Unlock Ielts
By Richa Raj > March 19, 2023
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a well-known, standardized test used to evaluate the proficiency of non-native speakers in the English language. One of the primary sections of this exam is the speaking test. This part can be daunting for many aspirants because it requires more than just speaking skills. You also have to understand what's required and avoid making certain mistakes that can negatively impact your score.
If you're someone who struggles with the speaking section of the IELTS exam or just wants a few extra tips to help boost their confidence during this section, then read on. In this post, we will explore do's and don'ts to remember during the speaking test of the general version of the exam.
Why Is The Speaking Test Important?
First off, understanding why it's essential to perform well in the speaking portion is essential. Your performance in this section contributes 25% towards your overall IELTS score, which can heavily impact your eligibility for education or immigration opportunities abroad.
Additionally, universities and educational institutions often have speaking requirements. So regardless of what you plan on studying or where you want to study, having excellent communication skills has become an essential prerequisite for students.
Common Mistakes Made During The IELTS Speaking Test
The trouble with most candidates is that they fail not due to lack of knowledge but silly errors – grammatical accuracy and pronunciation being prime examples.
Other common mistakes include pausing frequently between sentences leading to breaks within responses (pauses over 2-3 seconds will hamper fluency under “Coherence and fluency criteria”), providing unrelated answers(misinterpretation) or even attempting an unfocused response thereby failing to answer specific questions adequately.
Do Consider These Tips To Improve Your Score
1. Use Proper Body Language
Incorporating simple yet effective body language like showing interest with nodding heads while listening or tilting accordingly during emphasis are learned traits any speaker should adopt gradually.
Techniques such as Facial Expressions for emphasis only add value since most thoughts need observation too apart from listening which uses multiple spaces at once proving effective for both parties.
2. Answer With Confidence
Confidence plays a significant role in building a rapport between individuals; if one starts strong, their confidence may blast straight through them till their finish line.
Having said that following a structured pattern helps build momentum further keeping one focused instead of rambling unimportant ideas all together wasting valuable time amidst complete silence.
3. Develop Good Vocabulary Skills
Reading books/ newspapers enhances school vocabulary along leaving behind undiscovered areas untapped before.
Watching movies catered towards expanding situational responses as action/reaction based active listeners- Subtitles can be applied for better recollection making audience more relatable when replicating emotions/facial expressions seen on screen.
Podcasts serve as alternatives(especially political ones) providing advanced information regarding different topics helping speakers maintain fluent tones which might otherwise seem padded out with randomness
4.Use Appropriate Phrases
While responding stringing words via cohesive devices /Linkers creates fluidity bringing listener’s attention from low energy-filled responses; these can glue sentences closer- linkage indicator phrases such as “Furthermore”,“Additionally”etc
Colloquialism For example: “Cool cat” would maintain interest as long lost grey cells stretch themselves out grasping new colloquial gems forming towards better visualization amplifying emotive clauses residing within each sentence spoken
5.Listen Carefully Before Speaking & Avoid Changing Subject Unnecessarily
Misunderstandings occur all too easily & require prompt clarifications- even when done politely/mysteriously resulting in little coherence coming from choppy flow rather than imagined scenarios bubbling inside someone’s head away from reality;
Listening carefully tends to stay hidden deep beneath exciting replies/dominant party conversation.But bringing understanding albeit challenging remains rewarding ensuring smoother dialogue transforms into action later.
Don't Do These Things During The IELTS Speaking Test
When it comes to things one should stay clear from doing during IELTS speaking test, following do's mentioned above covers many gory details including:
1.Avoid Using Pre-Rehearsed Answers:
Although there exists no set prohibition against memorizing short phrases so it technically avoids by some companies promoting tedious learning methods providing word-by-word scripts highlighting reoccurring situations constantly however too much scripting restricts imagination ability handicapping performances entirely come testing time hence staying present moment avoids poor automation problems during actual examination sessions.
2.Avoid Too Much Silence Between Sentences Or Words
Silence lasting longer than 3 – 4 seconds belongs unsuitable under guidelines indicating poor fluency creating distance within short periods causing anxiety deflecting into other parts responsible marring scores.The correct way rests upon waiting maybe taking deep breath pauses easing mind or simply repeating parts already explained slowly but definitely enough avoiding interruptions noted later punctually
3.Avoid Getting Too Casual With Your Examiner:
Getting too comfortable discussing issues/questions asked may deviate one’s attentiveness towards irrelevant problematic verbiage.Thoughtful detailed answers stand appreciated though lengthy nuances surrounding superficiality showcasing attraction toward mundane facets causes long-lasting damage steering clear good interactions formed earlier on.
4 Over-using Fillers Like “Um,” “Ah,” "Like" etcetera
As fillers tend unused globally famous companies promote them anyways confirming acceptance becoming staples compulsory usage lists achieving important win points.Allowing natural pause inflection allows buffer zones ample breathing spaces determining quality content overall chances evaluated higher pleasing examiner.
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Conclusion:
Aspirants preparing for IELTS could gain great benefits reading specifically targeted advice provided around do’s/don’ts dealing with general version speech concepts.Ideally covering somewhat technical details truly implementing many options available during interactions lead increased comprehension eventually improving scores perceptibly unlocking goals made achievable through persistence calmness demeanor maintaining conversation threads whenever doubt arises.Reading tips outlined today should aid significantly circumventing drawbacks noticed commonly amongst soon-to-be-examinees- starting practice prep routine assistance UnlockIelts ensures success gains follow-through satisfaction guaranteed.Optimistic attitude competent abilities fuel passion accepted worldwide derived grades scored ranking upper-middle-class standards granting bright futures ahead awaiting final clearance milestones ending fruitful journeys accounted advancements cemented hitherto enabling strategic take-off points forever remembered exhilarated momentos ensuing freedom dignity prosperity unleashed brilliantly