Proper Ways on How To Answer IELTS Speaking

A lot of people find it hard to speak in a large crowd. The fear of making a mistake and being laughed at is the common reason for this. However, in a speaking test such as the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System exam, speaking right in front of a native English speaker is much nerve racking than speaking with a large crowd. 

Filipino examinees for the IELTS have to undergo a one-on-one interview with a native English speaker (sometimes a Filipino trained to evaluate the test) for the speaking test. Though the test only lasts for 15 minutes, many candidates for the tests are already anxious in taking this test. This sub-test is unavoidable; hence, all the candidates can do is prepare for this part. How can one prepare for the IELTS speaking test? Here are some proper ways on how you can come up with good responses for the speaking examination.

1. Be familiar with the three tasks of the speaking test and how they are evaluated. Once you understand these tasks, it will be much easier to create responses. With your responses, always consider the following criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, pronunciation, and grammar and accuracy. 

2. Have good vocabulary. Examiners are more impressed with candidates who can choose the right words to express what is on their mind. Try to use big words that you know. Avoid using vocabulary that you are unsure with its definition. 

3. Be fluent. The flow of your response should sound natural as possible. Take a pause when needed. 

4. Do not be monotone. Having the same boring tone in speaking can bore you examiner. Put stress on words that you want to emphasize. Monotone responses are not impressive and can hugely affect your score. Make your responses more interesting with the rising and falling of your tone. 

5. Do not ask examiners to define a word that you do not understand. Instead, ask them if they could rephrase the question. Asking them to define the word puts you on a negative light. 

6. Open your mouth when speaking. Some examinees feel nervous that they end up mumbling during the test. The clarity of your responses is affected. 

7. Correct yourself when you think you made a mistake. This gives the examiner an impression that you are quick to identify mistakes. However, do not make too many corrections. 

8. Relax while speaking. Some people are too nervous that their voices break in the middle of the speaking. Be conscious with the tone and loudness of your voice. It is okay to be nervous but do not let it overwhelm you. 

9. Be natural as possible. Do not use templates with you answers. Raters are trained to identify patterned answers. 

10. Find a speaking partner before the test. This will give you a good opportunity to use the English language and develop confidence as well. 

The speaking test should not be dreaded. Instead, make it a challenge and proud to your examiner that you are a good English speaker. Practice and always be open to new learning in the English language. 

Is it vital to know the different question types in IELTS speaking?

Communication is vital in one’s development and success – academically and professionally. Recently, a number of Filipinos have been working hard in undergoing training and reviews to pass qualifications needed overseas. One qualification they have to get is their fluency in English; hence, the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System test is a requirement where applicants have to reach an overall band score with a specific emphasis on the speaking score.

Do candidates need to know the different question types in IELTS speaking? The answer is YES.


Knowledge on the question types is great advantage. The candidate has to know the three different tasks in the IELTS speaking. First, there is the first task is an introduction. The examiner asks the candidate to introduce him or her. Further, the examiner asks general questions like topics on family, school, work, hometown, hobbies, or interests. Here are some task  1 questions:


• Where do you come from?
• Are you a student or do you have a job?
• Could you tell me a typical day of yours?
• What do you usually do with your friends?
• Do you like reading?


The second task is where the examiner gives a cue card where the task is written. The candidate has to describe something and give a response based on the guide questions included. The candidate is given a minute to prepare and a couple of minutes to speak. Here are sample questions for the second task.


Describe something you own which is very important to you.


You should say:

• where you got it from
• how long you have had it
• what you use it for; and 
• explain why it is important to you.


Describe your favorite photograph

• Where was the photo taken?
• Who took the photo?
• What can be seen from the photo?
• Explain why it is the favorite photograph for you


Finally, the third task will be a more in-depth discussion on the second task’s topic. This will be more of a interactive conversation between the examinee and the examiner. There is no time limit given in the responses as long as the examinee will be able to make a good point in his or her answers. This two-way discussion will last for about four to five minutes. Candidates are expected to answer the question in full sentences and elaborate their points by using reasons and examples related to their argument.


It is important for any IELTS test candidate to know these to be able to come prepared in the interview. Practice and familiarity are important in getting a good a score in the IELTS speaking test.


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15 Days Practice for IELTS Speaking

Do you consider yourself a good English speaker? Is your speaking skill good enough to pass an English proficiency exam?

source: http://www.embassyenglish.com/

According to a survey, Filipinos speak English very well that they are prioritized by employers overseas. This skill in speaking English puts a great advantage for Filipino’s professional career. However, there are some companies and institutions, particularly from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, which require Filipinos to take the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination – a test which Filipinos really have to get ready for.

The IELTS exam ahs four different sections: listening, reading, writing and the most dreaded speaking. Why is speaking dreaded by most candidates? The speaking section of the exam is a one-on-one interview with a native English speaker or a Filipino who has been trained to conduct speaking exams. Since it is a face-to-face examination, Filipinos often feel anxious in the test. This anxiety can consume the candidate and can have a negative effect on their speaking test.

IELTS examinees are advised to take practices for the speaking. However, is it possible to be good at speaking English within 15 days? Of course! Here’s how:

First Week

• Understand what the IELTS speaking test is all about.

• Know the different criteria in evaluating the speaking test (Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Pronunciation, and Grammar Range and Accuracy)

• Be familiar with the three tasks of the exam.

• Find the common topics usually used in the speaking test. Research on materials online that can help you with it.

• Look up for videos online about the IELTS speaking test.

Second Week

• Review on verb tenses which is a very important factor in the test.

• Improve vocabulary.

• Find someone who can help you with your speaking test. Let this person act as an examiner. Choose someone who is good at speaking English and evaluating people in terms of English usage.

• Make a schedule to have at least two sets of speaking mock exams.

The speaking exam is easy to pass as long as candidates know how to make correct responses. In addition, examinees have to develop their confidence in using the English language. They have to get used to being interviewed. With this, it is recommended for IELTS candidates to take part in speaking mock exams in IELTS review centers. Speaking coaches give really good comments and feedbacks on how candidates can better their responses and eliminate anxiety during the IELTS speaking test.

For more IELTS Tips www.ieltsexamstips.com.

What are the Differences between the TOEFL Speaking and IELTS Speaking Tests?

Have you experienced delivering a speech in front of an audience? Have you talked in front of someone that gave you cold feet?

source: www.sheknows.com

Speaking exams are sure to be very nerve racking. However, different English proficiency examinations have different styles in setting up their speaking examinations. Like with the two most popular English proficiency exams here in Philippines, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) have the most challenging speaking examinations.

The TOEFL and the IELTS are different in many ways. For starters, TOEFL and IELTS use different materials to be able to administer an examination. The TOEFL uses English in its academic context while IELTS is more on social setting. What are the other differences? Here is what you should know about the differences of the test, particularly the speaking section of both examinations.

• Test Administration
Since TOEFL is a computer-based examination, the candidates will have to answer questions which are already fed into the cache system. They are given a few seconds to prepare followed by a response. The response will then be recorded and uploaded to the cache servers. The IELTS will have a native-English speaker evaluate someone during the examination. Follow-up questions are given that promotes an active discussion between the interviewee and the interviewer.

• Tasks
The IELTS have three tasks on any social topic like history, family, education, history and many more while the TOEFL speaking test have six different tasks: two independent and four integrated ones. In the TOEFL, it is very academic that having the right notes and vocabulary will make the test easier.

• Physical setup
Candidates for the IELTS are facing their interviewer while TOEFL test takers only need to sit in front of the computer and listen to pre-recorded conversations. TOEFL workstations most of the time look like an internet café that makes responding to the questions a little awkward as other people can hear you.

• Duration
The speaking test in the TOEFL runs for about thirty to forty-five minutes. In the IELTS, the speaking interview will only take fifteen minutes – fast yet really challenging.

• Style
The IELTS is more on an open conversation while the TOEFL is academic. In the IELTS, most students are led into good conversations between them and the interviewer. This is a good chance for the candidate to hit the answers to the questions correctly. The TOEFL is academic that what candidates have to practice taking down notes, gathering thoughts in a limited time and giving responses in within or less than a minute.

These are basically the differences between the two English exams. Know more about them with your review centers.

Stuttering and Your IELTS Score

Individuals need to communicate every single day of their lives. It is through communication that we are able to share ideas and express emotions to the people around us. Daily conversation and dialogues complete our lives. Hence, is it safe to say that people are already comfortable in talking with other people? For some, it could be true but for some, there is anxiety felt when speaking in front of other people. This type of situation is commonly seen in interviews or speaking examinations like in the International English Language Testing System examination.

The IELTS speaking examination is a one-on-one interview with a native English speaker. Many are not comfortable and feel nervous with this test that it is common for this people to experience stuttering. Stuttering is a condition wherein an individual has difficulty in having a normal flow of speech characterized by prolong or repeated sounds and even words. Once a person stutter, communication is affected. Some stutter due to a medical speech condition while some experience it because of nervousness or anxiety. For IELTS candidates, most of them experience stuttering because of the feeling of fear to commit a mistake, embarrassment of their English skills and even frustration if they feel that they are not giving the right answer during the examination. These contribute to stuttering.

Can stuttering affect the score of the candidate?

Looking at the assessment points of the speaking exam where clarity is a factor, stuttering may contribute to a low score in the exam. Once a person stutters, words do not come out clearly and the interviewer might assess an inability of the candidate to speak fluently. Some say that stuttering cannot affect the score; however, there are instances where responses are so inaudible that interviewers find answers confusing.
Stuttering is normal but can be avoided. Here are some ways how one can avoid stuttering during the IELTS examination.

1. Prepare for the exam through constant drills and exercises. Getting used to speaking with varied topics makes one comfortable in speaking.
2. Have a speaking partner. Make sure your partner can comment on your response and your delivery of the response.
3. Build strong vocabulary makes responses better. You will not have a hard time thinking what to say because you know exactly the right words to express.

This condition can be avoided through the tips mentioned. Generally speaking, what candidates have to do is to take a lot of speaking exercises to be familiar with the test. The IELTS speaking test should not stress the candidate. Indeed, candidates can experience cold feet but with enough preparation, candidates are sure to get a good score in the speaking test.

If you are planning to take IELTS go here www.jroozreview.com/ielts-review-center.