The IELTS Speaking test can be nerve-wracking, especially when faced with unfamiliar topics in Part 2. It’s perfectly natural to feel a moment of panic when you see the cue card. But don’t worry! This article will guide you on what to do if you find yourself in this situation, offering practical strategies from my 20 years of experience teaching IELTS.

Understanding the Challenge

First, let’s acknowledge that not understanding the IELTS Speaking Part 2 topic can throw you off balance. This section requires you to speak for 1-2 minutes on a given topic, and if the topic seems alien, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You might worry about vocabulary, coherence, or simply filling the time.

Strategies to Overcome the Obstacle

The key is not to panic. Here are some proven strategies to help you navigate this challenge:

1. Buy Yourself Time

You have one minute to prepare after you see the topic. Utilize this time wisely.

• Carefully read the cue card: Sometimes, you might misinterpret a word or phrase at first glance. Make sure you understand what’s being asked.
• Don’t dwell on unfamiliar words: Instead of panicking about a term you don’t know, focus on the keywords you do understand.
• Jot down keywords: Quickly note down the main points you can talk about based on the keywords you’ve identified.

2. Employ Paraphrasing

If you’re unsure about a specific term, don’t let it derail your entire speech.

• Rephrase the question: Start by rephrasing the question in your own words, focusing on the aspects you do grasp.
• Use synonyms: If you can’t think of the exact word, try using synonyms or describing the concept in a simpler way.

3. Draw Upon Your Experiences

Remember, the examiner is more interested in your fluency, coherence, and vocabulary than your knowledge of a specific topic.

• Relate to familiar ground: Try to connect the topic to something you are familiar with, even if it’s not a perfect match.
• Get creative: Don’t be afraid to be slightly imaginative. You can invent a scenario or adapt an experience to fit the theme.

4. Maintain Fluency

The most crucial aspect is to keep speaking.

• Don’t stay silent: Even if you need a moment to think, use filler phrases like “Let me think about that for a second,” or “That’s an interesting question.”
• Maintain a natural pace: Speak at your normal pace. Don’t rush or speak too slowly.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Example

Example Scenario

Topic Card: Describe a time you had to use your negotiation skills to resolve a conflict.

What if you’ve never formally “negotiated”?

• Rephrase: Think about a time you had to find a compromise or reach an agreement with someone.
• Relate: Perhaps you had to resolve a disagreement with a friend, family member, or colleague.
• Speak: You can start by saying, “While I haven’t been in a formal negotiation, I recall a time when I had to find a solution that worked for both me and my friend…”

Tips for Success

• Practice diverse topics: Prepare for various themes during your IELTS preparation.
• Don’t memorize answers: Focus on developing the skills to handle any topic.
• Be confident: Believe in your ability to communicate effectively, even when faced with unexpected situations.

Conclusion

Facing an unfamiliar topic in the IELTS Speaking Part 2 can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to derail your performance. By staying calm, employing these strategies, and focusing on your strengths, you can turn a potentially challenging situation into an opportunity to demonstrate your adaptability and communication skills. Remember, the key is to keep speaking fluently and coherently, showcasing your language proficiency to the examiner.