The IELTS Speaking test remains one of the most challenging components for many candidates. As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ll share proven strategies and sample answers to help you achieve your target score.
How to score ielts writing provides valuable insights into assessment criteria that are also applicable to speaking.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions and Sample Answers
Question: “What do you do in your free time?”
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I usually spend my free time reading books and watching movies. I particularly enjoy science fiction novels because they help me relax after work.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I tend to divide my leisure time between various enriching activities. First and foremost, I’m passionate about photography, which allows me to capture meaningful moments and express my creativity. Additionally, I make it a point to dedicate some time to learning new languages through online platforms.”
IELTS Speaking Test Examiner and Candidate Interaction
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Sample Cue Card:
Describe a piece of advice you would give to your younger self.
You should say:
- What the advice would be
- Why you would give this advice
- How it would have helped you
- And explain why you think this advice is important
How to Answer 'What advice would you give to your younger self?' Questions offers detailed guidance on this topic.
Band 6-7 Response:
“I would tell my younger self to focus more on developing practical skills. When I was younger, I spent too much time worrying about academic grades. I think this advice would have helped me balance my priorities better. It’s important because real-world skills are crucial for success.”
Band 8-9 Response:
“If I could travel back in time, I would earnestly advise my younger self to embrace uncertainty and view challenges as opportunities for growth. Looking back, I realize that I was excessively concerned with maintaining a perfect academic record, at the expense of developing crucial soft skills. This mindset shift would have enabled me to approach learning more holistically and cultivate resilience. The significance of this advice lies in the fact that success in today’s world hinges on one’s ability to adapt and learn continuously.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Sample Question: “How has the concept of giving advice changed with social media?”
Band 6-7 Response:
“Social media has made it easier for people to share advice. However, we need to be careful about the quality of advice we receive online. Many people give opinions without proper experience or knowledge.”
Band 8-9 Response:
“The advent of social media has fundamentally transformed the landscape of advice-giving in several profound ways. On the one hand, it has democratized knowledge sharing, allowing expertise to reach previously inaccessible audiences. Conversely, this has also led to the proliferation of unverified information and potentially misleading guidance. What’s particularly interesting is how social media has created a paradigm shift in the way we evaluate and implement advice.”
how to achieve 8.0 in ielts writing demonstrates principles that can enhance your speaking performance as well.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Advanced Expressions:
- To put it another way (phrase) /tə pʊt ɪt əˈnʌðə weɪ/ – used to rephrase an idea
- In light of (phrase) /ɪn laɪt ʌv/ – considering
- To strike a balance (idiom) /tə straɪk ə ˈbæləns/ – to find a compromise
Advanced IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Usage Examples
Examiner’s Tips:
- Practice speaking with timed responses
- Record yourself and analyze your performance
- Focus on developing coherent arguments
- Incorporate advanced vocabulary naturally
- Work on pronunciation and intonation
how to start an argumentative essay in ielts provides valuable strategies that can be adapted for speaking responses.
