IELTS Speaking Preparation 2024: Tips, Format, Strategies and Resources

IELTS 2024 Speaking Test Strategies: Achieving Proficiency in Verbal Communication - The IELTS Speaking section, an important component of the IELTS exam, demands thorough IELTS speaking practice. Unlike the other sections, the Speaking test is conducted separately, typically a week before or after the other IELTS tests. This segment entails a direct interview with an examiner and is segmented into three distinct parts. The complexity of questions in the IELTS Speaking test can vary based on the examiner's discretion and the geographical location of the test centre. To excel in this interactive assessment, candidates must engage in comprehensive preparation, focusing on enhancing verbal fluency, accuracy, and confidence. This IELTS speaking practise online article designed to provide the candidates with deeper insights into this particular section of the IELTS examination. This article explains in depth about the IELTS speaking format, how to prepare for IELTS speaking and all the important processes during the IELTS Speaking section. This article is designed to serve as the go-to guide for the candidates during their IELTS speaking preparation.

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This Story also Contains

1. IELTS Speaking - Overview
2. Why do the IELTS Speaking Section Matter?
3. Marking Scheme of IELTS Speaking Section
4. IELTS Speaking Test Tips
5. Vocabulary and Language Skills for the IELTS Speaking Test
6. Parts of the IELTS Speaking Test
7. IELTS Preparation Material: Speaking Section
8. Additional Resources: Important Books, Guides and Websites

IELTS Speaking - Overview

The IELTS speaking section consists of three sections. During the first section, the candidates must introduce themselves and speak on general topics such as hobbies, lifestyle, family etc. This section lasts for 4 -5 minutes and is immediately followed by the second section in which the candidates are asked to select a task card. The task card contains a topic on which the candidates must speak and they are given a time frame of two minutes to prepare for the same. If required, the candidate can note down the points in a pen and paper. After the time limit, they must speak for two minutes on the same topic. The candidates are presented with a few questions by the examiner based on what they speak. This concludes the second section. During the third section, more detailed questioning on the topic spoken by the candidates happens. The candidates can refer to IELTS speaking test sample questions and attend IELTS speaking practice tests available on the internet to tackle their speaking anxieties.

Why do the IELTS Speaking Section Matter?

• The IELTS speaking section assesses the ability of a candidate to communicate effectively in spoken English, reflecting their practical language skills in everyday interactions. Therefore, the candidates must practice speaking for the IELTS speaking section. They can seek the help of various IELTS speaking test samples available on various websites online.

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• The command in the speaking section shows the calibre of the candidate to engage in interviews, and discussions, and express opinions, which are crucial skills in academic, professional, and social settings. The candidate should go through IELTS speaking samples to understand the pattern of the test and mould themselves to prepare accordingly.

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• The speaking section also evaluates the ability of the candidate to articulate ideas, thoughts, and experiences efficiently, reflecting their proficiency in conveying information in a clear and organized manner. Different IELTS speaking examples demonstrate the importance of articulating ideas in the IELTS speaking section.

• The speaking section also assesses the capacity of the candidates to think critically and analyze information, as they are required to express opinions, discuss issues, and provide well-reasoned responses to various questions. This skill can be inculcated by the candidate through an in-depth study of IELTS speaking test examples and dedicated attempts at IELTS speaking practice tests.

• The speaking section contributes significantly to the overall IELTS score of the candidate which, influences the perception of their English language competence by academic institutions, employers, and immigration authorities. The candidates can take the IELTS speaking mock tests to assess themselves and find the areas that require improvement.

Marking Scheme of IELTS Speaking Section

Examiners with certification in IELTS evaluate the performance of the candidates on every speaking task. Because the IELTS speaking section follows a specific format, attempting lots of IELTS speaking practice questions can help the candidates prepare better for the expected questions on the exam day. They can also refer to IELTS sample speaking topics to shortlist the questions if required. The examiner considers the following four assessment criteria when determining the appropriate score for the candidate:

• Fluency and coherence

• Lexical resource

• Grammatical range and accuracy

• Pronunciation.

Fluency and coherence assess how well the candidate can speak at a normal speed without stuttering or showing signs of nervousness. This requires a lot of practice especially if the candidate is facing issues initially. Taking part in various IELTS speaking mock exams and checking the IELTS sample answers for speaking with their responses can help the candidate immensely to improve their language skills. It is also an assessment of aligning the ideas of the candidate logically by accurate use of cohesive devices such as linking words, pronouns, conjunctions, etc.

The lexical resource examines the range of vocabulary used by the candidate and the extent to which they were able to accurately and appropriately use it. This can be developed by the candidates by making IELTS speaking practice a part of their routine.

Grammatical range and accuracy evaluate the variety of grammar used by the candidates as well as how correctly and effectively they were able to do so. The candidates can refer to the previous year’s IELTS speaking test questions to better equip themselves for the grammatical hurdles.

Pronunciation assesses the ability of the candidate to speak in a way which can be understood without too much effort. Going through IELTS speaking test sample questions can help the candidates enhance their pronunciation skills.

In summary, excelling in the IELTS speaking section requires rigorous and consistent IELTS speaking practice. Familiarity with various IELTS speaking test questions and engaging with IELTS speaking test sample questions are essential steps in preparing for this critical component of the IELTS. Candidates should focus on practising speaking for IELTS to enhance their fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammatical accuracy, and pronunciation. Regularly reviewing and practising with IELTS speaking test samples will not only boost confidence but also equip candidates with the skills needed to communicate effectively and achieve a high score in this section.

IELTS Speaking Test Tips

• The candidates must make sure to practice speaking English with friends, coworkers, and over the phone in the days before the Speaking test. To feel comfortable speaking English on exam day, the candidate should also think about recording themself. They will have to always remember that they must practice speaking for the IELTS speaking section regularly.

• Similar to the writing section, there are no right or wrong answers in the Speaking test. The examiner will assess the candidates on how well they can express their ideas and opinions in good English. This skill can be improved by comprehensive practising of the IELTS speaking test samples.

• Consider the examiner to be a friend, if the candidate feels too nervous talking to them. This may help to ease the situation a bit.

• Try to refrain from using the same words present in the examiner's question. The candidate must try to express themself clearly to the examiner in their own words. The candidates can refer to IELTS speaking sample questions to understand the possible types of questions that may be asked and this can help them to be better prepared beforehand.

• The candidates should try to talk intelligibly and at a relaxed pace. A lot of IELTS speaking examples practice is essential for developing this skill.

• Use the correct verb tense when answering questions in the Speaking test. This is essential because every aspect of grammar usage will also be noted down during the conversation with the examiner. The candidates must spend a good amount of time on IELTS speaking practice tests to improve themselves.

• It is better to use simple and commonly used vocabulary than complex vocabulary that a candidate is confused about. This may result in a lot of confusion and misunderstanding. They can also refer to IELTS exam speaking test samples to gain an idea of the language to be used.

• The candidate should also use the proper and appropriate tenses while speaking. Shifting between tenses is not encouraged and will affect the flow of information.

• The candidates must make an effort to respond completely and provide justification for their responses if needed. They can attend IELTS speaking practice online assessments to improve their overall IELTS speaking preparation.

Vocabulary and Language Skills for the IELTS Speaking Test

• An expanded vocabulary that includes a wide range of words, from everyday vocabulary to more advanced and specialized terms can greatly help the candidates during their IELTS Speaking Test. A good vocabulary is a testament to a good reader. This will catch the attention of the examiner. Strong reading coupled with continuous IELTS speaking practice can help the candidate with their IELTS Speaking preparation.

• The candidates must also work on speaking at a natural pace. They must avoid speaking too quickly or too slowly. Refer to IELTS speaking test questions and practice maintaining a smooth and continuous flow of speech.

• The candidates must also showcase their ability to use complex sentences. This includes using subordinate clauses and connecting ideas logically. IELTS speaking test sample questions. can greatly help the students with this as the better the practice, the greater would be the results.

• The candidates must also engage in mock interviews with a teacher, a language exchange partner, or a friend. Practice responding to a variety of questions on different topics. Additionally, they can also take IELTS speaking mock exams to boost their confidence.

• The candidates must also ask for feedback on their responses. This can help them to identify common errors and areas where they can improve their language skills. They can refer to sample IELTS questions, record their answers and ask for feedback from any experienced personnel.

• Another important skill that can help the candidate is the use of discourse markers. The use of discourse markers (e.g., well, um, you know) appropriately can help them to organize speech and signal transitions between ideas. This can strive for two-way communication with the examiner and can bring a positive impression. The candidate must understand that there is no substitute for practice and they must prepare for the IELTS Speaking section by deeply understanding the various types of IELTS speaking test questions.

Parts of the IELTS Speaking Test

IELTS Preparation Material: Speaking Section

Additional Resources: Important Books, Guides and Websites

WEBSITES

1. https://ielts.org/

2. https://www.ieltsidpindia.com/

3. https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/what-ielts

4. https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/ielts/

BOOKS AND GUIDES

1. The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS

2. Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic Student’s Book with Answers with Audio

3. Official IELTS Practice Materials

4. Barron's IELTS Superpack