Master IELTS Speaking: Expert Tips from an Examiner’s Perspective

how to pass ielts 2018 reveals that successful IELTS candidates demonstrate natural fluency and authentic responses during their speaking test. Let’s explore proven strategies to excel in each part of the speaking examination.

IELTS speaking test examiner interviewing candidateIELTS speaking test examiner interviewing candidate

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Common questions examiners frequently ask:

  • What do you do in your free time?
  • Tell me about your hometown
  • Do you like reading books?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

Question: “What do you do in your free time?”

In my leisure time, I’m particularly passionate about photography. I find myself drawn to capturing urban landscapes and street scenes. What fascinates me most is how each photograph tells a unique story about city life. I’ve recently taken up post-processing techniques to enhance the visual impact of my work.”

describe a person who is passionate about their hobby demonstrates how personal interests can be articulated effectively.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:

Describe a person who is very dedicated to their work
You should say:

  • Who this person is
  • What they do
  • How you know them
  • And explain why you think they are dedicated

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about my mentor, Dr. Sarah Chen, a distinguished research scientist at our local university. What sets her apart is her unwavering commitment to developing sustainable energy solutions. I had the privilege of working under her guidance during my final year project.

What truly impresses me is how she consistently goes above and beyond her regular duties. She often works late into the night, supervising experiments and meticulously reviewing research data. Her dedication manifests in the way she approaches challenges with remarkable persistence.

describe a person you know who is passionate about their work showcases similar examples of professional dedication.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Sample Questions and Answers:

Q: “How has work dedication changed across generations?”

Band 8-9 Response:
From my observation, there’s been a significant shift in how different generations approach work dedication. While traditional workers often prioritized company loyalty and long hours, modern professionals tend to focus more on work-life balance and personal growth. This transformation can be attributed to technological advances and changing social values.”

describe a hobby you used to have as a child offers insights into how interests evolve over time.

Key Vocabulary and Expressions for High Scores

Advanced Collocations:

  • Unwavering commitment /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ kəˈmɪtmənt/ – absolute dedication
  • Meticulously review /məˈtɪkjʊləsli rɪˈvjuː/ – examine carefully
  • Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ – deep effect

describe a person who is passionate about music provides excellent examples of descriptive language.

Examiner’s Tips:

  1. Maintain natural eye contact
  2. Use varied vocabulary and complex structures
  3. Develop answers with relevant examples
  4. Show genuine engagement with topics
  5. Practice speaking at length without hesitation

Remember, authenticity combined with sophisticated language use is key to achieving a high band score in IELTS Speaking.