines.”
Speaking of cultural aspects, you might be interested in learning about how to describe an important cultural festival you enjoy.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Sophisticated expressions:
- “It’s worth noting that…”
- “What strikes me as particularly interesting…”
- “From my point of view…”
- “This brings me to my next point…”
-
Advanced Collocations:
- “Profound impact”
- “Significant transformation”
- “Remarkable development”
- “Substantial evidence”
Examiner’s Tips for Success
- Maintain natural fluency: Focus on smooth delivery rather than memorized responses
- Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated vocabulary naturally
- Demonstrate critical thinking: Develop ideas with examples and personal experiences
- Show personality: Share genuine opinions while staying relevant to the topic
For additional practice, consider exploring how to describe a local artist you admire, which can help you develop descriptive language skills.
IELTS Speaking Preparation Techniques and Strategies
Remember, achieving a high score in IELTS Speaking requires consistent practice and the ability to demonstrate natural, fluid communication while maintaining sophisticated language use throughout all three parts of the test.
