What are the expressions to avoid during the IELTS speaking test?

Many Filipinos take English proficiency examinations as part of their requirement for visa applications in English speaking countries. In countries like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination is recognized. Any visa applicant – work, student, or even immigrant – has to reach the required score so that their applications will be lodged.

The IELTS has four sections: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Amongst these four, the speaking test is the easiest for some, while some consider it as dreadful and stressful. To start off, the IELTS speaking test is a one-on-one interview with a native English speaker or someone who is trained to conduct speaking exams for the IELTS. Further, this examinee will be conducting the interview for about fifteen minutes. There are three different sections in the exam: interview, long turn, and two-way discussion. All of these tasks are used to evaluate the candidate’s ability to speak English well and understand situations where the said language has to be used.

IELTS speaking candidates have to know that the responses should be logical and appropriate. Hence, most of these candidates take review classes in IELTS review centers. Speaking instructors always remind their students to use the right vocabulary with their responses. Further, they make sure that these IELTS speaking candidates have the correct pronunciation and skill in answering questions. Additionally, most of them are taught on how to be confident with their answers. Most importantly, they are taught not to use some expressions during their speaking test. Here are some words that are to be avoided.

• That is a very interesting question
• Honestly, I personally believe
• I am of the opinion
• It is my personal opinion that I have to
• You know
• As far as I am concerned
• Look
• I am not sure, what do you think?
• I am afraid I know nothing
• What do you mean by…

Why do these phrases need to be avoided?

First, it shows that your responses are in a pattern. It signifies that the candidate’s answer follows a certain template and this will result into a deduction. Responses should come out naturally. Secondly, some of the expressions listed above are very informal. As much as possible, always be formal with the tone of speaking. Finally, examinees should never ask the examiners about the question. Do not ask them to simply, define a word, or even repeat the question more than twice. It shows the lack of preparation and knowledge you have for the examination.

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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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What to do if I forgot the word I want to say in the IELTS Speaking Test?

Some people, particularly non-native English speakers, are left dumbfounded when they listen to native English speakers speak. The fluency when they speak is so good that a lot are somehow mesmerized. Since English has becoming a language more and more people are using, many non-native English speakers study the language for personal and professional growth. Knowing how to use and speak the English language is beneficial most especially in finding a good job overseas.


Different companies and institutions overseas offer great career opportunities to Filipinos. Whether it is a job or for education, Filipinos are willing to take this chance of getting a better life overseas. Filipinos have to understand that working overseas have a great deal of requirements to be submitted and one of these is passing the International English Language Testing System examination or the IELTS test.


Among the four sections of the test, most candidates are apprehensive with the speaking section of the test. Since it is a one-on-one interview, candidates worry that they might not be able to respond clearly to the questions being asked on the test. Furthermore, there is a fear among candidates that they will forget what they want to say while speaking. If this happens, how should candidates handle the situation?


• Stay calm. Most candidates panic and they end up finishing their responses without a complete thought. If you forget something you want to say, stay calm and breathe.

• Find a synonym or an expression similar to what you want to say. It is totally acceptable to use other words in expressing your ideas. This might even better the context of the response.

• Avoid using fillers. Fillers work fine but you have to limit the usage of such. Instead, use the following expressions; you can say, “what I mean is that”, “what I am trying to say is”, or “in other words”.

• Avoid repeating the sentence you are trying to construct. Just continue speaking.

• Come to the test prepared. The key in being familiar with the course of the speaking test is by attending review classes for the speaking. With speaking coaches, candidates will be trained on how to deal with speaking interview situations. They will be taught with techniques on how to listen carefully to the questions and responding to these questions appropriately.


Being nervous for a test is common, yet this feeling can be overcome. To be ready for the test, one must undergo training for the IELTS speaking and be exposed in the usage of the English language. The more the candidate is exposed to opportunities where he or she can speak English, the higher the chance in getting a good score in the speaking exam.

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Popular Cue Card Topics for the IELTS Speaking Test

“I have been told the IELTS Speaking Test has three tasks. Which of these tasks use the cue card type?” Leo, 33, optometrist

Being in an interview can bring out different sorts of emotions. Some feel nervous, while some are so relaxed. Different people deal with interviews quiet differently. However, in the International English Language Testing System examination, speaking test always cause cold feet to candidates. The reason behind this is the one-on-one interview assessment done by a native English speaker. With three different tasks to be completed, one must handle the test with confidence and grace.

Cue card question is one of the tasks in the IELTS speaking test. In this part of the exam, the interviewer hands a cue card to the candidate where instructions are printed. The candidate is given a minute to prepare and another couple of minutes to respond to the task. What the candidate needs to do is to make sure all questions asked are responded. They have to be reminded that they cannot pick a question, so getting familiar with the topics is a must. Here are some popular topics for the cue card assessment in the IELTS speaking test.

 

Describe a well-known person you like or admire. You should say: -          Who this person is -          What this person has done -          Why this person is well-known and explain why you admire this person.

Describe a song or a piece of music you like. You should say: -          What the song or music is -          What kind of song or music it is -          Where you first heard it and explain why you like it.

Describe one of your friends. You should say: -          How you met -          How long  you have known each other -          How you spend time together and explain why you like this person.

Describe a festival that is important in your country. You should say: -          When the festival occurs -          What you did during it -          What you like or dislike about it and explain why this festival is important.

Describe someone in your family who you like. You should say: -          How this person is  related to you -          What this person looks like -          What kind of person he/she is and explain why you like this person.

Describe something healthy you enjoy doing. You should say: -          What you do -          Where you do it -          Who you do it with and explain why you think doing this is healthy.

Describe a game or sport you enjoy playing. You should say: -          What kind of game and sport it is -          Who you play it with -          Where you play it and explain why you enjoy playing it.

Describe an important choice you had to make in your life. You should say: -          When you had to make this choice -          What you had to choose between -          Whether you made a good choice and explain how you felt when you were making this choice.

Describe a party that you enjoyed. You should say: -          Whose party it was and what it was celebrating -          Where the party was held and who went to it -          What people did during the party and explain what you enjoyed about this party.

Describe an idea you had for improving something at work or college. You should say: -         When and where you had your idea -          What your idea was -          Who you told about your idea and explain why you thought your idea would make an improvement.

Now here are two sample responses for questions numbers 3 and 6.

I come from a very big group of friends but I am particularly close with Ernie. Ernie and I have been friends since we were seven years old. It was in a school activity when I met him. We were first graders and I saw him sitting alone on a bench. I approached him and asked to sit down with him. Since that day, we were always seen together playing and having snacks together. We were in the same school from elementary to high school. Though we went to different universities, we still had time to meet after our classes or on weekends. Now, he is working as a nurse and I work as a teacher. On weekends, we always hangout watching movies, trying new restaurants and even just staying at his place or mine. What I like best about Ernie is his sense of humor. He has never failed to make me laugh. I guess though we come from different fields, our minds never clash and there is always something interesting to talk about when we are together. No dull moments between us.

Number 6

People do different things to be healthy. As for me, I enjoy going to the gym. Working out has been my hobby for the past few years. I was a little chubby when I was younger and I got scared of the possible sickness I might acquire as I grew older. I decided to enrol in Holiday Spa here in Davao. At first, I was hesitant but I was constantly encouraged by my friends who I went with in the gym. It has been three years now and I have lost some weight. For me, working out is not only to shed fat. It is also a way for me to relieve stress at work. People should not think that people who work out are those who are fat or chubby. Though you are thin or average built, exercising is recommended to be strong and healthy.

Try making sample responses in other questions and be familiar in making responses for the IELTS. 

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How Do I Develop My Skills for the IELTS Speaking Test?

“I heard the speaking test in the International English Language Testing System examination is done in front of a native English speaker. Is it true? If it is, I feel that I will not be making a good impression with my speaking skills.” – Bert, 34, butcher

That’s right! The speaking test in the IELTS test is a one-on-one interview with a native English speaker. If you are lucky, you will be able to see some Filipinos conducting the interview, but still, they expect a lot from the candidates with regards to their English speaking skill.

Considered to be one of the nationalities who can speak English well, Filipinos should not be having a hard time getting a good speaking score in the IELTS. However, due to some technicalities in the test, Filipinos have to prepare for the exam to achieve the score that they need. With this in mind, how can one develop his or her skill for the IELTS speaking test? Here are a few simple but proven effective tips.

• Practice pronunciation. Each person has a local dialect influence. It is important for the candidate not to incorporate this local accent to his or her English accent. Doing such can create mispronounced words.

• Be aware of how words sound differently when spoken in American, British or Australian accents. These three accents are used in the test and interviewers come from different countries as well. Be familiar with these three accents to avoid misunderstanding in the course of the interview.

• Be confident. When one gets nervous, they start to stutter and it greatly affects your speech. Practice speaking in front of the mirror and look at yourself. Always tell yourself, “I am a good English speaker.”

• Use words and expressions that are suited in your responses. Vocabulary knowledge is important to clearly describe your ideas. With the right kind of vocabulary, your response will get a good score.

• Watch English movies or listen to songs. Try if you can distinguish the words that are used in conversations or lyrics. It is a good practice and entertaining as well.

• Use English everywhere. Always find an opportunity to speak English. Do not feel awkward. It is a practice of your skill and confidence as well.

• Open your mouth when speaking. Words should come out clearly to be understood.

• Use transition words in your responses. Guide the interviewer through your response. In addition, this way will be an opportunity for the interview to have an open conversation with you.

• Practice with friends. Have friends listen to you when you speak and ask for their comments and suggestions.

• Have an IELTS speaking partner. This could be a teacher or a tutor who knows how to teach you other skills needed for the test.

Being nervous for the IELTS test? No worry. With these tips, you are one step away to being a good English speaker

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