Why IELTS remains one of the most respected English proficiency tests worldwide, with the Speaking section being particularly challenging for many candidates. As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ll share proven strategies and sample answers to help you excel in your speaking test.
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 prefer reading books or watching movies?
Sample Answer (Work/Study Question)
Examiner: What do you do?
Band 6-7 Response:
“I’m currently working as a software developer at a tech company. I mainly focus on developing mobile applications and really enjoy my job because it’s challenging and creative.”
Band 8-9 Response:
“I’m a senior software engineer specializing in mobile application development. I’m particularly passionate about creating intuitive user interfaces and have been instrumental in launching several successful apps that have garnered millions of downloads worldwide.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a historical event that fascinates you
You should say:
- What the event was
- When it happened
- Why it interests you
- And explain its impact on the world
Sample Answers
Band 6-7 Response:
“I’d like to talk about the Moon Landing in 1969. This remarkable achievement happened on July 20th, when Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the moon. I find it fascinating because it demonstrates humanity’s capability to achieve seemingly impossible goals. The impact was enormous as it sparked worldwide interest in space exploration.”
Band 8-9 Response:
“I’m particularly captivated by the Apollo 11 Moon Landing of July 20th, 1969. This watershed moment in human history not only represented mankind’s first steps on another celestial body but also epitomized the culmination of human ingenuity and determination. What particularly intrigues me about this event is how it transcended political boundaries and united humanity in collective wonder. The landing’s ripple effects continue to resonate throughout modern society, having catalyzed numerous technological innovations we benefit from today.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think historical events shape our future?
Band 6-7 Response:
“Historical events definitely influence our decisions today. They help us learn from past mistakes and make better choices. For example, understanding past economic crises helps governments develop better policies.”
Band 8-9 Response:
“Historical events serve as profound learning opportunities that fundamentally shape our collective decision-making processes. They provide us with invaluable insights into human behavior and societal patterns. Moreover, these events often act as catalysts for institutional reforms and technological innovations, essentially laying the groundwork for future developments.”
Describe a time when you had to wait for something important demonstrates how personal experiences can be effectively articulated in the IELTS Speaking test.
Key Vocabulary and Expressions for High Scores
Advanced Connectors:
- Nevertheless /ˌnevəðəˈles/ (adv) – However; in spite of that
- Consequently /ˈkɒnsɪkwəntli/ (adv) – As a result
- Furthermore /ˌfɜːðəˈmɔː/ (adv) – Moreover; in addition
Sophisticated Phrases:
- “It’s worth noting that…”
- “From my perspective…”
- “This raises the question of…”
Describe a time when you volunteered for a good cause offers excellent examples of how to structure responses using these advanced expressions.
Examiner’s Tips
- Practice speaking at length without repetition
- Develop your responses with specific examples
- Use a variety of grammatical structures
- Work on natural pronunciation and intonation
- Listen carefully to follow-up questions
Is IELTS speaking 6 a good score provides detailed insights into scoring criteria and expectations.