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GENERAL SPEAKING STRATEGIES
What to Expect in an IELTS Interview.
The IELTS Speaking test takes the form of a one-toone interview. There are three parts to the Speaking test. These allow you to demonstrate your spoken English skills through a number of tasks. The tasks are designed to elicit a range of language on a variety of topics. The whole interview takes between twelve and fourteen minutes.
Here is an overview of the Speaking test format showing the three parts and the approximate timing of each.
Part 1 - Introduction and interview - 4-5 minutes.
The candidate has the opportunity to speak on familiar topics. The examiner asks a number of questions to which the candidate should reply as fully as possible.
Part 2 - Individual long turn - 3-4 minutes
The candidate is asked to give a short talk for 1-2 minutes on a topic chosen by the examiner. The candidate has a minute to prepare and then speaks on the topic without stopping.
Part 3 - Two-way discussion - 4-5 minutes
The candidate is presented with more abstract questions broadly linked to the topic introduced in Part 2, and is encouraged to engage in extensive discussion
THE EXAMINER'S ROLE
IELTS examiners are teachers who have been specially trained to rate spoken English on the IELTS scale. They are chosen to be helpful and encouraging so that you can do your best on the day of the test. They know that you may be nervous but they can only assess what they hear so they will expect you to speak up. The examiners rate your language on a scale of 1-9 in four broad areas. In brief, they want to find out if you can:
Speak fluently and link ideas coherently
Demonstrate a range of appropriate vocabulary
Use accurate grammar and appropriate register
Speak so that you can be understood
THE CANDIDATE'S ROLE
Part 1
The examiner will ask you some questions about yourself and your interests, studies or working life. You should:
Reply by offering a full and appropriate response in each case, taking the initiative where possible.
Always offer more than yes or no as an answer as your examiner can only rate
What he or she hears, and you need to make the very best of this chance to show off your skills.
Use Part 1 to overcome any nerves and demonstrate your basic fluency.
Part 2
The examiner will give you a topic, which is also written on a card, and will hand you some paper and a pencil to make notes. You have a minute to think about what you are going to say. You should:
Think about the topic for a moment and decide how you are going to tackle it.
Use the preparation time wisely by jotting down some key ideas (but do not try to write out a speech).
Make the talk interesting and lively.
Part 3
The examiner will invite you to discuss a number of issues, broadly related in theme to the Part 2 topic. You should:
Try to give informed, interesting and appropriate responses, but remember there is no right or wrong answer.
Use this part of the test to demonstrate your control of language, your ability to express abstract ideas and to support your opinions appropriately.
Show a willingness to provide extended replies.
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