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IELTS Speaking Preparation 2024: Tips & Tricks, Format, Strategies

IELTS Speaking Preparation 2024: Tips & Tricks, Format, Strategies

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 22, 2024 01:59 PM IST | #IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognized assessment of English language proficiency, used by millions of people worldwide for study, work, and migration purposes. Among its four modules, the speaking test often evokes the most anxiety among test-takers. However, with the right IELTS speaking preparation tips and strategies, you can approach the IELTS speaking exam with confidence and achieve your desired score. In today's article, we will explore various tips and tricks to help you excel in the IELTS speaking test.

Whether you do IELTS speaking preparation online or offline you surely need some IELTS speaking preparation tips and the way you manage IELTS speaking preparation time is going to help you the most in gaining a good band score. For this, you also need to understand the IELTS speaking format and practice the IELTS speaking questions.

IELTS speaking format 2024

The IELTS speaking module exam is conducted separately and the time duration is just about 11-15 minutes. If you register for a computer-based exam, you will have to go through the IELTS exam in the registered center via Zoom meeting or any other video call. However, it is now also observed the same process for students who register for a pen-paper exam. In short, you just need to excel in your communication skills and be ready for a generalized conversation with the examiner online or offline. Always remember that in the IELTS speaking exam, the examiner is never going to ask you difficult questions especially related to any particular academic context or the current affairs going around the world as this is just a language assessment exam and there is no check on the general knowledge you have of the world. This article can help the candidate to understand in depth about the most important IELTS Speaking aspects such as IELTS speaking preparation time, how to prepare for IELTS speaking and the IELTS speaking test format.

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So, now let us analyze the IELTS Speaking test format:

  1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes) -
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The examiner will ask you general questions about yourself, your family, your studies, and your interests.

  1. Part 2: Cue-Card Round (3-4 minutes) -
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You will be given a topic card with a particular topic to talk about. You will have one minute to prepare and then speak about the topic for up to two minutes.

  1. Part 3: Discussion (4-5 minutes) -

You will engage in a more in-depth discussion with the examiner related to the topic from Part 2. This part aims to assess your ability to express and justify opinions, analyze, and speculate.

IELTS Speaking Test - Band parameters

It is necessary for the IELTS speaking preparation candidates to know the band parameters so that you are able to assess the current level and also know the level of preparation you have to do to excel in the exam. It is really essential that you are aware of the various IELTS speaking criteria. There are four band parameters and all of them are discussed below:

  • Fluency and coherence

-This shows the examiner how smoothly you can communicate, produce accurate information for
all that is asked, and also add linking words like however, furthermore, also, as a result, so, for
example…..

-You should not be taking long pauses or fumbling while speaking.

-You should maintain pace while communicating, that means you should neither be too fast nor too
slow.

  • Lexical Resources

- Lexical resources are the vocabulary words you add while you speak. You should be well-versed in various topics of IELTS speaking so that you can communicate well.

-The addition of linking words like, therefore, nowadays, surprisingly will add value to your speaking.

-Addition of phrasal words such as, look into…. Will also add greater value to
your band score.

- You will get more bands if you are accurately able to use synonyms, for
example: instead of the word good, you may use fantastic, awesome, spectacular.

-You should use idioms or idiomatic expressions naturally and they should not look like you have
crammed them.

  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy

You should have basic clarity of IELTS grammar and you are expected to speak at the same level. However, you will be able to score high in case you are able to blend a mix of simple and complex sentences. You should stay focused on using adjectives and adverbs properly and accurately.

  • Pronunciation

This is one aspect that you should seriously fix as it may destroy your band score, words with “e” sound are the most essential to look at. Pronunciation can be improved only with focused practice and consistency.

IELTS speaking band score descriptors

The IELTS speaking band score is essential for any candidate. This is an indicator of the candidate's English language abilities.

Band ScoreSkill LevelDescription
9Expert

Demonstrates full operational command of the language. Uses English appropriately, accurately, and fluently, with complete understanding.

8Very good

Displays full operational command with occasional, unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. Handles complex and detailed arguments effectively, though may misunderstand in unfamiliar situations.

7Good

Exhibits operational command with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings in some contexts. Handles complex language and detailed reasoning well.

6Competent

Shows effective command despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings. Can use and understand reasonably complex language, especially in familiar situations.

5Modest

Demonstrates partial command, coping with overall meaning despite frequent mistakes. Can manage basic communication within their field of expertise.

4Limited

Exhibits basic competence in familiar situations but often struggles with understanding and expression.

3Extremely limited

Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations, with frequent breakdowns in communication.

2Intermittent

Faces significant challenges in understanding spoken and written English.

1Non-user

Has minimal ability to use the language beyond a few isolated words.

Idioms for IELTS speaking

While speaking, it is always advisable that you use at least one idiom and phrase. This can immediately catch the attention of the examiner and help you to secure a high IELTS scoring band score. Let us discuss 25 idioms and phrases that can enhance your IELTS speaking.

IdiomDefinitionUsage Example
Bite the bulletTo endure a painful or unpleasant situation courageouslyShe had to bite the bullet and tell her boss the bad news.
Break the iceTo relieve tension or start a conversation in a social situationHe told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.
Cost an arm and a legTo be very expensiveThe new smartphone costs an arm and a leg.
Cutting cornersDoing something poorly to save time or moneyThey're cutting corners to meet the deadline.
Piece of cakeSomething that is very easy to doThe exam was a piece of cake.
Hit the nail on the headTo describe exactly what is causing a situation or problemShe hit the nail on the head when she identified the issue.
In hot waterIn trouble or difficultyHe found himself in hot water after missing the deadline.
Jump on the bandwagonTo join others in doing something that is popularMany companies are jumping on the bandwagon of sustainability.
Keep an eye onTo watch or take care of someone or somethingCould you keep an eye on my bag while I go to the restroom?
Let the cat out of the bagTo reveal a secretShe accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
Miss the boatTo miss an opportunityI missed the boat on investing in that company.
Once in a blue moonRarely, very infrequentlyThey go out for dinner once in a blue moon.
Under the weatherFeeling ill or sickI'm feeling a bit under the weather today.
Rain cats and dogsTo rain very heavilyIt's raining cats and dogs outside.
Beat around the bushAvoiding the main topic or issueStop beating around the bush and tell me what you really think.
Take with a grain of saltTo not completely believe somethingHis story was interesting, but I took it with a grain of salt.
Break a legGood luck! (especially before a performance)Break a leg at your audition tomorrow!
Hit the sackGo to bedI'm exhausted; I'm going to hit the sack early tonight.
Cost a fortuneTo be very expensiveThat designer handbag costs a fortune.
Let sleeping dogs lieTo avoid restarting a conflict or reopening an old woundI decided to let sleeping dogs lie and not bring up the issue again.
On thin iceIn a risky or precarious situationHe's on thin ice with his boss after missing so many deadlines.
A blessing in disguiseSomething good that isn't recognized at firstLosing that job was a blessing in disguise; I found a better one.
Throw in the towelTo give up, admit defeatAfter hours of trying to fix it, he finally threw in the towel.
Cost an arm and a legTo be very expensiveBuying a new car can cost an arm and a leg.
Kick the bucketTo dieMy old car finally kicked the bucket last week.

IELTS speaking preparation tips

How to prepare for IELTS speaking? This a major question raised by the IELTS Speaking section candidates. Now to tackle this, understanding and practicing IELTS Speaking tips is necessary. Let us discuss a few in detail.

  • Never answer any question with just a one-word answer. Whatever you answer should be with a reason, the answer should strictly be in a sentence.

  • You need to show the examiner that you are well-versed in English grammar, and vocabulary, can organize ideas, and also have good pronunciation.

  • You must use synonyms and parallel expressions to paraphrase the question asked, for example: if the examiner asks; “What did you like to read as a child?”; Then you should answer- As a kid, I loved reading comic books or whatever you liked to read.

  • Be confident in whatever you are answering, it's okay to create your own imaginative stories and speak out the answer, the examiner is not checking the reality but is just assessing your spoken skills.

  • Develop the habit of speaking well, just focus and concentrate to practice effectively for 15 minutes daily and develop your vocabulary.

  • Make a list of some generic topics like education, books, movies, music, family, friends, and practice to speak on the same.

  • In your cue card round you should introduce and conclude the topic effectively.

  • In case, you get stuck in between your speaking, take a pause for a second and speak again, avoid fumbling or using fillers like hmm, aaa

  • The best way to succeed in the cue card round is to be organized.

  • Learning the art of being hypothetical will help you a lot, at this time you will be dealing with modal verbs like would/should/could.

  • Read the basic grammar structures and be sure of their usage.

Top 10 IELTS speaking tips and tricks

  • 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 themselves. 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 themselves 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.

IELTS exam preparation books

The IELTS exam preparation materials designed by Careers360 are designed to meet the needs of different proficiency levels (from beginner to advanced), allowing you to focus on areas where you need improvement.

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


Some other important books for IELTS preparation

  1. The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS

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

  1. Official IELTS Practice Materials

IELTS practice tests

Is attempting IELTS practice tests worth it? This is a major question asked by the candidates. The short answer is definitely yes! With practice comes the ability to tackle various challenges. With constant IELTS practice tests comes IELTS success.

IELTS speaking practice tests

Are you nervous about your IELTS Speaking examination? Are you underconfident about your language skills which is essential for IELTS speaking success? If yes, we have got you covered. Attempt the various IELTS practice tests and listen to IELTS speaking audios of various IELTS contexts to enhance your preparation and stand out from the crowd.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What kinds of questions can I expect in the introduction and interview part of the speaking section?

In this part, the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself, your family, your studies, and your interests. It is designed to assess your ability to communicate effectively in English on familiar topics.

2. How can I improve my fluency in the speaking section of the IELTS exam?

To improve fluency, practice speaking English regularly with friends, family, or language exchange partners. Focus on speaking confidently and naturally without hesitations or Pauses.

3. What should I do if I don't understand a question during the speaking section?

If you don't understand a question, don't be afraid to ask the examiner to repeat or clarify it. It's essential to ensure that you understand the question fully before responding.

4. Is there a specific way to structure my responses in the speaking section?

While there is no rigid structure, it's helpful to include an introduction, main points, and a conclusion in your responses. Try to organize your ideas logically and coherently.

5. How can I prepare for the discussion part of the speaking section?

To prepare for the discussion part, practice expressing and justifying opinions, analyzing, and speculating on various topics. Engage in conversations on a wide range of subjects to build your confidence in discussing different ideas and perspectives.

6. How can I get 8.5 in IELTS speaking?

Due to exam day nervousness and low language skills, the candidates often find it difficult to converse well in English leading to low speaking band scores. The only effective method to overcome this issue is through constant and dedicated speaking practice. The candidate must speak in English with their friends and family. They should also be resilient and willing to learn from their mistakes instead of feeling discouraged and disheartened. They can also read newspapers, watch documentaries and listen to English podcasts to improve their speaking skills.

7. What is the best way to prepare for IELTS speaking?

The best ways to prepare for the IELTS speaking test are as follows:
1) Through regular practice and familiarizing yourself with the test format.
2) Engage in conversations in English with friends, tutors and family to build fluency and confidence.
3) Practice answering sample questions aloud, focusing on clear pronunciation, coherence, and fluency can all help the candidates in improving their IELTS speaking skills. 

8. Is IELTS Speaking difficult?

The difficulty of the IELTS Speaking test can vary depending on your level of English proficiency and how comfortable you feel expressing yourself in English. For many, the Speaking test can be challenging because it requires you to speak fluently, coherently, and accurately under timed conditions. However, with effective IELTS speaking practice, this issue can be rectified.

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Questions related to IELTS

Have a question related to IELTS ?

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.

Hello,

It is very highly unlikely to obtain a legitimate IELTS certificate without taking the exam. Any claims suggesting otherwise are likely scams. It is essential to take the exam through authorized testing centers to ensure the validity and credibility of the certificate.

Hope this helps you ,

Thank you

The IELTS General and IELTS Academic tests serve different purposes, so their difficulty levels can vary depending on your strengths and background. The IELTS Academic is generally considered more challenging, particularly in the Reading and Writing sections. It focuses on language skills needed in an academic setting, including understanding complex texts and writing essays on abstract topics. The IELTS General, on the other hand, is designed for everyday use, such as for immigration or work purposes, and involves more practical tasks like writing letters and understanding basic articles. If you're comfortable with academic English, the Academic test might be manageable, but for most people, the General test is slightly easier due to its more straightforward content.

The IELTS results are typically released 13 days after the test date, but the exact time of release can vary depending on the test center. While some test centers might release results at noon on the 13th day, others might have different schedules. For specific guidance and precise information regarding the release of your IELTS results, it is advisable to contact your test center directly. Additionally, for personalized assistance and expert advice on navigating the IELTS process and studying abroad, you may consider reaching out to Invicta Career Consultancy, which can provide tailored support based on your individual needs and goals, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

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