Careers360 Logo
How to Improve IELTS Speaking Skills: Practical Strategies

How to Improve IELTS Speaking Skills: Practical Strategies

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jun 24, 2024 09:06 AM IST | #IELTS

The IELTS speaking is one of the most decisive sections of the IELTS examination. More often than not, the candidates face challenges with the IELTS speaking section due to many factors such as exam day nervousness, inability to accurately articulate their thoughts, low language skills and so on. In this article, we address one of the most asked topics of the IELTS examination, ' How to improve IELTS speaking skills?'. All the necessary IELTS speaking tips to ace the IELTS speaking test are also elaborated.

How to improve IELTS speaking skills?

IELTS speaking is an important component of the IELTS exam. Often, due to limited language abilities and exam day nervousness, the candidates may not be able to provide apt responses to the IELTS speaking questions asked by the examiner. Having a good knowledge of the IELTS speaking topics can be very helpful for the candidates during the IELTS speaking test.

Speaking came first

Did you know that humans developed the ability to speak before they learned how to write? Despite this, many people still feel uncomfortable when it comes to speaking skills, even though we have mastered the art of speaking. "Remember to stay relaxed when you encounter any IELTS speaking skills test." In this article we are going to discuss strategies related with IELTS speaking skills in detail.

Pearson | PTE

Register now for PTE & Unlock 20% OFF : Use promo code: 'C360SPL20'. Valid till 15th NOV'24! Trusted by 3,500+ universities globally

TOEFL ® Registrations 2024

Accepted by more than 11,000 universities in over 150 countries worldwide

IELTS speaking tips and strategies

How do you improve IELTS speaking skills? This is one of the most commonly asked queries by the IELTS aspirants because a majority of them face challenges during the IELTS speaking test. First and foremost, the format of the test that they are planning to appear in matters. Before excelling in IELTS speaking skills, you need to understand the exam requirements, practice, prepare, and implement strategies. In this article let us discuss in detail the most essential speaking strategies for the IELTS examination. This article also sheds light on how to improve IELTS speaking, IELTS speaking format and various other IELTS speaking strategies.

IELTS 2024 Writing Task 1 & 2 - Study Materials
Aspirants who are appearing for IELTS exam can download this eBook which have complete study material for academic writing task 1 (Data Interpretation) and academic writing task 2 (Essays) sections.
Download EBook

IELTS speaking format 2024

It is mandatory that every candidate is aware of the IELTS speaking format in order to ace the IELTS Speaking section. Once a candidate is fully aware of the IELTS speaking format, they will have a complete understanding of what to expect in the examination and devise appropriate IELTS speaking strategies. Through this systematic approach, they can eventually ace the speaking section of the IELTS section. It is important to note that the Speaking tests are identical in both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The primary purpose of this test is to evaluate one's use of spoken English. It involves discussing a range of subjects with an IELTS examiner for 11 and 14 minutes. The test will be conducted in a peaceful environment with an examiner who will encourage you to continue speaking. They will try to understand your accent and ensure that you receive the highest possible score. The Speaking test is comprised of three sections, each with specific objectives.

Section

Description

Example Questions

Duration

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

- This part is like a warm-up.

- The examiner will introduce themselves and ask you to introduce yourself.


- They might ask about your hometown, your studies, your job, or your interests.

- Can you tell me about yourself?



- Where are you from?


- What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

4-5 minutes

Part 2: Short Speech (Cue Card)

- In this part, you'll be given a cue card with a topic to talk about.


- You'll have one minute to prepare and make some notes.

- Then, you'll need to speak about the topic for 1-2 minutes.

- Describe a memorable birthday celebration.


- Talk about a book you recently read and liked.


- Discuss a skill you want to learn in the future.

3 minutes

Part 3: Discussion

- After your speech, the examiner will ask you some more detailed questions related to the topic you just spoke about.


- This is where you'll need to show that you can discuss ideas, express opinions, and maybe even speculate on future trends or events.

- Why do you think birthdays are important?


- How do you think technology has changed the way people read books?



- What benefits do you think learning a new skill can bring?

4-7 minutes


5 best IELTS exam speaking tips and strategies

IELTS speaking tips are necessary for all the candidates as they give insights into how to improve IELTS listening skills. It is frequently seen that the candidates who follow these IELTS speaking tips and tricks secure a higher IELTS speaking band score than their counterparts.

1. Enhance your IELTS grammar and vocabulary skills

The very first target should be to work on four important parameters of speaking skills i.e. Vocabulary, grammar, fluency and pronunciation. "As a good speaker, it is important to continuously expand your vocabulary. The more interesting words you know, the stronger your speaking skills become. While perfect grammar is not a necessity, it is recommended that you have a good grasp of the major tenses. Fluency is determined by how confident and comfortable you are while speaking in English. If you are able to speak for an extended period of time, then it is a sign of strong fluency. Additionally, a crucial aspect of fluency is being able to connect your points effectively, so that your listener can follow along with ease. Pronunciation is a complex skill that involves various sub-skills that can be practised. The general rule of thumb is that an average speaker should be able to speak and be understood.

2. Maintain the IELTS structure

It is crucial to organise your thoughts, which involves structuring. A well-written piece should have a smooth flow of information from the introduction to the conclusion. It is important to maintain logical continuity and a proper conclusion. Before expressing your thoughts in writing, it is necessary to have a good grasp of mind mapping. Here we can understand the importance of constantly practicing and improving on a daily target basis.

3. Attempt lots of IELTS practice tests

To gain practical experience, it is crucial to participate in mock interviews and seek feedback from language experts, mentors, friends, or online communities regularly. This will help you follow the learn-unlearn-relearn process more effectively. During the process, it is important to be mindful of time and allocate it wisely to address all aspects of the questions. Additionally, staying updated on current events and global issues will prepare you well for the discussion section. You can improve your comprehension and ability to discuss various topics by reading newspapers, magazines, or online articles in English.

It's pivotal to have a mindset where you're fully engaged and invested in the language learning process. A helpful tip is to learn from native speakers, which is now widely available on the internet. There are many great resources you can use, such as videos, podcasts, news broadcasts, chat shows, TED talks, and even films. It's best to start with materials that are light in tone and that you enjoy the most. This way, your learning experience will be more effective. The environment should be conducive to learning. It is important to have an outlook where one can push oneself out of their comfort zone. If challenges are taken, progress will be made.

4. Study Chunk Words and use them

While taking care of vocabulary we should also focus on ‘chunk words’, i.e. learning 3 or 4 words together as a single sound. This can help the candidates to memorize the words and use them as per their need. Some of the few examples of chunk words are mentioned below:

CategoryExampleMeaning
Idiomatic ExpressionsBite the bullet

To face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and resilience, not to literally bite a bullet.

CollocationsBreak the news

When we want to share important or challenging information with others, we often use the phrase "break the news".

FillersYou know

It doesn't contribute essential meaning to the sentence but is often used conversationally to maintain the flow of speech and is used in all conversations nowadays.

GMAT™ Exam

Select test center appointment | Scores valid for 5 Years | Multiple Attempts | Round 2 Closing Soon

Study in Ireland

Want to study in Ireland? Explore Universities & Courses

5. Be a juggler

To become a fluent speaker, it's crucial to employ innovative techniques such as using role-play scenarios, for example, start pretending to be a juggler, to enhance your language skills. Often, we make an effort to learn new words, but we frequently forget them soon after. Therefore, to ensure that we're accurately learning and retaining new words, let's explore some effective speaking strategies. Start with listening carefully, and if possible, make notes simultaneously. Now repeat the words as many times as possible and finally play with words like a Juggler.

Listen → she is walking in the park after dark.

Notes taken and Repeat → She is walking in the park after dark.

Juggle→ I am studying in the room after dark.

It is surprising to see her walking in the park after dark.

Her walk in the park after dark surprised me a lot.

You can change and fit new words, sometimes you can change the tense. Sometimes even you can change the tone, parts of speech, sentence type and voice. Some apps grant access to a plethora of videos. You can utilize the transcript's timestamp to effortlessly playback phrases and practice repeating them.

If you aim to achieve a band score of 9 on your English proficiency test, it is essential to focus on coherence, grammar, pronunciation, and a wide range of vocabulary. To improve your articulation and fluency, you need to practice regularly. It's highly recommended to record yourself while practising, as it can provide you with valuable insights into your performance and help you identify areas for improvement. It requires constant effort over time to develop IELTS speaking skills without shortcuts.

4 IELTS speaking strategies for band 9

Along with the IELTS speaking tips, it is necessary that the candidates also follow strategies for IELTS speaking success. These strategies when followed to the core can guarantee a very good IELTS speaking band score for the candidates.

1. Make English a part of your routine

The only way to improve speaking skills is through constant speaking practice. The candidates must converse in English with their peers, initiate conversation and seek feedback to ensure that their communication moves ahead flawlessly. The IELTS Speaking Part 1 is marked based on the candidate’s ability to initiate conversation. The candidates can refer to various frequently asked IELTS Speaking questions and answers here.

2. Provide complete answers

When an IELTS Speaking question is asked to the candidate, they must always ensure to reply by providing complete answers to the examiner. Incomplete or incorrect answers may result in confusion and consequently result in lower band scores. While answering, the candidates should also keep a note of the IELTS Speaking time constraints.

3. Be resilient

Learning is a never-ending process. Human beings are susceptible to making mistakes. It is the eagerness to rectify them that is important. The candidates should always be mindful of the mistakes that they are making and correct them timely instead of being nervous and panicking. This is also applicable during the IELTS speaking exam. Instead of panicking, the candidates can apologise for the mistake and continue the conversation. This would help them in creating a positive impact on the examiner.

4. Familiarization with the IELTS speaking test format

Before attempting any examination, the candidate must have a complete idea about the exam structure including parameters such as IELTS speaking marking criteria, possible IELTS speaking questions and IELTS Speaking time. Engaging in IELTS Speaking practice is the accurate methodology for a candidate to get familiarised with the test format.

IELTS preparation material 2024: Speaking section

IELTS preparation books

IELTS preparation can be enhanced with help of expertly crafted IELTS preparation books. We recommend the candidates to go through the IELTS preparation books to take their IELTS preparation to the next level.


Ebooks

Download Links

IELTS Reading Practice Books

IELTS Writing Practice Books


IELTS Speaking Practice Books


IELTS Listening Practice Books


IELTS Preparation Tips 2024 Book


IELTS and TOEFL Vocabulary Guide Book


IELTS practice tests

IELTS Practice tests are essential for the overall development of the IELTS candidates. They must practice as many IELTS practice tests as possible to gain more experience and thereby improve their scores.

IELTS speaking practice tests

The speaking section of the IELTS examination can be challenging for the candidates without constant practice. Therefore, the candidates must ensure that they indulge in various IELTS speaking practice tests to have a chance to improve their IELTS speaking band scores.

IELTS speaking practice tests

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I improve my speaking skills for IELTS?

To enhance your speaking skills for the IELTS, focus on regular practice. Engage in conversations with friends, join discussion groups, or even converse with yourself in front of a mirror. Record yourself speaking and analyze areas for improvement, such as pronunciation, fluency, and coherence. Additionally, consider seeking feedback from tutors or friends to target specific weaknesses and improve your speaking skills.

2. How can I practice my IELTS speaking?

Practice your IELTS speaking skills by simulating real exam conditions. Set a timer and record yourself responding to sample speaking questions. Focus on fluency, coherence, pronunciation, and vocabulary usage. Seek feedback from tutors, join speaking clubs, or participate in online forums where you can engage in discussions with others preparing for the IELTS. 


3. What kind of topics are asked?

Common IELTS speaking topics include personal experiences, hobbies, family, work or studies, travel, technology, environment, and current events. Also, you might be asked to express opinions, describe objects or places, discuss future plans, or compare and contrast different concepts.  

4. Pausing is ok in this test?

A small pause is quite normal but it should be a long one. As the test is timed. However, try to minimize long pauses as they may affect your fluency score. Use short pauses strategically to organize your ideas and deliver your response more effectively. 

5. Can I ask the examiner to repeat the question?

Yes one can ask for repetition but better to listen carefully. However, try to limit the number of times you ask for repetition, as excessive requests may affect your overall IELTS speaking band score. Politely asking for clarification shows your attentiveness  providing a good response. 

6. What are effective ways to practice for the IELTS speaking test?

To practice IELTS speaking effectively, the candidates are encouraged to engage in regular conversations in English with friends or family.  Using IELTS speaking practice materials to simulate exam conditions and become familiar with various question types can also be very helpful. The candidate should also focus on improving their pronunciation skills, fluency, and vocabulary by recording and reviewing their speaking tasks. 

7. What techniques can be used to speak continuously for two minutes during the IELTS speaking test?

In task 2 of the IELTS speaking test, the candidates are required to speak for 2 minutes on a topic given to them.  To speak for 2 minutes in the IELTS speaking test, the candidate should begin by introducing the topic. Then, they can elaborate on their main points with examples or personal experiences. Maintaining a good vocabulary throughout is very beneficial to the candidates because their ability to articulate their thoughts is assessed in the IELTS speaking section Finally, the candidates should practice timing their responses to ensure they cover all the points within the allotted 2 minutes during the actual test.

8. How do I improve my speaking for IELTS?

Improving your speaking skills for IELTS involves consistent practice and focused preparation. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the IELTS speaking test format and criteria. Practice speaking regularly on a variety of topics to build fluency and confidence. Record yourself and analyze your performance to identify areas for improvement, such as pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary usage. Engage in conversations with native speakers or language partners to expose yourself to different accents and expressions. Lastly, consider taking mock speaking tests to simulate exam conditions and receive feedback on your performance, helping you refine your speaking skills further.

Articles

Certifications By Top Providers

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

University of Essex, Colchester
 Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ
University College London, London
 Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT
The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
 Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Post Code EH8 9YL
University of Bristol, Bristol
 Beacon House, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1QU
University of Nottingham, Nottingham
 University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD

Questions related to IELTS

Have a question related to IELTS ?

Hello Student,

For the AMC (Australian Medical Council) exam , which assesses international medical graduates for practice in Australia, the IELTS requirement is generally a minimum overall score of 7.0 , with no individual band score below 7.0 (in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking).

Alternatively, the AMC also accepts equivalent scores from OET, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic :

  • OET : A grade of B in all four components.
  • TOEFL iBT : A minimum overall score of 94, with minimum scores of 24 in Listening, 24 in Reading, 27 in Writing, and 23 in Speaking.
  • PTE Academic : A minimum overall score of 65, with a minimum score of 65 in each communicative skill.

Meeting these requirements is essential to proceed with the AMC’s application and registration processes.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hello

To be eligible for the Australian Medical Council (AMC) exams , candidates must demonstrate English .

AMC assessment process :

1. Accepted English Language Tests and Scores

IELTS ( International English Language Testing System ) :

Overall band score : 7.0 in each band ( listening , reading , writing and speaking ) .

PTE Academic ( Pearson Test of English Academic ) :

Overall score of 65 in each band ( listening , reading , writing and speaking ) .

2. Validity of Test Scores

The test results must be no older than two years at the time of submitting your AMC application .

3. Preparation Tips for IELTS

Practice regularly : Build your language skills across all four components .

Take practice exams : practice can help improve speed and accuracy .

professional coaching if needed , specially for writing and speaking , which are often the most challenging part .

Use official IELTS resources : Cambridge IELTS books , online mock tests and other reliable materials can give you an accurate rating  .

4. Application Tips

Ensure that your English test scores are valid and meet the minimum requirements before applying .

Keep a copy of your scores as they may need to be provided to both the AMC and registration authority in Australia .

Hope this helps you .

All the best

If you have completed a master's degree in the UK, you might still need to take the IELTS test to qualify for a Permanent Residency (PR) or Work Visa in Australia. While your degree from an English-speaking country like the UK may demonstrate your proficiency in English, Australian immigration authorities typically require a standardized English language test score, such as IELTS, to assess your language skills formally.

For better guidance, Invicta Institute can provide you with detailed information and assistance regarding the specific English language requirements for Australian PR or Work Visa applications. Invicta's experienced counselors can help you navigate the process and determine if your UK degree suffices or if you need to take the IELTS test.


Since you're currently in the first year of your Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), planning ahead for your MBA abroad is a wise decision. The ideal time to take your IELTS exam is during your third year of B.Com. This timing ensures that your IELTS score, which is valid for two years, will still be valid when you apply for MBA programs.

The duration of IELTS coaching can vary depending on the intensity and structure of the program. Typically, coaching programs range from 4 to 12 weeks, with classes held several times a week. Intensive courses might last just 4-6 weeks, with daily sessions that cover all four test sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Less intensive programs can extend up to 12 weeks, offering a more relaxed pace with classes a few times a week. Additionally, many coaching centers provide flexible schedules, including weekend batches and personalized one-on-one sessions, allowing students to choose a plan that best fits their needs and timelines. Hyderabad offers several reputable institutes for IELTS coaching (https://icclearning.com/under-graduate/) , catering to the diverse needs of aspiring test-takers. One standout option is Invicta Career Consultancy (ICC), renowned for its comprehensive IELTS coaching programs. ICC combines experienced faculty, personalized study plans, and rigorous practice sessions to equip students with the necessary skills for success in the IELTS exam. You can check them out

View All
Back to top