Speaking Notes PDF

IELTShare
Speaking
Notes & Practice
Compiled by:
Hossein Seyfi Rad

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by: Hossein Seyfi Rad 0912 6440380 ieltshare

Table of Contents
IELTS Speaking Test Information ......................................................................... 3
IELTS Speaking Part One ...................................................................................... 4
IELTS Speaking Part Two ..................................................................................... 5
IELTS Speaking Part Three ................................................................................... 5
General Tips .......................................................................................................... 6
Should I speak fast or slow in my IELTS speaking test? ........................................ 6
Can you ask the examiner questions? ..................................................................... 7
How long should my answer be? ........................................................................... 9
Linking Words for IELTS Speaking .................................................................... 14
General Tips for Linking Devices in IELTS Speaking ...................................... 18
Which part of IELTS speaking is most important? ............................................... 18
Frequently Asked Questions ................................................................................ 20
A Possible Strategy in IELTS Speaking Part 2 (Structured Talk) ......................... 24
Using Contractions: wanna, gonna ....................................................................... 26
What if I didn’t understand the question? ............................................................. 28
Practice ................................................................................................................ 31
Speaking Part Two Topics and Questions ......................................................... 31
Speaking Part Two Topics and Questions ......................................................... 42
Speaking Part Three Topics and Questions ....................................................... 50 2
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IELTS Speaking Test Information
 There is only one speaking test. That means Academic and General Training
candidates take the same speaking test with the same scoring.
 The speaking test is face to face with an examiner in a room.
 It is recorded so that you can later ask for re-marking if you wish.
 This is an informal speaking test.
 The examiner, who asks the questions, will decide your results at the end of
the test.
 The test lasts between 11 and 14 minutes (not more and not less).
 The examiner controls the time and length of your answers.
 The test comprises of:
1. ID check and Greeting
2. Part 1 = questions & answers for 4 to 5 minutes
3. Part 2 = a talk for 1-2 minutes with rounding off questions for 1 min.
4. Part 3 = discussion for 4 to 5 minutes on questions relevant to part 2.
 There are four marking criteria:
1. Fluency & Cohesion (25%)
2. Vocabulary (25%)
3. Grammar (25%)
4. Pronunciation (25%)
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IELTS Speaking Part One
 A face to face interview with the examiner (4-5 minutes)
 12 Questions based on 3 Topics
 Questions about yourself, your life, and your country etc.
Below is a list of topics that the examiner can ask you in part one:
 Work  Happiness
 Study  Hobbies
 Hometown  Internet
 Home  Leisure time
 Art  Neighbors & Neighborhood
 Birthdays  Newspapers
 Childhood  Pets
 Clothes  Reading
 Computers  Shopping
 Daily routine  Music
 Evenings  Sport
 Family & Friends  TV
 Flowers  Transport
 Food  Weather
 Going Out  Dictionaries 4
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IELTS Speaking Part Two
 Speaking part 2 is called: “The Long Turn”
 A face to face talk to the examiner (2-3 minutes)
 You will be given a topic card (cue card). You will have 1 minute to prepare
your talk and then you will need to give your talk to the examiner for 1-2
minutes. Most topics are stories about yourself or something that happened in
your life.
For example:
Describe a piece of artwork you like.
You should say:
 what the work of art is

 when you first saw it
 what you know about it
and explain why you like it.
IELTS Speaking Part Three

 Speaking part 3 is a discussion with the examiner (4-5 minutes)
 The examiner will ask a broader range of questions based on the topic that
you had in part 2.
 The questions require you to expand your answers further with explanation
and examples. The examiner will strictly control the time.
For instance:
 What kind of art do you enjoy?

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 What are the traditional art forms in your country?
 What makes a good painting?
 Do you think children should study art at school?
 How can children benefit from learning art?
 How has art changed in the last few decades in your country?
General Tips
 Don’t be shy and try to enjoy the chat with the examiner
 Your ideas are not important – your beliefs are not being tested
 Say your ideas with confidence and showcase your language skills
 Simple ideas explained using excellent English can get you band score 9
 Think of your experiences relating to the topics
 If the topic is a museum, think of museums you have been to or would like to
go to, remember your past experiences
 Speak from the heart – your English abilities are working better when you do
that
 Learn to express yourself using your own language
Should I speak fast or slow in my IELTS speaking test?

Some students think that if they speak more quickly, they will get better results.
Before answering the questions of how fast you should talk, let’s look more at how
your speaking test is assessed.
Everything about your pace of talk falls under the criterion of ‘fluency’ which
accounts for 25% of your final marks for your IELTS speaking. Fluency relates to
the flow, smoothness, and coherence of your speech.
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Flow: this is about your ability to keep talking. If you are aiming for band score 6
and above, this will be important. You must show the ability to answer at length
rather than just give short answers.
Smoothness: this relates to how often you break your speech with pauses,
hesitations, self-corrections, and silence. All of this interrupts the flow and stops the
smoothness of your speech. If you are aiming for band score 6 and above, it is
important to avoid any long pauses and to avoid repeating yourself.
Coherence: this is all about being understood. There is no point having a goof flow
with smooth speech if you are not talking in a logical order. This means organizing
your ideas so that the listener can understand and also using some linking devices to
help the listener follow what you are saying.
Therefore, how fast should you speak? As long as you keep a steady pace, you will
be fine. Avoid speaking very slow because the listener can get lost in what you are
trying to say. Alternatively, don’t speak very fast as you may lose your coherence.
Keep a steady, even pace when you are talking, extend your answers, avoid long
pauses, don’t repeat yourself too much, avoid correcting yourself more than once or
twice and keep a logical order to what you are saying.
Can you ask the examiner questions?

Asking Questions in Speaking Part 1
You can ask the examiner to repeat the question in IELTS speaking part 1 (e.g. Could
you repeat that, please?) but that’s all, only repeating. You can’t ask other questions
like asking for explanation of what the question means. The examiner is limited to
asking questions and can’t help you or explain. He / She can’t explain questions and
can’t explain words.
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You can’t ask any questions in part 2. You can’t ask to change the topic. You must
use the topic given to you and try your best to talk about something related to your
cue card.
If you don’t understand a word on your cue card, the examiner can’t help you. You
need to follow the topic on your card and follow the prompts you understand. You
can add any other information you want to your talk to make it longer which relates
to the topic.
The examiner will tell you when to start talking and when to stop. You don’t need
to ask.
You can ask the examiner to explain words and to explain the question in IELTS
speaking part 3. This is useful because the examiner will rephrase the question using
different words and make it easier to understand. You can also ask the examiner to
repeat the question, the same as part 1.
Here is the list of questions you can ask in speaking part 3:
 Could you explain that, please? (the examiner will rephrase the question)
 What do you mean exactly? (the examiner will rephrase the question)
 Could you explain what X means, please? (for a specific word)
 What does X mean? (for a specific word)
Don’t ask the examiner the following questions
 Have you been there?
 What do you think?
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 Where do you come from?

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 Do you agree with me?
 Can you change the question?
 Can you give me an example?
 Can you give me a different topic?
 What are your opinions?
Thinking Time
Sometimes you need to time to think about the question and make up your answer.
One way to do that is to ask the examiner to repeat the question. It is a useful way to
gain time to think. Alternatively, you can say “It’s an interesting question. I’ve never
really thought about it before. I suppose…” You could use that method for difficult
questions in part 3.
Will I lose marks if I ask the examiner to repeat the question?
No, it won’t affect your score. Your score is calculated on fluency, vocabulary,
grammar, and pronunciation. There is no score for understanding or comprehension.
It is fine to ask the examiner to repeat one or two questions in part 1 or to explain a
question in part 3.
How long should my answer be?

Speaking Part 1 Advice
Are the answers below ok for part 1?
Q. What was your favorite book or story when you were a child?
A. The first book that I remember really enjoying was ‘……….’. It only
took me a few days to read because I liked it so much that I couldn’t put
it down.
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Q. Do you like reading?

A. Yes, I like reading a lot. I read all sorts of things, including novels,
newspapers, magazines, and online articles.
These answers are ok but if you can continue, it’s highly advised to go on to at
least four or five sentences. Read the tips below to find out more.
Tips:
 Don’t limit your answer to only two sentences.

 Be more natural with your answer.
 If you have more information to give, then give it. For the second question
above, I would probably give more “Yes, I like reading a lot. I read all sorts
of things, including novels, newspapers, magazines, and online articles.
However, most of my time is spent reading novels in order to relax and forget
my problems.”
 Speaking part 1 is 4 to 5 minutes in length for 12 questions. If your fluency is
strong, you will be able to give longer answers. If you often hesitate when you
answer, then you will waste time and your answers will need to be shorter.
 If you have strong fluency, then don’t limit your answers to only two
sentences. To get a high score in fluency, you must show you are able to speak
at length without much effort.
 If your answer is too long, the examiner will stop you and move on to the next
question. That is not a bad thing, it’s just a natural part of the test.
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Describe a family celebration that you remember.
You should say:

 what you were celebrating
 who was present
 what happened
and explain why you liked it.
Answer to the first two prompts:
1. I’m going to describe my sister’s wedding day, which took place a few years
ago in the town where I grew up. For my sister, it was the biggest and most
important day of her life.
2. I think there were around 100 people at the marriage ceremony, which was
held in a church. Even more people came to the party, or the wedding
reception as we call it, after the ceremony. Of course, most members of my
family were there, as well as the groom’s family and a collection of the bride
and groom’s friends and colleagues. The person I remember most was ……
because we hadn’t seen each other in over two years so that was a really
pleasant surprise.
Tips:
 There are no questions on the topic card.

 There are prompts on the card.
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 Prompts are there to guide you – nothing more.

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 To give a full talk, you must add much more information to your talk rather
than only follow the prompts.
 This is your main chance in the test to show your fluency. Use this opportunity
and give lots of descriptions and information.
 If the prompt asks “who was present”, you can add why they were there, how
close you were to those people, how they traveled to the wedding, if there
were any people you wished hadn’t gone, describe a person you clearly
remember … You choose what extra information to add.
 You don’t have to say something about every prompt on the card.
Is the answer below the right length?
Q. Is it better to get advice from a friend or from a family member?

A. I think it depends on the kind of advice that you need. Parents and grandparents
probably have more life experience than a friend, and so you might get a wiser or
more sensible answer from them. On the other hand, friends are less likely to become
too worried if you go to them with a problem. For example, I probably wouldn’t
want to burden my parents with a financial problem.
The answer above is reasonable but not very detailed. If you have a very good level
of English, then this answer does not demonstrate your fluency or a good range of
English language abilities.
It’s always good in speaking part 3 to give examples. Give more examples of when
you would seek advice from grandparents - what kinds of problems would prompt
you to ask for their help?
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It is always better in speaking to give more than you need to give, than to give less.
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Generally, if you have a lower level of English with many hesitations, your answers
will be shorter. If you are a fluent talker, your answer should be longer. In fact, it
would be a shame to have fluent English and only give short answers.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Will I get a low score if I speak for less than 2 minutes?
In speaking part 2, you will be given a topic, 1 min to prepare and then, you will
need to speak for between 1-2 minutes. The examiner will not move on to part 3
until 1 minute has passed of your talk and the examiner will stop you at exactly 2
minutes to prevent you speaking further. So, this means you have between 1 and 2
minutes available to you for your talk.
Speaking part 2 is the only part of the test where you can show the examiner that
you can speak at length. If you are aiming for a higher score, this is a great
opportunity to impress the examiner with fluency.
However, if you run out of things to say after 1 minute and think from that point on
you may lose marks because of lots of hesitations and pauses, then tell the examiner
you have finished so that the examiner can move on to the next part of the test. You
can say ‘I’ve finished’.
Here are some more points to consider:
 It is better to give a strong, fluent talk for 1.5 minutes than a weak, hesitant
talk for 2 minutes.
 You can still get a high score if you only speak for 1.5 minutes but only if the
quality of your talk is very good.
 The criterion of fluency accounts for 25% of your marks and is taken from
your overall performance in all parts not only in part 2.
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 If you wish to lengthen your talk, then add more information. The prompts
(the points on the topic card) are only guidelines - you can expand on each
one.
Linking Words for IELTS Speaking

Here is a list of linking words for your IELTS speaking with tips and models. For
speaking you need some simple linking words and natural phrases to help the
examiner follow your ideas and stories. These linking words and signposts are
simple and informal on the whole.
Adding more information
 and
 also
 as well as
 another reason is
Time Phrases
 now  in the past

 at the moment  before
 at present  then
 right now  at that time
 these days  years ago
 nowadays  when I was younger
Expressing ideas
 I think one important thing is

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 I guess one difference is

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 I suppose the main difference between X and Y is
Causes and Solutions
 I guess it’s because

 The main reason is
 It was caused by
 Because
 I suppose the best way to deal with this problem is
 I reckon the only answer is to
 The best way to solve this is
Giving Examples
 for example
 for instance
 such as
 like
Being Clear
 What I mean is
 What I want to say is
 As I was saying
Contrasting and concessions
 but  although
 on the other hand  or
 while
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Examples of Linking Words in Speaking
Q. Do you eat much fruit?
A. Yes, I do. I love tropical fruit like mangoes and pineapples.
 We would not use “for example” in this type of sentence which relates to our
everyday life.
Q. Do you think fast food is bad?
A. Yes, I do. Firstly, if it is eaten too often, it can cause problems such as heart
disease or diabetes. Also, it can lead to weight problems which are really common
nowadays.
 You could use “such as” or “for example” in this sentence because the content
is more serious. Please note that we don’t use “furthermore” or “in addition”
for speaking, instead we use “also” or “and”.
Q. Do children play similar games today that they played in the past?
A. No, I don’t think they do. Before, children used to play simple games like hide
and seek or they used to play with simple handmade toys. But, these days, kids tend
to prefer computer games and their toys are battery operated.
 This answer contained time phrases for the past and present “before” and
“these days”. It also had an example “like”. “Like” is the main example
linking word for speaking and can be repeated again and again. This answer
also uses a contrasting linking word “but”. “But” is the main contrasting
linking word in speaking and can be repeated many times.
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Mistakes with Linking Words in Speaking
The example below will help you understand how not to answer a question with
linking words.
Q. Do you like going out with friends?
A. Yes, I do. Firstly, it gives me a chance to relax. Secondly, I can catch up on their
news. Last but not least, it allows me the opportunity to visit new places.
 The method of linking is too formal. It is inappropriate and is not a good for
a high score.
Below is how the answer should be:
A. Yes, I do. It’s great being able to chill out and catch up with their news. Also we
often go out to new places which I really enjoy.
 This answer was more natural and would be marked higher in IELTS
speaking. The linking words are used appropriately (and / also).
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General Tips for Linking Devices in IELTS Speaking
 Don’t use formal linking words for simple questions about yourself and your
life.
 Don’t worry about repeating linking words. This is different to IELTS writing.
 The most common linking words for speaking are: and, but, because, also,
like (for giving examples).
 “Like” is only used as a linking word to give examples in speaking NOT in
writing.
 You do not get a higher score because of a range of linking devices.
 Linking words in speaking are just to help the listener understand better.
 Linking words are used naturally not formally in IELTS speaking.
 Linking words are part of the criterion of “Fluency and Coherence” which is
25% of your marks.
Which part of IELTS speaking is most important?

The IELTS speaking test is graded by your performance in all parts of the test. The
examiner will assess your English language using the four aforementioned criteria
for each part of the test.
Speaking Part 1
If you are strong in speaking part 1 but not in the other parts, then you will not get a
good score. You must do well in all parts to get a good score.
Most of the questions are quite easy in part 1 and are about yourself or your country.
Therefore, doing well in this part is expected for high-level students. If you give very
short answers, for example “Yes, I do” or “No, I don’t”, you are not providing the
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examiner with a good range of language to assess. That means your potential score
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is not high when you enter part 2 and it will affect your overall score.

Speaking Part 2
In speaking part 2, the examiner has a chance to sit and listen to your English without
interrupting. So, giving a short speech of only 1 minute gives you less chance to
demonstrate the level of your English and less chance to show fluency. It is still
possible to get a good score with only 1 minute or 1.5 minutes speech but only if the
language you use is very good and your fluency is very strong during that time.
By the end of speaking part 2, the examiner has a rough idea of your band score.
Adding more information and details to each prompt is a way of offering the
examiner a broader range of your language ability. Description offers the examiner
more vocabulary and fluency. Talking with feeling can offer better intonation.
Explaining in detail can offer better sentence structures and grammar. Giving
examples of the past and ideas for the future can offer more grammar tenses. Try to
find ways to showcase your English in part 2.
Speaking Part 3
In speaking part 3, it is a chance for the examiner to ask more in depth questions
which will require more skill in English to answer. The questions are abstract and
about the world rather than yourself. This requires a better level of English to answer
well.
This is a chance for you to boost your score by providing the examiner with a better
range of vocabulary, grammar, fluency, and pronunciation. Giving examples and
detailed explanations of your ideas naturally produces better language which will
help your score.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will the examiner decide my score in the test or later on?
Your score will be decided by the examiner who conducts the test and the score will
be given at the end of the test. By the end of speaking part 3, the examiner will have
decided your score.
Does the examiner have model answers?
No, there are no model answers used for assessing you in the IELTS speaking test.
Each student will use different English and give different answers. Your score is
only calculated on the English language you produce – the level and range of your
English and the accuracy of your English.
If I don’t answer one question, will it affect my score?
If you perform well and produce good English in the other questions, you can still
get a good score. Struggling with only one question while the others are fine, should
not affect your score adversely.
Will I get a low score if I can’t think of many ideas?
The IELTS speaking test only assess your English language, not your ideas. This is
very different to the IELTS writing test. IELTS writing assesses your ideas, your
answers, how you develop the ideas, and how you present them. IELTS speaking
only tests your vocabulary, grammar, fluency and pronunciation. See below for the
band score descriptors.
Is it essential to follow the prompts on your cue card for speaking part 2?
No, it isn’t. The prompts on the cue card are guidelines and support to help you build
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your talk.
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Will you get a lower score if you don’t complete the cue card prompts?
No, you won’t. You can choose which prompts you want to use. You can ignore
some and use others. You don’t get a lower score if you don’t complete the cue card
prompts.
Are there questions to answer on the cue card?
No. There are no questions on your cue card. There are only prompts which are
suggestions that will help you give a full talk. It is your choice to use them or not.
Can you add information in speaking part 2 that isn’t on the cue card?
Yes, you can. It is recommended that you add information to expend your talk. You
will not get a lower score if you go off the topic by adding extra information that is
not on your card.
Is the examiner marking your ability to use the prompts on the cue card?
No. You are not marked on ideas at all. You are only marked on your use of English
language.
I heard that going off topic will reduce your score. Is that true?
Not for IELTS speaking. It is true for IELTS writing. In IELTS writing, you are
marked on your response, ideas, and staying in the picture. This is not the case for
IELTS speaking.
Should you follow the prompts on the card?
I recommend that you use the prompts and also add extra information. The prompts
are useful and provide a structure to your talk which will help your score. Adding
extra information is a useful way to showcase your English language for a higher
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score.
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What do I do if I don’t understand the question?
First of all, this is not a very academic test. The questions are designed so that anyone
can answer them. If you look at some example questions, it will surprise you how
easy they are. They require no specialist knowledge and the examiner does not even
have to agree with your opinion, they just want to hear how well you convey your
ideas and express your opinion.
However, sometimes you may not quite understand what the examiner just said. In
this case, simply ask him or her to repeat the question. If there is a word or term you
don’t understand, it is also acceptable to ask them to explain it to you. Don’t overdo
this, as it will seem as if you are abusing this rule.
It is a speaking test, not a listening test and the examiner wants you to give your best
possible answer so don’t be afraid to let them know. They won’t repeat the question
or explain a word to you unless you ask.
Do I have to give an answer for every question in part 3?
Yes, if you don’t attempt an answer for all questions you will lose marks. However,
if you get a question you are really struggling with, you can admit this to the
examiner and give the best answer you can.
You could say something like: ‘I don’t know a lot about this topic, but if I had to
guess I would say….’ It is unlikely you will have to use this phrase and it should
only be used when you really have no ideas.
What if I need time to think?
The IELTS examiner does not expect you to give instant answers, you are not a
robot! However, they do expect you to respond in a natural way. It is completely
normal for native speakers to use certain words and phrases in order to give
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themselves time to think. You probably also do it a lot in your own language. Phrases
that can be used include:
 That’s a difficult question, let me think for a second.

 That’s a very interesting question, let me think.
 It’s very difficult to know exactly, but I think/but I believe/perhaps….
 It’s difficult to say, I think….
 I don’t really know for sure, but I would say….
The most important thing is not to overuse these phrases. Some students put them in
front of every answer and it sounds really unnatural. Remember, they are only to be
used when you get an unexpected or particularly difficult question.
How do I extend my answer?
Many students are worried that they will not have enough to say in part 3. In part 3
the examiner will mostly ask for your general thoughts on an issue; advantages and
disadvantages; problems and solutions; how the issue has changed from the past until
now; and how the issue will change in the future. You should therefore practice
thinking and talking about your opinion on common everyday issues like health, the
economy, education, the environment, etc.
There is no set word limit for a good part 3 answer, but it should not be too short and
not too long. Too short and you will have failed to develop your answer properly;
too long and you may go off topic and/or make mistakes. As a rule, I advise my
students to try to answer with 3-4 sentences.
Techniques to expand your answers are later on discussed in this booklet.
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A Possible Strategy in IELTS Speaking Part 2 (Structured Talk)
When you get the cue card you will be given one minute to write down some ideas.
You are going to use this time wisely by using the following structure. On the piece
of paper provided write down five headings with a little space between each one.
 Introduction
 Past
 Description
 Opinion
 Future
Now, you will start to write keywords beside each of these headings. Let’s look at
each in a little more detail.
Introduction
Start off by saying ‘I’d like to talk about (X).’ Then say ‘I chose this topic because…’
and you will be able to say why you choose this topic. If you can’t think of a reason
just make one up, although it’s always better to talk about real experiences.
Past
Now pause and use a linking word like ‘anyway’ or ‘anyhow’ to transition into
talking about the past. This will allow you to demonstrate that you are confident
using a range of past structures. For example:
Used to + infinitive to talk about past habits or states that are now finished.
Would + infinitive to describe past habits.
Past simple to talk about things you did in the past that you no longer do or are no
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longer true.
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Past continuous to talk about the background of a story or how you felt at a
particular time.
Past perfect to say something happened before something else in the past.
Description
Now pause and say ‘So let me tell you about (X) in a little more detail.’ This is your
opportunity to impress the examiner with specific vocabulary. Get to know the
common topics and have some specific adjectives ready. If you use an adjective to
describe something, make sure you expand on it or explain it with examples. Again,
if you can’t think of specific examples, it is fine to make these up. Make sure your
examples match the adjective and you will be fine.
Opinion
Now you can pause and say ‘If you ask me/In my view/I would say + (opinion on
topic). This gives you a chance to express how you feel about the topic. It could be
your personal opinion or it could be a comparative or superlative. Using a wide range
of phrases to express your opinion will help you get a higher mark. If you want to
give a stronger opinion you could say:
I strongly believe that…
As far as I’m concerned…
I’m strongly against…
I’m strongly in favor of….
I’m skeptical of the idea that…
I must admit, I think….

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Future
Finally, you can display your ability to use future tenses. Start off by saying
‘Regarding the future….’ A range of tenses will help you gain extra marks. For
example, you could use:
Present continuous to talk about fixed arrangements.
Be going + to + infinitive to talk about future plans.
Will or won’t + infinitive is used with predictions based on opinions or experiences.

It can also be used to talk about hopes and assumptions.
The future perfect - will have + past participle is used to say something will have
happened or will have been completed by a certain point in the future.
Please bear in mind that all these are just suggestions and there is no ultimate tip or
trick to get a high score. It all depends on you.
Using Contractions: wanna, gonna
Should you use contractions in your IELTS speaking test? Will you get a lower mark
if you use contractions like “gonna”?
A contraction is when you combine two (or more) words to make them shorter and
make them flow together when speaking. “It is” = “it’s” or “want to” = “wanna”.
Most contractions are used in informal speaking and the IELTS speaking is 100%
informal. This means informal language is fine to be used in all parts of the test.
want to = wanna
 I really wanna go to the cinema tonight.

 The majority of students wanna travel before starting university.
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going to = gonna
 He’s gonna visit his grandmother this evening.

 The local council are gonna improve the roads in this area.
Pronunciation is 25% of your marks for IELTS speaking. This means the way you
pronounce sounds, words, and sentences is marked in your speaking test. Part of
that does include linking sounds and linking words, such as gonna, wanna, it’s, and
doesn’t. So, try to learn these contractions and use them naturally in your test.
Common List of Contractions
 I am = I’m  you will = you’ll

 you are = you’re  he will = he’ll
 he is = he’s  is not = isn’t
 she is = she’s  are not = aren’t
 it is = it’s  does not = doesn’t
 we are = we’re  did not = didn’t
 they are = they’re  has not = hasn’t
 I have = I’ve  have not = haven’t
 you have = you’ve  should not = shouldn’t
 he has = he’s  would not = wouldn’t
 I will = I’ll  could not = couldn’t
Remember, these contractions are NOT used in formal writing, such as in IELTS
writing task 2, report writing, formal letters or business letters but they are good to
use in IELTS speaking.
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Advanced Contractions
 I should have = I should’ve

 should not have = shouldn’t’ve
 I could have = I could’ve
 I could not have = I couldn’t’ve
 I would have = I would’ve
 I would not have = I wouldn’t’ve
Example:
 I should’ve finished my homework last night but I didn’t.

 He wouldn’t’ve gone traveling if he’d’ve known how expensive it was gonna
be.
What if I didn’t understand the question?

Technique #1 - Paraphrase Question
A good way to extend your answer is respond with a paraphrase of the examiner’s
question. Paraphrasing is when you repeat the sentence but with synonyms so that it
has the same meaning.
This technique is very effective because, not only it gives you time to think in a
natural way, but it also focuses your mind on answering the question.
For example:
Q. What can people do to try and reduce water pollution?
A. So, what can individuals do to ensure water is kept clean? I think….

28
Q. How can events like the Olympics improve international relations?

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A. Hmmmm, how can sport bring people from different countries closer together? I
believe…
Again, this should not be used for every answer, only when you think it is
appropriate.
Technique #2 - Explain why
Many students state their opinion but don’t extend their answer by stating why they
feel that way. Some students have told me that they are afraid of patronizing the
examiner and assume he or she will know why they have stated their opinion.
Assume that the examiner has no knowledge at all about the topic. Pretend you are
speaking to a child who knows nothing of the topic and this will help you explain
how you feel.
Example:
Q. What can people do to reduce water pollution?
A. I believe the best way to keep water clean is to curb water use at home. (Why?)
The vast majority of water is used in the home, (why?), for cooking, cleaning and
washing, (why?) therefore by reducing the amount of water we use, (why?) the
government can conserve the water supply and keep it clean.
By asking ourselves ‘why’ we continue to explain our opinions and this leads to a
more developed answer.
Technique #3 - Give Examples
This seems an obvious one but it is something many applicants don’t do. In order to
really develop your answer an example is normally needed. A lot of my students
29
complain that they don’t know or can’t think of any examples. If you can’t think of
Page

one just make one up. You will not lose any marks for making up an example and
this will only lead to you gaining marks for giving a well-developed answer. Lie!
A good technique is to use an example from a newspaper article or recent study.
Example:
Q. Have the modes of transport people use in your country changed much over the
last few decades?
A. Absolutely, they have changed a lot. In the past most people used bicycles, but
now they predominantly use motorbikes. For example, a recent survey found that
72% of people in Hochi city in China now own a motorbike.
I just made that statistic up and it is perfectly acceptable for you to do the same thing
in the IELTS speaking test. The examiner will never disagree with you or ask you to
prove any of your examples.
Technique #4 - Make Concessions
We make a concession by admitting that there are limits to our opinion or there may
be another side to the argument. We use words like ‘however’, ‘on the other hand’
and ‘despite this’ to make concessions.
Some students don’t like doing this because they think it weakens their argument or
opinion. In fact, by showing you are aware of other opinions you actually strengthen
your argument.
Example:
Q. To what extent do you think advertising affects people’s shopping habits?

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A. Personally, I don’t think that it affects the way people shop at all. When people
need something they make up their own mind rather than thinking about adverts.
However, it must have some influence, if companies pay lots of money for ads.
Practice
Now let’s get to practice. Remember that there is no magic formula, so here are some
example questions to practice. Why not record your answers and you can then listen
to them and pinpoint your mistakes?
Speaking Part Two Topics and Questions

Prepare for your test by developing ideas for topics and practicing answering
questions.
The first four topics are the most common in IELTS speaking part 1. And then the
rest are very common too. You should prepare ideas and practice answering all of
these questions.
Work
 What is your job?

 Where do you work?
 Why did you choose that job?
 Is it a popular job in your country?
 Do you like your job?
 Do you get on well with your colleagues?
 What was your first day like?
 What responsibilities do you have at work?
31
 If you had the chance, would you change your job?

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 Do you plan to continue with your job in the future?

Study
 What do you study?

 Where do you study that?
 Why did you choose that subject?
 Is it a popular subject in your country?
 Do you like that subject?
 Do you get on with your colleagues?
 What was your first day like?
 What are the main aspects of your subject?
 If you had the chance, would you change subject?
 Do you plan to get a job in the same field as your subject?
Hometown
 Where is your hometown?

 Do you like your hometown?
 Do you often visit your hometown?
 What is your hometown like?
 What is the oldest place in your hometown?
 What is there for a foreigner to do or see in your hometown?
 How could your hometown be improved?
 Has your hometown changed much since you were a child?
 Is there good public transportation in your hometown?
 Do you think your hometown is a good place to bring up children?
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Home
 Where is your home?

 Do you live in a house or a flat?
 Who do you live with?
 Are there many rooms in your home?
 What is your favourite room?
 How are the walls decorated?
 What would you change about your home?
 Do you plan to live there in the future?
 What facilities are there near your home?
 What is your neighbourhood like?
 Do most people live in houses in your country?
Art
 Are you good at art?

 Did you learn art at school when you were a child?
 What kind of art do you like?
 Is art popular in your country?
 Have you ever been to an art gallery?
 Do you think children can benefit from going to art galleries?
Birthdays
 Do you enjoy your birthdays?

 Do you usually celebrate your birthday?
 What did you do on your last birthday?
33
 Can you remember a birthday you enjoyed as a child?

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 Do most people celebrate their birthdays with a party in your country?
 Which birthdays are considered important in your country?
Childhood
 Did you enjoy your childhood?

 What is your first memory of your childhood?
 Did you have a lot of friends when you were a child?
 What did you enjoy doing as a child?
 Do you think it is better for children to grow up in the city or in the
countryside?
Clothes
 Are clothes important to you?

 What kind of clothes do you usually wear?
 Do you ever wear the traditional clothes of your country?
 Where do you usually buy your clothes?
 Have you ever worn a uniform?
 Do most people in your country follow fashion?
Computers
 Do you often use a computer?

 How do you usually get online?
 Do you prefer desktops or laptops?
 What do you use your computer for?
 Do you think it is important to learn how to use a computer?
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Daily Routine
 When do you usually get up in the morning?

 Do you usually have the same routine every day?
 What is your daily routine?
 Do you ever change your routine?
 Is your routine the same today as it was when you were a child?
 Do you think it is important to have a daily routine?
Dictionaries
 Do you often use a dictionary?

 What do you use dictionaries for?
 What kinds of dictionaries do you think are most useful?
 Do you think dictionaries are useful for learning a language?
 What kind of information can you find in a dictionary?
Evenings
 What do you often do in the evenings?

 Do you do the same thing every evening?
 Do you prefer to spend your evenings with family or friends?
 Do you ever work or study in the evenings?
 What is a popular activity for young people in your country in the evenings?
 Do you do the same thing in the evenings as you did when you were a child?
Family & Friends
 Do you spend much time with your family?

35
 Who are you closest to in your family?

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 Do you prefer spending time with your family or friends?

 Who is your best friend?
 Are you still friends with people from your childhood?
 Is family important in your country?
Flowers
 Do you like flowers?

 What’s your favourite flower?
 When was the last time you gave someone flowers?
 Do any flowers have a special meaning in your country?
 Why do you think women like flowers more than men?
Food
 What’s your favourite food?

 Have you always liked the same food?
 Is there any food you dislike?
 What is a common meal in your country?
 Do you have a healthy diet?
 What do you think of fast food?
Going Out
 Do you often go out in the evenings?

 What do you like to do when you go out?
 Do you prefer going out on your own or with friends?
 How often do you go out in a week?
 Where do most young people like to go out in your country?
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Happiness
 Are you a happy person?

 What usually makes you happy?
 Does the weather ever affect how you feel?
 What makes you feel unhappy?
 Do you think people in your country are generally happy people?
Hobbies
 Do you have a hobby?

 What equipment do you need for it?
 Do you think hobbies should be shared with other people?
 Did you have a hobby as a child?
 What hobbies are popular in your country?
 Why do you think people have hobbies?
Internet
 How often do you go online?

 What do you use the internet for?
 How do you get online?
 Do you have your own computer?
 What’s your favourite website?
 Do you think children should be allowed unsupervised access to the
internet?
Leisure Time
37
 What is your favourite leisure activity?

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 What did you enjoy doing in your free time as a child?

 Do you prefer to spend your free time with other people or alone?
 What is a common leisure activity in your country?
 Do most people in your country get two days off a week?
 Do you think leisure time is important?
Music
 Do you like music?

 What’s your favourite type of music?
 Can you sing?
 Did you learn music at school?
 If you could learn a musical instrument, what would it be?
 Do you think music is important?
Neighbours & Neighbourhood
 Do you like your neighbours?

 Are neighbours usually close to each other in your country?
 What is your neighbourhood like?
 Do you think your neighbourhood is a good place for children?
 How could your neighbourhood be improved?
 Do you think it is important to have a good relationship with your
neighbours?
Newspapers
 How do you usually get your news?

 Do you often read the newspapers?
 What kind of news do you usually follow?
38
 How do most people get the news in your country?

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 Do you think international news is important?
Pets
 Do you have a pet?

 Do you like animals?
 What’s your favourite animal?
 What is a popular pet to have in your country?
 Did you have a pet as a child?
 Why do people have pets?
Reading
 Do you often read?

 What is your favourite kind of book to read?
 Do you often read newspapers?
 Do you have any e-books?
 What books did you read as a child?
 Do you think it is important to encourage children to read?
Shopping
 Do you like shopping?

 What’s your favourite shop?
 Do you prefer shopping alone or with others?
 What kinds of shops are there where you live?
 Have you ever bought anything online?
 Do you think men and women have different opinions about shopping?
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Sport
 Do you like sport?

 What’s your favourite sport?
 Do you often watch sport on TV?
 Did you play sport as a child?
 What is the most popular sport in your country?
 How do most people in your country keep fit?
TV
 Do you often watch TV?

 What sorts of things do you watch on TV?
 What is your favourite TV program?
 Do you ever watch foreign programs or films?
 What did you watch on TV when you were a child?
 Do you think children should watch TV?
Transport
 How did you get here today?

 What is your favourite mode of transport?
 Do you ever use public transport?
 Do you like the transport system in your country?
 What is the difference between taking a bus and taking a train?
Weather
 What’s the weather like today?

40
 What’s your favourite weather?

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 Do you like the weather in your country?

 Is the weather the same in all parts of your country?
 Does the weather ever affect the way you feel?
 Does the weather in your country ever affect transportation?
Plants
 Do you like plants?

 Do you know a lot about plants?
 Have you ever had a plant?
 Did you ever grow a plant as a child?
 Would you ever give a plant as a gift?
 Why do people like plants in their house?
 Do you have a garden?
 Do you know how to cultivate plants?
Dreams
 Do you often have dreams?

 Do you usually remember your dreams?
 Do you think we can learn something from dreams?
41
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Speaking Part Two Topics and Questions
Remember that for each card you’ll have one minute to write down your keywords
and main ideas. Then, you’ll have two minutes to talk about the topic on the card
nonstop. The examiner will strictly control the time.
Describe a book you have recently read.

You should say:
 what kind of book it is
 what it is about
 what sort of people would enjoy it
and explain why you liked it.
Describe a piece of advice you recently received.

You should say:
 when this happened
 who gave you the advice
 what the advice was
and explain how you felt about the advice. 42
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Describe a time of the day you like.
You should say:
 what time of day it is
 what you do at that time
 who you are usually with
Describe an exercise you know.

You should say:
 what it is
 how it is done
 when you first tried it
 what kind of people it is suitable for
and explain why you think it is a good exercise.
Describe a member of your family you get on well with.

You should say:
 who they are
 what relationship you have to that person
 what that person is like
 what you do together
43
and explain why you get on so well.

Page

Describe a gift you recently gave to someone.
You should say:
 who you gave it to
 what kind of person he/she is
 what the gift was
 what occasion the gift was for
and explain why you chose that gift.
Describe an interesting hobby.

You should say:
 what it is
 what kind of people do it
 how it is done
and explain why you think it is interesting.
Describe a useful website.

You should say:
 what it is
 how often you visit it
 what kind of site it is
 what kind of information it offers
44
and explain why you think it is useful.

Page

Describe a journey that didn’t go as planned.
You should say:
 where you were going
 how you were travelling
 who you were with
 what went wrong
and explain what you would do differently.
Describe a person you know who is kind.

You should say:
 who it is
 how you know this person
 what sort of person he/she is
and explain why you think they are kind.
Describe a language you have learned.

You should say:
 what it is
 when you started learning
 how you learned it
 what was difficult about it
45
and why you decided to learn that language.

Page

Describe a song you like.
You should say:
 what kind of song it is
 what the song is about
 when you first heard it
Describe some good news you recently received.

You should say:
 what the news was
 how you received the news
 who gave it to you
and explain why this was good news.
Describe an old person you know.

You should say:
 who this person is
 how old he/she is
 what this person is like
46
and explain why you like this person.

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Describe a photograph you like.
You should say:
 what can be seen in the photo
 when it was taken
 who took it
Describe someone you respect.

You should say:
 who the person is
 how you know about this person
 what this person does
what this person is like
and explain why you respect this person.
Describe a sport you would like to learn.

You should say:
 what it is
 what equipment is needed for it
 how you would learn it
47
and explain why you would like to learn this sport.

Page

Describe a place you have recently visited.
You should say:
 where you went
 who you went with
 how you got there
and explain why you enjoyed it.
Describe an unexpected event.

You should say:
 what it was
 when it happened
 who was there
why it was unexpected
and explain why you enjoyed it.
Describe a vocation you think is useful to society.

You should say:
 what it is
 what it involves
 what kind of people usually do this work
48
and explain why you think it is useful to society.

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Describe a place near water.
You should say:
 where it is
 how you get there
 how often you do there
what you can do there
Describe your favourite shop.

You should say:
 where it is
 how often you go there
 what it sells
and explain why you think it is a good shop.
Describe a place with animals.

You should say:
 where it is
 how you heard of it
 what animals can be seen
49
and explain why it might be an interesting place to visit.

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Speaking Part Three Topics and Questions
Bear in mind that in speaking part 3, the examiner will ask a broader range of
questions based on the topic that you had in speaking part 2. The questions require
you to expand your answers further with explanation and examples. The examiner
will strictly control the time.
Art
 What kind of art do you enjoy?

 What are the tradition art forms in your country?
 What makes a good painting?
 Do you think children should study art at school?
 How can children benefit from learning art?
 How has art changed in the last few decades in your country?
Clothes
 Can clothing tell you much about a person?

 Why do some companies ask their staff to wear uniforms?
 What are the advantages and disadvantages of having uniforms at work?
 When do people wear traditional clothing in your country?
 How have clothes fashions change in your country over the last few decades?
 What is the difference between clothes that young people and old people like
to wear?
Education
 What makes a good student?

 What role should the teacher have in the classroom?
50
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 Do you think computers will one day replace teachers in the classroom?

 How has teaching changed in your country in the last few decades?
 What is the difference between the way children learn and the way adults
learn?
 How can a teacher make lessons for children more interesting?
Family
 Is family important in your country?

 How has the size of the family changed in the last few decades in your
country?
 How do you think the family will change in the future?
 What role do grandparents play in the family in your country?
 Who do you think should be responsible for the care of the elderly, the family
or the government?
Food
 Do you think diet is important?

 What is a balanced diet?
 What is the typical diet of people in your country?
 Do many people eat in restaurants in your country?
 Why do some people enjoy eating out?
 What’s the difference between restaurant food and home cooked food?
Health
 How can people improve their health?

 Do elderly people do much exercise in your country?
 Do you think all illness can be prevented?
51
 Do you think there will be less illness in the future?

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 Do you think health care should be free?
 What makes a good doctor?
Internet
 Do most people have a computer at home in your country?

 Do you think all information on the internet is true?
 How can people find reliable information on the internet?
 How has the internet changed the way we live?
 How has the internet changed the way we work?
 Do you think the internet is safe for children to use unsupervised?
Media & News
 Do you believe everything you read in the newspapers?

 How do most people get their news in your country?
 How do you think people will get their news in the future?
 How has TV changed our lives?
 Do you think TV influences the way we think?
 Should children be allowed to watch a lot of TV?
 Are all people on TV famous?
 Do you think famous people have a responsibility to act as role models for the
younger generation?
Nature
 What are the main environmental problems in your country?

 Why should people be concerned about the environment?
 How can people protect the environment?
52
 Do you think money should be spent on protecting animals?

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 Do you think more should be done to protect natural beauty spots in your
country?
Society
 What social problems are there in your country?

 What can be done to alleviate poverty?
 Are there many charities in your country?
 What is the difference between major crime and minor crime?
 Do you think all criminals should go to prison?
 Why do so many people move to live in cities?
 What problems does over population cause?
Travel
 Why do some people prefer to travel abroad rather than in their own country?
 Do you think traveling to another country can change the way people think?
 Do you think it is good for children to experience life in a foreign country?
 How have holidays changed over the past few decades?
 Do you think it is safer to travel now than in the past?
Work
 Do you think job satisfaction is more important than salary when choosing a
job?
 What skills do you think are needed to get a good job these days?
 Do you think women should be able to do all the same jobs that men do?
 How has technology changed the way we work?
 What is the difference between white collar and blue collar jobs?
53
 What jobs do you think are most valuable to society?

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Notes & Practice

Hossein Seyfi Rad

by: Hossein Seyfi Rad 0912 6440380 ieltshare

by: Hossein Seyfi Rad 0912 6440380 ieltshare

by: Hossein Seyfi Rad 0912 6440380 ieltshare

by: Hossein Seyfi Rad 0912 6440380 ieltshare

Describe a piece of artwork you like.

You should say:

 what the work of art is

and explain why you like it.

IELTS Speaking Part Three

 What kind of art do you enjoy?

by: Hossein Seyfi Rad 0912 6440380 ieltshare

Should I speak fast or slow in my IELTS speaking test?

by: Hossein Seyfi Rad 0912 6440380 ieltshare

Can you ask the examiner questions?

by: Hossein Seyfi Rad 0912 6440380 ieltshare

Asking Questions in Speaking Part 3

Here is the list of questions you can ask in speaking part 3:

 Where do you come from?

by: Hossein Seyfi Rad 0912 6440380 ieltshare

Will I lose marks if I ask the examiner to repeat the question?

How long should my answer be?

Are the answers below ok for part 1?

Q. Do you like reading?

by: Hossein Seyfi Rad 0912 6440380 ieltshare

 Don’t limit your answer to only two sentences.

by: Hossein Seyfi Rad 0912 6440380 ieltshare

Describe a family celebration that you remember.

You should say:

and explain why you liked it.

Answer to the first two prompts:

 There are no questions on the topic card.

 Prompts are there to guide you – nothing more.

by: Hossein Seyfi Rad 0912 6440380 ieltshare

Speaking Part 3 Advice

Is the answer below the right length?

Q. Is it better to get advice from a friend or from a family member?

by: Hossein Seyfi Rad 0912 6440380 ieltshare

Here are some more points to consider:

by: Hossein Seyfi Rad 0912 6440380 ieltshare

Linking Words for IELTS Speaking

Adding more information

 now  in the past

 I think one important thing is

 I guess one difference is

by: Hossein Seyfi Rad 0912 6440380 ieltshare

Causes and Solutions

 I guess it’s because

Contrasting and concessions

by: Hossein Seyfi Rad 0912 6440380 ieltshare

Q. Do you eat much fruit?

A. Yes, I do. I love tropical fruit like mangoes and pineapples.

Q. Do you think fast food is bad?

by: Hossein Seyfi Rad 0912 6440380 ieltshare

Q. Do you like going out with friends?

Below is how the answer should be:

by: Hossein Seyfi Rad 0912 6440380 ieltshare

Which part of IELTS speaking is most important?

by: Hossein Seyfi Rad 0912 6440380 ieltshare

by: Hossein Seyfi Rad 0912 6440380 ieltshare

Does the examiner have model answers?