The IELTS Speaking test is a crucial component that often challenges candidates seeking high band scores. As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ll share proven strategies and sample answers to help you excel in your speaking test.
How to calculate band score in IELTS involves understanding the speaking assessment criteria thoroughly, which we’ll explore through practical examples.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common questions examiners frequently ask:
- What do you do in your free time?
- Do you prefer indoor or outdoor activities?
- What kind of music do you like?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
Question: “What do you do in your free time?”
“In my spare time, I’m particularly passionate about photography. I find it incredibly therapeutic to capture moments that tell compelling stories. What fascinates me most is street photography, where I can document authentic slices of life and human emotions. I’ve recently taken up post-processing techniques to enhance my work.”
IELTS Speaking Test Environment
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Topic: Describe someone who made a good decision recently
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What decision they made
- How this decision affected them
- And explain why you think it was a good decision
Describe someone who made a good decision recently requires structured responses that demonstrate your language abilities.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about my colleague Sarah, who made a life-changing decision last year. What particularly stands out about her decision was how she chose to leave her corporate job to start her own sustainable fashion business.
The most remarkable aspect of her decision was that she thoroughly analyzed the market potential and meticulously planned her transition. She demonstrated exceptional foresight by building her business plan while still employed, which significantly minimized the financial risks.
The impact of her decision has been profound. Not only has she achieved financial independence, but she’s also creating positive change in the fashion industry. What truly impresses me is how her business model promotes environmental consciousness while maintaining profitability.
I firmly believe this was an excellent decision because it perfectly aligned with her values and expertise. What makes it particularly admirable is how she turned her passion into a successful venture that benefits both society and the environment.”
How ielts band is calculated takes into account various factors including vocabulary range, grammatical accuracy, and fluency.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Sample Questions and Answers
Q: “How do people generally make important decisions in your country?”
Band 8-9 Response:
“From my observation, decision-making in my country tends to be quite collective in nature. People generally place significant emphasis on consulting family members and close friends. What’s particularly interesting is how social media and online forums have increasingly influenced the decision-making process. I’ve noticed a growing trend where people seek validation through online communities before making major life choices.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions for High Scores
Advanced Phrases:
- In my assessment (formal alternative to “I think”)
- What strikes me as particularly significant (sophisticated way to emphasize)
- It’s worth noting that (formal transition phrase)
- I’m inclined to believe (nuanced expression of opinion)
How to calculate overall ielts score considers your performance across all speaking criteria.
Examiner’s Tips:
- Practice speaking with proper pacing and natural pauses
- Use idiomatic expressions appropriately
- Develop answers with relevant examples
- Maintain eye contact and positive body language
- Listen carefully to questions and ask for clarification if needed
Remember, achieving a high band score requires consistent practice and strategic use of advanced language features while maintaining natural fluency.
