IELTS Speaking Tips: How To Get A High Band Score

What should you do in the IELTS Speaking Test to get the best possible result? In this post, I will share with you nine of the most effective IELTS speaking tips, which will help you to get a high band score in the IELTS Speaking Test. Watch the video or read the summary below.

IELTS Speaking Tip 1: Use Fillers

Fillers are words like “well”, “you know”, “actually”, “so”. They don’t actually mean anything, but they do give you extra thinking time and they also show the IELTS Examiner that you can use natural English.

IELTS Speaking Tip 2: Use Linking Words

You need to join your ideas together using linking words. For example, “after that”, “because”, “so that”.

IELTS Speaking Tip 3: Paraphrase the Examiner

Rephrase what the IELTS Examiner asked you using your own words. This will show that you have range and flexibility in your language. If the examiner asks you “do you have any brothers and sisters?”, you could answer: “Yes I have 3 siblings”. In Parts 2 and 3, paraphrase the questions asked by the examiner.

IELTS Speaking Tip 4: ask for clarification

If you don’t understand a question, ask the IELTS examiner to explain it. This is a good thing to do! It shows the examiner that you can use language to ask for clarification. So say something like: “I’m sorry, I don’t quite understand the phrase…” or “What do you mean by…?”

Learn some more phrases for clarification and other functions here.

IELTS Speaking Tip 5: extend your answers

In Part 1 of the speaking test, do not give one word answers! Extend your answer. So if the examiner asks you: “are you studying at university at the moment?” do not answer “yes.” Answer: “yes I am. I’m actually studying economics at Beijing University. I’ve been there for almost 2 years.”

IELTS Speaking Tip 6: make note for your talk in part 2

Before your ‘long turn’ in Part 2, you have one minute to make some notes. You should make notes! This will help you talk about your ideas, and if you get nervous, you will not forget what to say. So make a mind map or write a list of notes.

IELTS Speaking Tip 7: aim to talk for 2 minutes in Part 2

You should always plan to talk for 2 minutes. Many candidates think you only need to speak for 1 minute, but 1 minute will not get you a good score. 2 minutes will give you time to show off a wider range of language.

IELTS Speaking Tip 8: listen carefully to the Part 3 questions

You need to listen very carefully to the questions in Part 3. Listen, especially, for words like “might” or “would” as these give you clues for how to answer the question. For example, the examiner might be asking you to speculate, or predict, or hypothesize. You can then use these same, or similar, words in your answer.

Tip 9: smile at the examiner!

Don’t forget to smile at the IELTS examiner. This will show that you are confident…even if you are not!