Five IELTS Academic Review Tips for the Speaking Test

IELTS Academic Speaking Sub-test

As one of the four components of the International English Testing System, the Academic Speaking Sub-test is crafted to measure a wide range of skills on how well you can communicate opinions and information on everyday topics and common experiences, as well as how you can speak at length on a given issue or topic using appropriate language.

As a test taker enrolled in the best online IELTS review program, it is beneficial to seek various test-taking tips and strategies that can help boost not only your communication skills, but also your learning abilities. To guide you on how to ace the Academic Speaking Sub-test, below are practical tips that can help you.

Five IELTS Academic Review Tips for the Speaking Test

Most IELTS Academic test takers find the Speaking Sub-test as one of the most challenging components of the IELTS test. To help you overcome this, check out these top five tips for the IELTS Academic Speaking Sub-test.

        1.    Determine the speaking tasks

The Academic Speaking Test consists of the following tasks:

·         Task 1: Introduction and Interview – The examiner will ask you general questions on familiar topics (e.g. home, family, work, studies, and interests).

·         Task 2: Individual Long Turn – The examiner will give you a task card instructing you to talk about a specific topic or issue.

·         Task 3: Two-way Discussion – The examiner will ask you further questions that are related to the topic you have discussed in task 2.

       2.    Manage your time

Managing your time is important to ace the Academic Speaking Test. To guide you on how to use your time wisely, read and follow this time management tips:

·         Task 1: Introduction and Interview (4–5 minutes)

§  Spend at least 1 minute to prepare your response.

§  Don’t waste too much time answering one question. Keep your answers clear and concise.

·         Task 2: Individual Long Turn (3–4 minutes)

§  Spend at least 1 minute to organize your ideas about the topic.

§  Spend 2–3 minutes discussing your main ideas and supporting details.

§  If you still have time, add supporting information about the topic.

·         Task 3: Two-way Discussion (4–5 minutes)

§  Spend at least 1 minute preparing your response.

§  Keep your answers clear and concise and don’t spend too much time thinking about your responses.

       3.    Use a note-taking technique

For the Academic Speaking Task 2: Individual Long Turn, apply a note-taking strategy to organize your ideas properly. During your IELTS Academic review preparation, look for a simple yet effective note-taking tip that you can use during the exam. Below are some note-taking techniques:

·         Outline Method

·         Sentence Method

·         Box and Bullet Method

Want to know more about these great note-taking techniques? Check out our blog archives!

       4.    Understand the four speaking scoring categories

The IELTS Academic Speaking Sub-test consists of the following scoring categories:

·         fluency and coherence;

·         lexical resource;

·         grammatical range and accuracy; and

·         pronunciation.

       5.    Prepare your responses

When answering each speaking task, consider the following points:

·         For speaking task 1, listen to the examiner and think of the simplest way to answer each question. Speak clearly and calmly.

·         For speaking task 2, don’t speak too fast. Relax and express your points about the topic properly.

·         For speaking task 3, listen to the examiner and refer to your notes as you answer each question. Be confident and discuss your points clearly.

Need more? Enroll now in an IELTS review center and get the best online IELTS review program today!

REFERENCES:

"IELTS Speaking: Free Lessons & Essential Tips." IELTS Liz. Accessed March 18, 2019. http://ieltsliz.com/ielts-speaking-free-lessons-essential-tips/.

"Speaking Test Advice." Speaking Test Advice | Take IELTS. Accessed March 18, 2019. https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/prepare-test/test-day-advice/speaking-test-advice.

"Understand the Speaking Test." Understand the Speaking Test | Take IELTS. Accessed March 18, 2019. https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/prepare-test/understand-test-format/speaking-test.