Practical Hacks for Success in the IELTS Speaking Test

IELTS Speaking Hacks

The term "hack" can have various meanings. In this article, it refers to "achieving a goal more efficiently." The IELTS Speaking Test involves a face-to-face interview that can be nerve-wracking for many students. But don't worry! With the right strategies and preparation, you can tackle this test confidently. This blog post will share practical hacks from an IELTS ex-examiner to help you perform well in the IELTS Speaking Test.

Hack 1: Speaking Test Part 1, Section 1

The IELTS Speaking Test Part 1 is split into three sections. In Section 1, there's a quick intro where the examiner asks the same three questions each time: "What's your name? What should I call you? Where are you from?" I've seen lots of students who, when asked "Where are you from?", give a memorized speech that sounds like they're a tour guide.

When this happens, the examiner will interrupt the student, which can really affect their confidence. They've been taught by their teacher (for some mysterious reason) to elaborate on this question. Plus, Part 1 section 1 isn't even graded. The test actually starts after the ID check, so memorizing a long answer here is just a waste of time and energy. Just answer like this...

"What's your name?"... Maria Gomez.

"What shall I call you?"... Call me Maria.

"Where are you from?"... I'm from Barcelona in Spain.

Hack 2: Speaking Test Part 1, Section 2

Section 2 has a very limited number of topics that elicit personal information. You will be asked questions about only one of these topics. The topics are... Describe your work, studies, city, neighborhood or accommodation.

Because there aren't many topics, students might feel like memorizing answers is the way to go, but that's really not a great idea. It just stresses you out when you try to recall it. Instead, try building up your vocabulary on the topics.

Hack 3: Speaking Test Part 1, Section 3

There are dozens of possible topics in section 3 that you could be asked about so, don't waste your time trying to predict which one you'll get or trying to memorize answers for a particular topic. For this section and, indeed, sections 1 and 2 practice answering closed questions.

In Part 1, closed questions, which demand a yes/no answer or a brief response, are predominantly asked across all sections. When responding to these, first address the question directly, then elaborate by providing additional information, such as examples, personal experiences, and knowledge. This approach is what examiners are looking for in Part 1.

For example: "How often do you go to the cinema?"

Insufficient answer: "Maybe once a month. It depends on what's showing."

High scoring answer: "I don't go often because it depends on what film is showing. If there is a film, I really want to see then I'll make an effort to go but it's quite expensive in my country so I'm quite choosy when it comes to going to the cinema.

Hack 4: How to Talk for 2 Minutes in Speaking Test Part 2.

There are only 4 possible topics in Part 2. They are describe...

• A person

• A place

• A thing

• A time/occasion

After you've described the topic and you still haven't spoken for two minutes, then simply describe a second one. For example,

• "Another person I admire is..."

• "Another place I'd like to visit is..."

• "Another gift I received was..."

• "Another time when I lost something was..."

This simple hack will help you speak for over two minutes and, even better, will give your confidence a huge boost.

Hack 5: Follow-Up Question for Part 2

Once you've spoken for two minutes in Part 2, you'll be given a closed question related to the topic. Respond with a yes or no, and then elaborate on the reason for your answer.

Keep speaking until the examiner stops you. According to IELTS rules, the examiner is required to interrupt your response to the follow-up question after 15 to 20 seconds. Being interrupted at this stage of the test is positive as it indicates you have provided a thoroughly extended answer.

Hack 6: Answering Open Questions in Part 3

In Part three, you need to express your opinions on the topic from Part 2. You might be asked to speculate, make predictions, and so on. The hack is to understand what the examiner is looking for, and just as crucially, what they're NOT looking for.

To begin with, examiners are not seeking clever ideas or original thoughts. I have assessed many students who thought that providing intellectually impressive responses would boost their scores. However, this is simply not the case. Your grades are not based on the intellectual quality of your answers.

Students who try excessively to be clever and present original ideas nearly always pause while forming their thoughts. Unfortunately, this hesitation leads to a lower score in Fluency & Coherence.

Simply put, examiners are looking for extended and developed answers with little hesitation.

Hack 7: Fluency & Coherence

Of all the IELTS Speaking criteria Fluency & Coherence is the most important. To get a minimum of band 6.0 you must show "a willingness to produce long turns". This means answering questions with more than "2 or 3 sentences"

Many IELTS resources suggest that "2 or 3 sentences are enough" for all parts of the test. However, in my experience, if you advise students this way, they often end up using just 1 or 2 sentences. Additionally, this approach does not show "a willingness to produce long turns."

When speaking, don't restrict yourself. Continue talking and stay focused on the topic, as this greatly impresses examiners.

And finally, coherence. When it comes to using "discourse markers", that's the words and phrases used to link ideas together, students usually have their favorites such as "in my honest opinion."

This is completely acceptable; however, the issue arises when the same discourse markers are overused. If you respond to nearly every question with a well-practiced phrase, it can, in my experience, annoy examiners. This, in turn, may negatively impact your Fluency & Coherence since it comes across as unnatural and forced.

By all means use discourse markers but use a variety of them wisely and sparingly.

Your Path to IELTS Speaking Success

Using these hacks can significantly improve your chances of success. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will feel.

Stay calm, be yourself, and let your English skills shine. Best of luck with your preparation, and remember that every small effort takes you closer to achieving your IELTS goal!