IELTS exam Speaking tips

1. IELTS
SPEAKING

2. Speaking test will take about 11 to 14 minutes to complete. There are three sections in total.
Part 1 – Introduction and interview. This lasts for about 4 to 5 minutes. In this section, the
Examiner will introduce him/herself and ask you questions about yourself.
Part 2 – Individual long turn. Part 2 lasts for about three to four minutes. In this section,
you will be asked to prepare and give a short talk for about one to two minutes on a given
subject.
Part 3 – Two-way discussion. Part 3 lasts for 4 to 5 minutes. In this section, you will be
asked to have a short discussion linked to the subject you spoke about in part 2.
Assessment:
- fluency and coherence max. 9
- Vocabulary 9
- range of grammar and accuracy 9
- pronunciation 9
EXAMPLE: Then your overall band score would be: (4 + 4 + 5 + 5)/4 = 4.5

3. Sample part 1 questions:
•Family
Do you have a large family or a small family?
Can you tell me something about them?
How much time do you manage to spend with members of your family?
What sorts of things do you like to do together?
Did/Do you get on well with your family? [Why?]
•
Accommodation
What kind of accommodation do you live in? What’s it like?
Have you always lived there?
What are the main advantages of this [accommodation]?
What changes would you like to make to improve it?
Would it be easy for you to move to another accommodation?
Do many people in your country live in such accommodation?
•
Neighbourhood
Which part of town do you live in?
What’s it like?
What kind of shops are there in your neighbourhood?
Do you get along well with your neighbours?
What’s difficult about living there?
•
Education (students)
What do you study?
What is special about this subject?
Is there anything you find difficult about it?
Where do you study…? What’s your university/college like?

4. • Job
What’s your job?
Is it a common job in your country?
What are your working hours like?
Do you get a lot of vacation and off time?
Are you thinking of changing your job?
Cold weather
Have you ever been in very cold weather? [When?]
How often is the weather cold where you come from?
Are some parts of your country colder than others? [Which parts?]
Would you prefer to live in a hot place or a cold place? [Why?]
• Laughing
What kinds of things make you laugh?
Do you like making other people laugh? [Why/Why not?]
Do you think it’s important for people to laugh? *Why/Why not?+
Is laughing the same as feeling happy, do you think? [Why/Why not?]
•
Keeping in contact with people
How do you usually contact your friends? [Why?]
Do you prefer to contact different people in different ways? [Why?]
Do you find it easy to keep in contact with friends and family? [Why/Why not?]
In your country, did people in the past keep in contact in the same ways as they do today?
[Why/Why not?]

5. •Daily Routine
What would you like to change in your daily routine?
Are all your days the same?
Tell me about your typical weekday and your typical weekend.
What is the balance of work/study and free time in your normal day?
•
Visitors
What would you suggest a visitor should see and do in your country?
Are there any traditional arts or music you would recommend?
Tell me about the kind of foreign visitors or tourists who go to your country.
In what ways has tourism changed your country?
•
Festivals
Tell me about the most important festival in your country.
What special food and activities are connected with this festival?
What do you most enjoy about it?
Do you think festivals are important for a country? [Why?]
•
Dancing
Do you enjoy dancing? [Why/Why not?]
Has anyone ever taught you to dance? [Why/Why not?]
Tell me about any traditional dancing in your country.
Do you think that traditional dancing will be popular in the future? [Why/Why not?]
Musical instruments
Which instrument do you like listening to most? [Why?]
Have you ever learned to play a musical instrument? [Which one?]
Do you think children should learn to play a musical instrument at school? [Why/Why not?]
How easy would it be to learn to play an instrument without a teacher? [Why?]

6. •Traffic where you live
How do most people travel to work where you live?
What traffic problems are there in your area? [Why?]
How do traffic problems affect you?
How would you reduce the traffic problems in your area?
•
Your friends
Do you prefer to have one particular friend or a group of friends? [Why?]
Are your friends mostly your age or different ages? [Why?]
What do you like doing most with your friend/s?
The last time you saw your friends, what did you do together?
What makes a friend into a good friend?
Do you think it’s important to keep in contact with friends you knew as a child? *Why/Why not?+
•
Food and cooking
What kinds of food do you like to eat?
What kind of new food would you like to try? [Why?]
Do you like cooking? [Why/Why not?] What was the last meal you cooked?
Do you prefer home-cooked food or food from restaurants? [Why?]
•
Leisure
Do you have any hobbies or interests? [What are they?]
How did you become interested in (whatever hobby/interest the candidate mentions)?
What is there to do in your free time in (candidate’s hometown/village)?
How do you usually spend your holidays?
Is there anywhere you would particularly like to visit? [Why?]
•
Your favourite place
What place do you most like to visit?
How often do you visit this place? Why do you like it so much?
Is it popular with many other people?
Has it changed very much since you first went there? [In what way?]

7. Your country
Which part of your country do most people live in?
Tell me about the main industries there.
How easy is it to travel around your country?
Has your country changed much since you were a child?Colour
Entertainment
Do you prefer relaxing at home or going out in the evening? [Why?]
When you go out for an evening, what do you like to do?
How popular is this with other people in your country?
Is there any kind of entertainment you do not like? [Why/Why not?]
Clothes
How important are clothes and fashion to you? [Why/Why not?]
What kind of clothes do you dislike? [Why?]
How different are the clothes you wear now from those you wore 10 years ago?
What do you think the clothes we wear say about us?
Books
Do you like reading books?
What kind of books do you like to read? [Why?]
Where do you like to read? [Why?]
Do others in your family read books too?
Do you usually buy your books from a special place? [Where?]
Technology at home/office
How often do you use electric appliances at home/office?
How do you think they help you with your chores?
Are there any other advantages?
Are there any drawbacks to using these appliances?
Do you think pe0ople should use electric appliances more often or less often than they do now?
[Why/Why not?]

8. 2 - Individual long turn
During Part 2, you’ll be given a topic on a task card which you will NOT be able to
change. You’ll be given about one minute to prepare. Then you’ll be required to speak for
about two minutes on the topic, by yourself. During this time, the Examiner won’t interrupt
you and won’t ask you any questions.
The task card usually asks you to describe something and then give reasons for your
choice. So, for each point, write only one or two words for each prompt. In total, you
should only write about 20 words in your plan.
During your planning, try the following:
Write notes and don't write whole sentences.
Write the points in a list and in order.
Make a gap between, or draw a line between, words relating to description and
explanation.
Use nouns, verbs, adverbs and adjectives for your notes.

9. How to answer:
Impress the examiner with your ability to give full answers to his or her questions. To avoid simple
yes or no answers or short responses generally, try using the REDS method to add detail to your
initial response:
• Give a Reason
• Offer an Example
• Give Details
• Speculate
REDS in Action:
Question: What job would you like to do?
Answer (Reason): I've always wanted to be a vet. I love animals and I think it would be a very
rewarding job.
Question: What skills do you need for this job?
Answer (Example): I think you need to be sensitive to people's feelings. If you're dealing with their
sick or injured pets, you need to be honest but also appreciate how they might be feeling.
Question: Where do you come from?
Answer (Detail): I come from Mashad in Iran. It's well known as a religious centre and is really
crowded most of the year.
Question: Do you often go out to restaurants?
Answer (Speculate): Unfortunately, since I had my baby, no. If I had the chance I'd really like to
eat out more often, especially in Chinese or Italian restaurants.

10. BETTER
OKAY
Examiner: What’s your favorite
color?
Candidate: Blue, I think.
Examiner: Why?
Candidate: I don’t know. I just
like it.
Examiner: What’s your favorite
color?
Candidate: Blue, I think. Yeah,
blue, because it reminds me of
the ocean and the sky. I feel calm
when I see the color blue. I also
like to wear blue – it looks good
on me.

11. Here’s a list of prompt words that you can use to help you
prepare:
• Introductory phrases - when you start your talk:
I’m going to talk about…
I’d like to talk about…
I want to talk about…
What I'm going to talk about is…
I'm going to describe…
•
Developing phrases - when you want to expand your argument:
First of all…
Secondly,…
Additionally,…
Another thing…
Another reason why…
What’s more,…
•
Background phrases - when you want to add some detail:
It's near…
It happened…
It took place…
It’s been going on for/since…
At that time…

12. • Impression phrases - when you want to say something that made an impression on you:
… impressed me
… motivated me
… moved me
… disturbed me
… touched me deeply
… had an effect on me
… affected me
... influenced me.
•
Things you like phrases - when you want to describe or talk about things you like:
I like… most of all
I enjoy…
I love doing...
I’m a big/great fan of…
I’m passionate aboutcrazy about….
I’m really keen on…
I’m fond of….
I’m so much into…
… really appeals to me because…
•
You can also use synonyms of words which appear on the task card given to you by the Examiner.
For example, if you see the word ‘benefits’, think of synonyms such as ‘payback’, ‘profit’,
‘advantages’, ‘positive aspects’ and so on. By using synonyms in this way, you’ll show the Examiner
that you’re fluent in your use of English and that you’re capable of using extra words.
Try to prepare your own examples of synonyms for common words. A good method of doing this
is making a list of common words and then, using a word processing package on a PC, making an
equivalent list of synonyms.

13. • USEFUL PHRASES TO EXPRESS YOUR OPINION
1. I really think that…
• 2. What I think is that..
• 3. I reckon that..
• 4. I have to say that..
• 5. I feel that…
• 6. I believe that..
• 7. I’m sure that..
• 8. Well,
• 9. I suppose
• 10. I would say that
• 11 I assume that
• A BIGGER LIST INCLUDES:
• I think that..
I definitely think that.. I really think
that..
I really do think that…
What I think is that..
I was just thinking that… I tend to think
that..
I don’t think that…
I don’t believe that..
If you asked me, I’d say… I’d hope that…
I’m sure you`ll agree that…
• GIVING AN OPINION `MORE STRONGLY`
• I firmly/strongly believe that… I’m convinced
that…
As far as I`m concerned,…
I can guarantee you that..
• SOUNDING A BIT MORE FORMAL
• My opinion is that… In my view,…
My view is that..
I take the view that… I would hope
that…

14. Expression Meaning Example
Clearly
Obviously
Easy to understand or see Clearly, the economy is not going to improve this year.
Personally Showing that it is your opinion Personally, I don't think the legal drinking age should be
reduced. Others may disagree.
Generally Usually, or in most situations Generally, the trains are a lot more reliable than the
buses in my country.
Surprisingly Unexpectedly or in a way that is
unusual
Surprisingly, the government prohibited smoking in all
public places last year. I never thought this would
happen.
Inevitably In a way that cannot be avoided I didn't study much. Inevitably, I didn't get the score I
needed.
Predictably As expected Predictably, problems are now occurring in the city
because of overpopulation.
Frankly To be honest and direct Frankly, I wish I'd waited before taking the IELTS test as
I'm not ready!
Sadly
Regrettably
Unfortunately
Unhappy, sad or sorry about
something
Regrettably, my family could never return to their
country because of the civil war.

15. Part 3 – Two-way discussion
The last part of the test is where you and the Examiner have a discussion linked to the subject
from Part 2.
Here are some hints to help you:
Listen carefully to the Examiner's questions.
Try to be fluent and only correct yourself when it's easy to do so.
Don't focus on your mistakes; move on.
Try to go into detail when you explain your opinion.
Give reasons for what you say.
Keep to the topic.
If you don't understand the question, ask for it to be repeated. Never answer a question
you don't understand.
Don’t worry if you have to make up an answer. You are being marked on your ability to
speak English, not the truth of the content!
Don't speak quickly or slowly just speak clearly.
Concentrate on the message you are trying to give.
Don't worry about saying too much! The Examiner will stop you if he/she wants to.
When you say something, try to qualify it and expand it to support your opinion or reason.

16. Let’s look at good and bad examples for this question: ‘What are the causes of
traffic jams in your city?’
• Bad answer: ‘The causes of traffic jams are narrow roads and overpopulation.’
• This answer is too short and has given the examiner the minimum amount of information possible.
• Good answer: ‘The causes of congestion are narrow roads and overpopulation. This is because our
roads were designed a long time ago when the population of the city was much lower. For example,
the road near my house was built in the 1960s when the population was about a third what it is
today.’
• Learn What Types of Questions to Expect
• Here is a list of the comment question types:
• giving examples;
• giving opinions;
• contrasting viewpoints;
• commenting on someone else’s opinion;
• talking about cause and effect;
• talking about hypothetical situations;
• talking about the past and future.

17. The crucial thing is to let the examiner know you need a few
moments to think by saying something like:
• ‘That’s a tricky question; let me think for a moment.’
• ‘That’s an interesting question, let me think about that.’
• ‘It’s very hard to say for sure, but I would guess….’,
• ‘It’s difficult to say, I believe….’
• ‘I don’t really know for sure, but I believe….’

18. How can I increase my score:

19. Examples
• Over the moon– to be extremely pleased or happy.
• I was over the moon when I passed my speaking test.
• Once in a blue moon– happens very rarely.
• A student will get a 9 in the IELTS writing test once in a blue moon.
• A piece of cake– very easy.
• Getting a band 6 in the speaking test will be a piece of cake.
• A drop in the ocean– a very small part of something much bigger.
• Just learning idioms is a drop in the ocean when it comes to preparing for the speaking test.
• Actions speak louder than words– it is better to actually do something than just talk about it.
• Lots of people have great business ideas but do nothing about them. Actions speak louder than words, just
do it.
• Back to the drawing board– when you attempted to do something but failed and have to try again.
• I got 4.5 in reading! Oh well, back to the drawing board.

20. •Put all your eggs in one basket- put all your money or effort into
one thing.
•Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. You should apply to lots of
different universities.
•The in thing– something fashionable.
•The new iPhone is really the in thing at the moment.
•The real McCoy– genuine or not fake.
•I don’t think her new handbag is the real McCoy.
•Off the top of my head– saying something without thinking first.
•Off the top of my head, I’d say about 2 or 3.
•Run of the mill– average, ordinary
•Apple phones are very run of the mill these days.
•Soulmate– someone you trust very deeply.
•My husband is not just my lover, he’s my soul mate.

21. • Down in the dumps– sad.
• I was really down in the dumps after my dog died.
• Found my feet– to become comfortable doing something.
• Moving to a new city was difficult as first, but I soon found my feet.
• Set in their ways– not wanting to change.
• My parents are quite traditional and set in their ways.
• Go the extra mile– do much more than is required.
• I decided to go the extra mile and move to England to really perfect my English.
• A hot potato– a controversial topic.
• Abortion and capital punishment are hot potatoes in my country at the moment.
• Miss the boat– miss an opportunity.
• I sent my application in late and I think I missed the boat.
• Costs an arm and a leg– really expensive.
• Those shoes must have cost an arm and a leg.
• Sit on the fence– to be undecided.
• I haven’t made my mind up about that issue, I’ll have to sit on the fence.

22. 1. Describe your favorite season of the year.
You should say:
• What the weather is like.
• Why you like this season.
• What activities you usually do during this season.
• How different kinds of weather in this season affect people.
• Sample
Today, I am going to tell you about my favourite season. Honestly, I love all the seasons but I think
my favourite is spring. Usually, it starts at the end of December in our country and lasts till the
middle of March.
The weather in Vietnam is the best during spring because you will not suffer from the excessive
heat of summer or the freezing wind of winter. The temperature is tolerable both day and night.
One of the best things about spring is that, during this poetic season, nature displays itself in
beautiful green and flowers are noticed everywhere. Fruit trees, such as cherry and apricot trees
are in full blossom, and colourful flowers such as daffodils and marigolds bloom in parks and
gardens. The sounds of spring are wonderful too. A typical spring day will begin when some birds
start their morning chorus as they look for a mate. We also celebrate Tet, one of the most
anticipated holidays by the Vietnamese people. This is an occasion for pilgrimages, family reunions and many festivals.
Parties full of delicious traditional dishes are the main theme for the whole holiday of Tet.
I am of the opinion that different kinds of weather can affect people’s health. Even among those
in the prime of health, an excessively hot or cold day can lead to illness or injury, let alone the
elderly, who can be more susceptible to extreme weather conditions. Weather can also make a
huge impact on people's lives. Obviously, the weather dictates what you are going to wear for the
day, often depending on the time of year. Also, winter snow storms in Western countries can
cancel school or make your morning commute a hassle.

23. Vocabulary highlights:
• suffer from: be badly affected by
• excessive: greater than what seems reasonable or appropriate
• tolerable: moderate, acceptable
• in full blossom: with the flowers fully open
• morning chorus: early morning bird songs
• pilgrimage: a journey to a holy place for religious reasons
•in the prime of: in the best, most successful, most productive
stage
• susceptible: very likely to be influenced, harmed or affected
• dictate: decide, determine
• hassle: irritating inconvenience

24. IELTS Speaking Part 3
•
• Do you think weather has an influence on people's mood?
Well definitely yes. Most people have a big preference for mild or windy weather due to the fact that it is the most
favorable time to go out and do something outdoors. However, when the weather is a little rainy and humid, people
have a tendency to stay at home and watch a movie or something like that.
• How you feel about the climate in recent years?
Well, that is an intriguing question. From my personal perspective, the climate on Earth is becoming more and more
changeable, which unfortunately results from climate change. As you can see, normally, in summer there would be no
rainfall at all in nearly 3 or 4 months, but nowadays, in that particular season, the rain can come any time, which even
contrasts the weather forecast.
• What can we do to stop greenhouse effect?
There are several ways that can put an end to greenhouse effect. Firstly, industrial countries like the US and China
need to have a consensus on the amount of Co2 emissions released into the air every year. Therefore, it can help
reduce such bad effects on the air people breathe in every day. Another possible solution is to cut down on the
number of vehicles using fossil fuels on a global scale. Instead, people should be encouraged to use public transport.
• What are the possible results if temperature continues going up?
If that continues to happen, it is obvious that people especially those from low-income households cannot stand the
boiling hot weather and then spend more money installing costly air-conditioning systems. This would reduce the
amount of budget that can be spent on other educational and recreational activities