IELTS Speaking

Introduction

Timing, 3 parts of the test:

• 11 to 14 minutes overall, timing is very strict

• Part1: 4 to 5 minutes

• Part2: 3 to 4 minutes

• Part3: 4 to 5 minutes

Scoring system:

4 scores, 25% each

1. Fluency and coherence
2. Vocabulary
3. Grammar
4. Pronunciation

Some tips:

• be ready
• know what to expect
• know what the examiner expects from you
• natural language, not difficult language
• answer as quickly as you can

Don't worry about:

• body language
• eye contact
• the quality of your ideas
• whether the examiner agrees with you
• presentation skills
• the examiner's behaviour

Part 1

4 to 5 minutes

10 or 11 questions

3 topic areas

Remember:

• try to show fluency
• don't stop and think
• don't worry about vocabulary or grammar
• it's an easy warm-up
• give short, simple answers

Best technique:

1. Answer the question then give a reason

2. Give short, simple answers but use full sentences

3. Stop with confidence don't keep talking smile at the examiner!

Topics: Often seem childish

• What's your favourite colour?

  My favourite colour is blue because it's the colour of the sky on a nice day.

A good way to practise:

• Do you like ...?

  games, walking, gardens, flowers, dancing

3 introduction questions:

• Do you work or are you a student?

  I'm a qualified doctor, but at the moment I'm studying English.

• Do you enjoy your job / studies?

  Yes, I love working as a doctor because I like helping people. But I', not enjoying studying English so much.

• Would you like to get a different job in the future?

  No, I'm really happy with the career that I've chosen, so I have no plans to change jobs.

4 questions about one topic: sports

• Do you like sport?

• Do you think it's better to watch sports or play them yourself?

• Why do you think some sports are so popular?

• Do you think children should all have to do sports at school?

4 questions about a second topic: colours

• What's your favourte colour? why?

• Do different colours have different meanings in your country?

• Do you think that colours can affect the way people feel?

• Do you wear different coloured clothes now compared to when you were a child?

Part 2

• 3 to 4 minutes
• 1 minute to prepare
• speak for 2 minutes
• task card
• describe...

Make notes:

• Quickly decide what you're going to talk about

Technique:

• Follow the points on the task card. They help your structure and give you something to say. Say as much as you can for each point.

Before the exam:

• Prepare for common topic areas
• Vocabulary and ideas are the key

Topics, techniques, vocabulary, example question:

• 6 main topic areas:
  • Describe a person / a place / an object / an event / an activity / your favourites
  • Prepare ideas and vocabulary not grammar or linking
• Speak naturally, explain in detail
• content, not structure
• You can't prepare for everything
• You will need to adapt your ideas and improvise in the test

Final step in preparation:

• Think of examples or stories to demonstrate each theme
• Practise, record, improve

Describe a person

• teacher

• famous person

• friend

• family member

• child

• someone who helps people

• someone who does something well

• who(appearance, personality)

• what he / she does

• when / how / where you met

• how you know about this person

• why you like this person

Preparation tips:

• think of a 'theme' for any person (friend, family, famous, child etc.): hard-working
• start with easy adjectives: busy, active
• search for better words and phrases: conscientious, someone you can count on

hard-working 'theme':

• enthusiastic
• energetic
• studious
• persistent
• motivated
• determined to succeed
• someone who sees things through
• a good team player
• likes to challenge himself / herself

friendly 'theme':

• kind, caring
• generous, unselfish
• big-hearted
• supportive
• down-to-earth, easy-going
• always there when you need him / her
• someone who cheers me up
• a big / magnetic personality
• lights up the room

My brother is hard-working: I remember when he used to get up at 5am to do some extra work before school...

Examples question:

Describe someone you know who does something well.

You should say

1. who this person is
2. how you know this person
3. what they do well

and explain why you think this person is so good at doing this.

Describe a place

• a city (you've visited)

• a city (you would like to visit)

• somewhere you went on holiday

• a historic place

• a river, lake or sea

• a journey (where you went)

• a shop

• a restaurant

• a street market

• which place

• where

• what you did / can do there

• why you like it

Preparation tips:

• think of a 'theme' for any place: an interesting place
• start with easy adjectives: fun, lively
• search for better words and phrases: fascinating, unforgettable, the time flew by

interesting / fun city 'theme':

• lively, bustling, hectic, thriving
• cosmopolitan, multicultural
• fascinating, unique
• a special atmosphere
• sightseeing, entertainment
• an unforgettable experience
• enjoyed every minute
• the time flew by
• endless things to see and do
• it was over too quickly

historic 'theme':

• old buildings, palaces, statues
• ancient
• monuments
• landmarks
• where great events took place
• connection to the past
• reminders of the past
• everywhere you look
• full of history
• a rich cultural heritage

friendly 'theme' (e.g. restaurant):

• welcoming, inviting
• warm, approachable
• polite
• thoughtful, attentive
• great atmosphere
• make you feel at home
• the service was excellent
• nothing was too much to ask
• an unforgettable evening

The city was interesting: We visited famous landmarks and attractions, such as...

We lost track of time because...

The restaurant was friendly: The waiters really made us feel special. They even surprised us with a birthday cake...

Example question:

Describe a river, lake or sea which you like.

You should say

1. what the river, lake or sea is called
2. where it is
3. what the land near it is like

and explain why you like this river, lake or sea.

Example question:

Describe a restaurant that you enjoyed going to.

You should say

1. where the restaurant was
2. why you chose this restaurant
3. what type of food you ate

and explain why you enjoyed eating in this restaurant.

Describe an object

• something you own
• something you would like to own
• something you use every day
• a piece of electronic equipment
• a gift you received
• a gift you gave
• something old that you own

choose an object that could be used for any of the topics above - a watch

electronic watch features 'theme':

• smartwatch
• synchronise with phone / computer
• contacts, photos, emails
• store music
• receive notifications
• search the web
• it responds to voice commands
• make 'contactless' purchases
• track exercise goals
• fashion accessory- it looks stunning

electronic watch useful 'theme':

• various features and functions
• organise my life
• work, appointments, social life
• check calendar at a glance
• set reminders and notifications
• practical, functional, convenient
• the ultimate in portable devices
• instant access to...
• couldn't live without it

old watch inherited 'theme':

• an inheritance
• passed down to me by
• a family heirloom
• in the family for several generations
• an antique
• it has sentimental value
• I'm emotionally attached to it
• it reminds me of
• it brings back happy memories
• I'll hand it down to my children

old watch appearance:

• parts: the face, the strap
• traditional clock dial and hands
• made of (leather, gold, silver)
• colours
• inscription / engraving on the back
• grandfather's name engraved
• simple, minialistic design
• timeless, classic
• elegant, stylish
• well-made, durable, resilient

My watch is useful: If my watch hadn't notified me, I would have forgotten that I had a dentist's appointment.

It has sentimental value: I remember that when I was a child, my grandfather taught me how to tell the time...

Example question:

Describe something that you would like to own.

You should say

1. what it is
2. where you have seen it
3. what you would use it for

and explain why you would like to own this object.

Example question:

Describe something old that you own which is special to you.

You should say

1. what this possession is
2. how long you have had it
3. where it came from

and explain why this possession is special to you.

Describe an event

what, where, who, why?

• an important event in your life
• a festival in your country
• a party
• a celebration wedding, birthday
• a sports event that you watched
• a concert or music event

Prepare vocabulary 'themes' for any event

a 'special' event:

• memorable
• unforgettable, spectacular
• fantastic, amazing, wonderful
• a day to remember
• it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience
• I had a great time
• I enjoyed every minute
• I was blown away
• I couldn't have asked for more
• it exceeded my expectations

where the event was:

• the venue
• a perfect / prime location
• beautifully decorated
• the decoration / lighting was
• specacular, romantic
• a lovely setting
• a fantastic atmosphere
• the atmosphere was electric
• we were impressed by...
• service, staff, attention to detail

specific vocabulary:

• wedding: bride, groom, guests, ceremony, marriage vows, speech, wedding reception(party), flowers, clothing(dress), cake

• festival: what it commemorates, religious significance, gifts, decorations, customs, special meal, public holiday

• sports event: athletes, players, crowd, spectators, stadium, field / pitch / track, commentators, the contest, the score, the winner

• concert: band, group, orchestra, lighting, sound, stage, crowd, audience, instruments, voice, song, piece of music

My sister's wedding was special: I enjoyed the occasion because it was great to see my sister so happy on her big day.

The concert was spectacular: Suddenly the venue lit up, and the crowd cheered as the musicians came onto the stage.

A few more tips:

• search on the internet for ideas about the particular events that you would choose
• use my theme vocabulary, but also add your own themes and vocabulary ideas
• describe what happened step by step, from the beginning to the end of the event

Example question:

Describe a sports event that you enjoyed watching.

You should say

1. what event you watched
2. where you were
3. who you watched it with

and expalin why you enjoyed watching it.

Example question:

Describe a concert or musical event in your country.

You should say

1. who the musicians are
2. where the concert is held
3. what type of music is played

and explain why people attend this musical event.

Describe an activity

what, where, who, why

• a hobby
• a sport (swimming)
• a game (chess)
• something healthy that you do
• something new that you have done receently

Prepare vocabulary 'themes'

a healthy sport(swimming):

• keep fit, stay in good condition
• get in better shape
• feel refreshed
• rejuvenated, invigorated
• gives me an energy boost
• a good cardiovascular workout
• build strength and endurance
• a low-impact sport
• helps to relieve stress
• relaxing, helps to clear my mind

an enjoyable game(chess):

• board game, a chess set
• pieces e.g. king, queen, bishop
• taking the opponent's pieces
• checkmate
• hone my skills
• thinking ahead
• out-think / outwit the opponent
• concentration, mental workout
• problem solving, strategy
• learn from mistakes / losses

Swimming is relaxing:

Yesterday I had a lot on my mind, but as soon as I hit the water, all of my troubles disappeared.

I learned from my losses:

I had one friend who always beat me, but I copied his strategies when playing other people.

Example question:

Describe something healthy you enjoy doing.

You should say

1. what you do
2. where you do it
3. who you do it with

and explain why you think doing this is healthy.

Describe your favourite

• film or TV programme

• song / piece of music

• book

• website

• advertisement

• Prepare vocabulary

• Use ideas from other topics

• what, when, where, who, how, why?

what?

• file / TV / book: the story
• song: artist, style, instruments
• website: features
• advertisement: product, 'story'

why?

• film / Tv / book: your feelings
• song: feelings, emotions
• website: how you use it
• advertisement: opinions / effect

Prepare vocabulary:

Use ideas from other topics

advertisement: use ideas from the 'watch' description (lesson 5)

• smartwatch e.g. Apple Watch
• synchronise with phone / computer
• contacts, photos, emails
• store music
• receive notifications
• search the web
• it responds to voice commands
• track exercise goals
• fashion accessory - it looks stunning

song: use ideas from the 'concert' description (lesson 6)

• film soundtrack (e.g. James Bond)
• theme music
• orchestra
• instruments
• popular, well-known
• immediately recognisable
• creates expectation
• adventure, mystery, suspense
• exciting, dramatic, powerful

film: James Bond

• the film is / was released
• the plot (story)
• the genre e.g. action, drama
• the cast: actors, roles, characters
• scenes, locations, special effects
• I thoroughly enjoyed it
• spectacular, entertaining
• great performances
• I was on the edge of my seat
• I was enthralled

website: Facebook

• social networking website
• keep in contact with friends
• find people you've lost touch with
• post messages
• write status updates
• upload photos and videos
• post links to other websites
• check your news feed
• find people with shared interests
• connect with like-minded people

book: novel or non-fiction

• novel

• storyline, plot, genre

• the auther, the characters

• entertaining, eenthralling

• I couldn't put it down

• non-fiction book / textbook

• topic, field, subject

• informative, fascinating, inspiring

• I learnt about / I found out about

• it opened my mind to...

Example question:

Describe a song or piece of music that you like.

You should say

1. what type of music it is
2. where you first heard it
3. who performs it

and explain why you like this song or piece of music.

Describe a book that you enjoyed reading.

You should say

1. what the book was about
2. how you found out about it
3. why you chose to read it

and explain why you enjoyed reading this book

Questions that don't fit into these 6 main topic areas

Examples:

1. Describe an important choice that you had to make
2. Describe an idea you had for improving something at work or college
3. Describe a competition that you took part in
4. Describe a meeting that you went to at work, college or school
5. Describe a time when you were asked for your opinion in a survey
6. Describe a journey that you remember well
7. Describe an open-air or street market that you enjoyed visiting
8. Describe a shop near where you live that you sometimes use
9. Describe a conflict that you had, or a time when you became angry
10. Describe a beautiful sky that you enjoyed looking at
11. Describe an interesting story that someone told you
12. Describe a law in your country that you think is good
13. Describe a local news story that people in your area found interesting
14. Describe a time when you were stuck in traffic or delayed when travelling
15. Describe a time when you helped someone

Advice:

2 things that you can do

1. Adapt your ideas from a main topic
   • competition - sport (activity topic)
   • journey - place you visited
   • shop - object or favourite
   • beeautiful sky - place
   • story - event or person
   • local news story - place, concert
   • in traffic or delayed - place
   • when you helped - place, object
2. Talk about your job or studies
   • important choice
   • idea at work or college
   • competition
   • meeting
   • survey
   • conflict, a time you beecame angry
   • in traffic or delayed
   • when you helped someone

If none of this advice works...

do your best, tell the truth

Part 3

Between 3 and 6 questions

Give long, detailed answers

This is your final chance to impress the examiner!

We need a method:

• follow 3 steps (or sometimes 4)
• Force yourself to follow these steps
• Otherwise your answers won't have 'direction'.

Steps:

1. Answer the question directly
2. Explain your answer (reasons)
3. Give an example
4. Explain the opposite / alternative (what would happen if)

Question:

Do you think that it's better to have clear aims for the future, or is it best to take each day as it comes?

Answer:

I think it's best to have a good idea of what you want to do with your life, especially in terms of studies and career. (Why) Having aims allows you to plan what you need to do today and tomorrow in order to achieve longer term objectives. (Example) For example, if you want to bcome a doctor, you need to choose the right subjects at school, get the right exam results, and work hard at university. (Opposite) Without a clear aim, it would be impossible to take the necessary steps towards a career in medicine, or any other profession.

Summary of advice for all 3 parts of the speaking test

Part 1

• Focus on fluency: try not to hesitate, answer quickly, short and simple

Part 2

• Focus on good vocabulary ideas: prepare for 6 main topic areas

Part 3

• Focus on structure: answer, explain, example, (alternative)