Stuttering is a disorder or an issue that can affect the
fluency of one’s speech. Stuttering is caused by disruptions in the production
of speech sounds. This can be seen if
one makes a lot of pauses, hesitates too much, self-corrects or “eats” words.
Besides “natural” or inherent reasons, the most common
reason for stuttering is brought upon by nervousness or anxiety. Feelings of
embarrassment, shame, frustration, fear, anger, and guilt are frequent in
people who stutter, and may actually increase tension and effort, leading to
increased stuttering.
In English proficiency tests such as the International
English Language Testing System (IELTS), stuttering may be an issue as these
tests have a Speaking Section which requires the test taker to verbally respond
in a fixed amount of time.
The speaking tests aim to assess one’s ability to articulate
ideas verbally and clarity and coherence are important factors. Stuttering may
greatly affect one’s effectiveness and lead to a very low score. This may be
interpreted as an inability of the speaker to articulate verbally.
However, one should not despair as there is a way to address
stuttering in speaking tests in IELTS.
·
First and foremost is mental preparation above
anything else such as skills.
Test takers need to be relaxed and should have a clear mind.
It is necessary for them to condition themselves to avoid making careless
mistakes and even stuttering. While this is not the easiest task to do, it is
something that must be developed.
·
Secondly, it is essential to stick to the plan.
Test takers are allowed to take notes and are given time to
prepare. They should take this time to map out how they will present or articulate
their ideas based on the notes they took. Most of the time, stuttering is
caused when test takers try to alter the plan once they begin speaking and this
leads to making too many pauses or stuttering. Test takers should resist the
urge to change their plans once they start speaking.
·
Another way to avoid stuttering in speaking
tests is constant drill.
Test takers should try reading any text aloud whether it is
an article in a magazine, newspaper or even a passage from a book. The purpose
is to eliminate pauses and stuttering by teaching proper pronunciation and
pacing as well as practicing proper grammar. Tongue twisters are also
recommended to give the tongue “exercise.”
·
Broaden your vocabulary.
One other problem that causes stuttering is test takers
struggle to find the right words to say. To address this problem, they are
encouraged to have a broad choice of words. It is simply not enough to learn
and memorize new words. This also includes using words in a sentence to develop
the confidence is using these words. When in doubt, the rule of the thumb is to
keep it simple.
Stuttering can be overcome if one would follow the
aforementioned tips. It will require some effort especially for those not
fluent in the language but with constant exposure and practice as well as
patience, it will not be difficult to hurdle the speaking tests of IELTS. As a
saying goes, “Proper Practice Prevents Poor Performance.”
Get more IELTS tips here: www.slideshare.net/stephlowe91/ielts-grammar-prepositions
