Top 10 IELTS Speaking Tips to Get Band 8 (or more) in IELTS Speaking Test

The IELTS speaking test may seem scary, but don’t worry! With these 10 IELTS expert tips, you'll find helpful ways to improve your IELTS Speaking score. Get ready to impress the examiner with these IELTS speaking tips and strategies.

Note: If you need an overview of the speaking test format, please read this first - [Link to Speaking Basics]

If you already know the parts of the speaking test, let's not waste any time and jump right in!

Tip 1: Get Ready For Nervousness In The IELTS Speaking Test

The speaking interview is a face-to-face test, and it's completely normal to feel a little nervous before your test. You are definitely not alone in this feeling. But, don't let nerves stop you from showing your true language skills. A good way to prepare is to practice speaking English in daily situations – talk with friends, join a study group, or even record yourself. This not only helps your fluency but also builds your confidence.

Also, there are ways to calm your nerves on test day. Try some relaxation techniques, like deep breathing. Before the test, take a moment for a few deep breaths to relax your mind before the IELTS exam. Remember that the IELTS examiner is there to check your English, not to scare you. Trust in the effort you've put into preparing, and approach the test with a positive attitude. By staying calm, you allow your natural language skills to show more clearly. Remember, you can do this!

For a more detailed guide to beating nervousness before the speaking exam, read this: [Link to a detailed post]

Tip 2: Common IELTS Mistake: Repeating The Question

When answering questions in the test, many IELTS students do this, but you should try to avoid using the same words from the question to start your answer. This shows the examiner that you have a good range of vocabulary and can share ideas in different ways.

For example, if the question is, “Do you like traveling?”, instead of starting with “Yes, I like traveling...”, you could say, “Definitely, exploring new places is something I really enjoy...”.

To get good at this skill, practice changing questions when you practice. Use synonyms and change the sentence structure. It’s not only about finding different words, but also about expressing the same idea in a new way. It is perhaps the easiest way to improve your band score in the Lexical Resource (vocabulary) part.

This method makes your answers sound more natural and less rehearsed, showing your ability to use English flexibly. Remember, the key here is to be creative with your language use while still staying true to your personal style and comfort.

Tip 3: Examples To Extend Your Answers in IELTS Speaking Part 1

While part 1 of the speaking test is usually seen as the easiest, adding personal examples in your answers can greatly improve it. When you share your own experiences or stories, your answers become more interesting and real. For instance, if you're asked about a favorite book, instead of just naming it, you could explain why it's special to you, maybe recalling a special moment when you read it.

Using personal examples serves two purposes. First, it shows your ability to express ideas and opinions in English. Second, it shows your ability to connect with the topic more deeply, making your speech more interesting and unique. Don't hesitate to share small details – they often make your stories more vivid and relatable.

Remember, the exam is not just about language skills but also your ability to communicate well. Personal stories are a great way to show that you can share ideas clearly and engagingly in English. Just make sure your examples are related to the question and add value to your answer.

Tip 4: Organize Your Response (one of the most ignored IELTS Speaking Tips)

Organizing your response in the test is important for clearly sharing your thoughts. A well-structured answer is easier for the examiner to follow and shows your ability to communicate effectively.

For good organization, start by answering the question directly, then add details or examples to support your point. For example, if asked about your favorite hobby, begin by stating the hobby, then explain why you enjoy it and maybe share a special experience related to it.

Think of your response like a mini story – it should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. This structure not only helps the examiner understand your point of view but also shows your ability to organize thoughts logically in English. Don't rush; take time to think. Remember, coherence and cohesion are just as important as grammar and vocabulary. By presenting your ideas in an organized way, you're showing the examiner that you can use the English language with ease and clarity.

Tip 5: Record Yourself and Listen (Band 9 Habit)

This might feel a bit strange at first, but it's a powerful tool that helps you understand how you really sound. When you listen to your recordings, pay attention to your pronunciation, fluency, and how you structure your responses. This self-review lets you catch any mistakes or awkward pauses you might not notice while speaking.

Recording also helps you get used to the sound of your own voice in English, which is important for the test. Try to record different types of responses – some direct answers, some longer explanations, and even some storytelling examples. After listening, see where you can improve your IELTS speaking, and try to include those changes in your next practice session.

Remember, the goal is not to criticize yourself harshly, but to find helpful ways to improve. Be patient and kind to yourself; improvement takes time and practice. This method can really enhance your speaking skills and boost your confidence for the actual test.

Tip 6: Examiners Love Idioms and Phrasal Verbs (vocabulary)

Using idioms and phrasal verbs correctly can really make your responses in the test more interesting. These expressions show a deeper understanding of English (as native English speakers use them often) and can make your speech sound more natural and fluent. In fact, the official speaking band descriptors specifically mention 'idiomatic expressions' as a band 9 requirement.

For example, instead of saying “I’m very happy,” you could say “I’m over the moon.” This idiom clearly shows happiness. Similarly, “figure out” is a phrasal verb meaning to understand or find a solution. You could say, “I finally figured out how to solve the problem.”

However, it’s important to use these expressions correctly. Learn a few idioms and phrasal verbs well, rather than trying to learn many that you’re not comfortable with. Phrases like “catch up” (to update each other on life events) or “break down” (to explain in detail) are useful and can be used in different topics. Idioms like “a piece of cake” (very easy) or “hit the books” (to start studying hard) are also handy.

Practice using these in the right situations to improve your speaking skills naturally. Remember, accuracy is key, so make sure you fully understand the meanings and usage of these expressions.

Tip 7: Use Shadowing For High Score In Pronunciation

Shadowing, especially through 'repeat after me' videos, is a great way to improve your intonation for the test. Intonation, the rise and fall in the tone of your voice, is very important in how natural and expressive your spoken English sounds. By shadowing, you copy the speaker's pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation, which helps you sound more like a native speaker.

To practice, find videos where a native speaker talks and pause after each sentence or phrase, repeating it just like you heard it. Pay attention to how their voice goes up and down, and how they stress certain words. This exercise will help you understand the natural rhythm of English speech. It’s not just about the words you use, but how you say them. With regular practice, you’ll start to notice a more natural flow and expressiveness in your speech.

Here is a 'repeat after me' video that you can use to improve your stress and intonation: [Link to repeat after me video]

Tip 8: Practice Common IELTS Topics (free IELTS guesswork!)

It's a smart decision to get familiar with possible IELTS speaking topics before your IELTS test. A useful resource for this is Makkarielts.com, which offers a 'speaking guesswork' book updated every four months (as topics change every 4 months). This book can give you an idea of the exact topics that will appear in the exam. Remember, there is no difference in the topics being asked across different organizations (such as IDP IELTS) that conduct the IELTS exam.

However, it's important to avoid memorizing answers. The examiner will be able to spot memorized responses, and this can hurt your score. Instead, use these guesswork topics as a guide. Practice speaking about these topics in your own words, focusing on expressing your thoughts naturally and fluently.

This method not only prepares you for a range of topics but also helps in developing your ability to think and speak spontaneously in English. Remember, the goal is to be comfortable talking about a variety of subjects in a natural and relaxed manner.

Tip 9: The Six Speaking Question Types Of Part 3

In Part 3 of the test, you'll face six types of questions. Understanding and practicing responses to each type can greatly improve your performance.

1. Importance Questions: These ask about the importance of something. For example, "Why is exercise important?" Prepare to discuss the value or effect of different topics.

2. Agree/Disagree Questions: You'll be asked your opinion on a statement. For example, "Do you agree that technology has made life easier?" Clearly state your opinion and support it with reasons.

3. Explanation Questions: These require you to explain why or how something happens. For example, "How does online shopping affect retail businesses?" Focus on giving clear, logical explanations.

4. Future Questions: These are about predictions or future possibilities. E.g., "What will be the impact of remote work in the future?" Think about trends and possible changes.

5. Solution Questions: You'll need to suggest solutions to a problem. For example, "How can we reduce traffic congestion in cities?" Offer practical, thoughtful solutions.

6. Compare-Contrast Questions: These ask you to look at differences and similarities. For example, "Compare the benefits of living in a city versus the countryside."

Preparing for these questions in advance by learning useful words and phrases can help you boost your score in this important part of the test. Here is a good resource for such phrases: [Link to phrases]

Tip 10: The Importance of Daily Practice and Review

This is too obvious to say yet too important to leave out from our list of tips.

Regular daily practice and review are important for success in the test. This habit helps you become more comfortable and fluent in English. It's not just about learning new words or phrases, but also about understanding how to use them in context. Regular practice allows you to understand language patterns, making your speech more natural and spontaneous.

Set aside specific time each day for English practice. This could include speaking with a partner, recording yourself, or even thinking in English. Use a variety of topics to expand your vocabulary and understanding of different subjects. After practice sessions, take time to review and think about your performance. Identify areas where you did well and areas that need improvement.

Additionally, listening to English podcasts, watching English movies, and reading English books can improve your language exposure. These activities help you understand different accents and everyday expressions.

Remember, the key is consistency. Daily practice might seem hard, but it's the best way to build and keep language skills. Stay motivated and remember that every bit of practice brings you closer to your goal.

Bonus Tip: The Jam Technique For IELTS Speaking Part 2 Fluency

A useful tool for improving your speaking skills, especially for part 2 of the speaking module, is the "Just A Minute" (JAM) technique, inspired by the BBC show of the same name. The idea is simple but effective: speak about a topic for one uninterrupted minute without hesitation, deviation, or repetition. Then listen back to your recording. Re-organize your ideas, and then speak again. For a detailed demonstration, check out this video: [Just a minute video link]

The JAM technique is especially helpful for developing your ability to organize thoughts and elaborate on topics, skills that are important for Part 2 of the test. In this section, you're required to speak at length (for 2 minutes) about a given topic. By practicing with the JAM technique, you learn to think quickly, structure your thoughts in the 1 minute to prepare, and expand on ideas without losing focus or clarity.

Regular practice with this method can really improve your fluency and coherence, as it trains you to speak continuously while keeping your thoughts logical. It's a fun yet challenging way to prepare for the test, helping you become more comfortable with speaking English naturally and confidently.

Best Tips For IELTS Speaking Practice - Done!

This marks the end of our journey for today. I hope you found these 10 tips from experts helpful and feel ready to use them in your speaking practice to see great improvements. Remember, you need to put in some effort into these IELTS speaking tips to achieve band 8 or more.

Until next time, keep practicing and believe in yourself!

PS Up next will be three detailed guides for part 1, part 2, and part 3 of the speaking module.