As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ve noticed that many test-takers struggle with achieving high scores in the Speaking test despite having good English proficiency. Let’s explore proven strategies and sample answers that can help you excel in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common questions in this section often relate to describe a subject you would like to study. Here’s a sample question and response:
Q: “What subjects did you enjoy studying at school?”
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I really liked studying Biology because it was interesting. The teacher made the lessons fun and I learned a lot about living things.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I was particularly passionate about Biology during my school years. What fascinated me most was learning about human anatomy and how different systems work together. The practical experiments we conducted enhanced my understanding of theoretical concepts.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a cue card related to describe a person you think is wise:
Describe a difficult decision you had to make
You should say:
- What the decision was
- When you made this decision
- How you made your choice
- And explain why it was difficult to make this decision
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
“I want to talk about when I decided to study abroad. It was last year, and it was hard because I had to leave my family. I talked to my parents and friends, and looked at different universities online. It was difficult because I worried about being alone in a new country.”
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to share my experience of making the life-altering decision to pursue my studies abroad. This pivotal moment came about last year when I was at a crossroads in my academic journey. I meticulously weighed the pros and cons, conducting extensive research into various universities and their programs. What made this decision particularly challenging was the need to balance my academic aspirations with family commitments.”
IELTS candidate delivering confident presentation during speaking test
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Similar to describe a time you managed multiple tasks, here’s a follow-up discussion:
Q: “How do people typically make important decisions in your culture?”
Band 6-7 Answer:
“In my culture, people usually ask their family members for advice. They think it’s important to get opinions from older people because they have more experience.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“In my culture, decision-making is typically a collaborative process that involves extensive family consultation. There’s a deeply ingrained belief in the wisdom of elders, and their insights are highly valued. However, there’s been a notable shift in recent years, with younger generations striking a balance between traditional family input and their own independent judgment.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions for High Scores
-
Deliberate (v.) /dɪˈlɪbəreɪt/ – to think about or discuss something very carefully
Example: “I needed time to deliberate before making such an important choice.” -
Ramifications (n.) /ˌræmɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz/ – the consequences of a decision or action
Example: “I had to consider all the ramifications of moving abroad.”
Examiner’s Tips
-
Practice Strategic Pausing: Use natural pauses to gather thoughts rather than filling silence with “um” or “ah”.
-
Develop Ideas Fully: When discussing describe a time when you gave up something important to help someone, provide specific examples and detailed explanations.
-
Demonstrate Range: Incorporate both simple and complex structures naturally while maintaining fluency.
Remember, achieving a high band score in IELTS Speaking requires consistent practice and strategic preparation. Focus on developing natural fluency while incorporating sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures appropriately.
