IELTS Speaking Test: 8 Helpful Tips To Help You Ace Your IELTS Speaking Test 1

IELTS Speaking Test: 8 Helpful Tips To Help You Ace Your IELTS Speaking Test

The IELTS speaking test can be a scary conversation for some people who do not feel prepared. When learning English, it is sometimes considered the final test. Because it is a face-to-face conversation, there is more pressure to perform well. In the first part, examiners will ask questions about normal topics, like home, work or studies. The most important thing is to relax and try to be confident in your abilities. If you feel the pressure, then your speech will not seem natural. This list of IELTS Speaking Test Tips will help you pass your test.

Tips To Help You Ace Your IELTS Speaking Test

Try To Talk A Lot

By talking a lot, you have more opportunity to prove how well you know the language. Also, it gives you more chances to correct your speech and mistakes, the kind that wouldn’t otherwise come clear even when expressed in writing. The longer you talk, the more you activate the speech centers of your brain. This will, in turn, cause you to remember more of what you have learned as well as process information better. Consider it “getting into the flow” of having a conversation.

Talk Fluently and with Spontaneity

This is easier said than done, but nonetheless, you must try. Speak like a local, learn slang words and how people talk in music, movies or TV shows. This will make you sound more natural. Try and talk spontaneously, do not overthink what you are going to say, or else you will come across as not knowing the language well. The correct words should flow from your mouth without much thought. When you can do this, you are speaking spontaneously, like a natural-born speaker.

Relax… Be Confident!

Confidence and relaxation are two of the biggest keys to passing the IELTS test. You have spent a long time studying and practicing the language, so you should feel more confident. Some people might pretend their examiner is in their underwear, or that they are talking to a friend or family member. By having a relaxed demeanor, you will come across as cool, calm and collected and the examiner will notice this instantly. From this relaxed state comes confidence. Confidence in your ability to speak English will help the words flow better and will allow you to speak more fluently.

Develop Your Answers

One of the most common mistakes people make is if they answer a question and their answer is not clear, they leave it or do not elaborate. When people do this, it shows that they do not know how to explain their answer, or are unable to answer the question. When you give an answer that might not be clear, try and elaborate. Explain your answer more, or talk about it in deeper detail. By doing so, it shows you understand the topic and that your answer comes directly from your knowledge and experience.

Talk More Than Your Tester

Very honestly, most testers are not there to speak. They are there to ask questions and to grade your replies to those questions. Whilst the nature of the IELTS exam is a face-to-face conversation that mirrors real-life situations, it is still a test. Talking more than your tester allows you to develop your answers and better get into the flow of your conversation. In some ways, this is like leading the conversation and will show your confidence in your abilities. But, you must also be careful to not talk too much, otherwise, you may seem nervous or anxious. Find the balance and what is right for you.

If You Don’t Understand, Please Ask

Nervous and shy people will not ask for clarification when they are given a question they don’t fully understand. This is a bad idea, because they may then try and answer the question without knowing what is being asked. When you do this, it is more likely that you will give a wrong answer. Therefore, do not be afraid to ask if you do not understand what the examiner has said. They will appreciate it, and it is normal to do so in a conversation. So, it shows your desire to better learn and understand the language which is very positive.

Do not Memorise Answers

This may seem like a bad idea. When you prepare for an exam, you memorize answers so that you can get the right answers. That makes sense in most tests, but the IELTS exam is not like that. You do not have multiple choice answers or math problems. Memorizing answers to questions will develop your brain to remember those answers and only them. This will slow down your ability to listen to, process and respond to questions asked. You want the answers you give to come from a more spontaneous place as if it was a natural conversation. Only fake people would memorize answers they use in a normal conversation.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Above all other tips, you must practice. Practice your learning by talking with people on the internet, phone or the street. Ask for directions from a stranger, or join a webcam conversation website. Read and write often, watch movies, TV shows or listen to music. Just be sure to turn off the subtitles so you are not making it too easy for yourself. By practicing your abilities in many different situations, you will develop your brain to understand, process and respond to each different conversation. This will help you develop to be a more natural and confident speaker.

The IELTS Speaking Test can be nerve-wracking for some people. But it is important to remember that you have practiced (hopefully) for this exam. You have spent time and effort in learning the language and practicing it in many different situations. So, remember to relax, be confident and try to be spontaneous. Talk often and ask for clarification if you do not understand. Don’t memorize your answers and try your hardest to be natural and speak fluently. You will do very well if you can follow these 8 IELTS Speaking Tips. Some may be harder than others but try your best and you will pass the test. Good luck and do your best!