Many IELTS candidates wonder about the role of specific numbers in their Speaking responses. Should you say “23.5%” or “approximately 25%”? Does using precise figures make you sound more intelligent, or could it hurt your score? As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’m here to shed some light on this common concern.
The Truth About Numbers in IELTS Speaking
Here’s the good news: the IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation – not your ability to memorize statistics. While providing some numerical context can enhance your answers, fixating on very specific numbers can actually hinder your performance.
Why Overly Precise Numbers Can Backfire:
- Sounds Unnatural: In everyday conversation, people rarely use hyper-specific figures. Imagine describing your city: “The population is exactly 1,235,678.” It sounds robotic!
- Increases Cognitive Load: Trying to recall exact numbers takes up valuable brainpower that you could be using for vocabulary retrieval, grammar construction, and idea generation.
- Risks Stalling and Hesitation: If you forget a specific number mid-sentence, it can throw you off balance and interrupt your fluency.
When and How to Use Numbers Effectively
This doesn’t mean you should avoid numbers altogether. Here’s how to strike the right balance:
- Generalizations and Approximations: Opt for phrases like:
- “around half”
- “a significant majority”
- “nearly three-quarters”
- “a small percentage”
- Rounding Off: Instead of “32.8%”, say “roughly a third” or “slightly over 30%.”
- Focus on Trends: Emphasize the overall direction or pattern, even if you don’t have precise data. For example: “Over the past decade, there has been a steady increase in…”
Example from IELTS Speaking:
Question: “Do you think people are reading more these days?”
Less effective response: “No, actually, a recent study showed that book sales have decreased by 12.7% since last year.”
More effective response: “I’m not sure about specific figures, but I’d say people are perhaps reading a bit less of traditional books these days. However, e-books and online articles seem to be increasingly popular.”
Key Takeaways for IELTS Success:
- Prioritize Fluency and Clarity: Your primary goal is to communicate effectively. Don’t let the pursuit of numerical precision hinder your flow.
- Use Numbers Strategically: Numbers can add value when used to illustrate trends or make general comparisons.
- Practice Approximations: In your IELTS preparation, get comfortable using rounded figures and approximations.
Remember, the IELTS Speaking examiners are evaluating your overall communication skills. By focusing on clear, natural language and effective idea development, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your desired score.