SPEAKING TIPS 23.

First of all _____________________

24. My primary concern is __________________
• When you have to answer questions in part 1, think for a second or two before you respond. You can 25. When it comes to __________________
use “conversation fillers” such as, let me think for a minute or that’s an interesting question. 26. I guess ___________________
27. Let me recall my memory __________________
• When you are preparing a topic in part 2, focus on the more complicated parts. Instructions like 28. Let me think __________________
“Say who the person is” do not need much preparation. Spend the time thinking about and 29. What I mean is/I mean __________________
making notes for the later parts of the question instead. 30. No matter what / when / how __________________
31. There’s no harm in __________________
• In part 3, don’t be afraid to take the initiative and lead the conversation. You can add information which 32. In fact, ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬_______________
the examiner has not directly asked for, but it is relevant to the discussion. Avoid yes/no and one-word 33. In most of the cases, what happens ___________________
answers. 34. If you ask me __________________
35. In a sense _______________
• When you have to answer questions in Part 1, don’t just give answers. You have to show you can 36. In terms of ______________
communicate in English. Try to say several sentences for each answer. 37. I still remember __________________
38. Not at all ___________________
• When you are answering questions in Part 3, don’t be afraid to say you’re not sure about something. 39. Up to some extent__________________
However, don’t just say “I don’t know”. Use phrases such as , I’m not sure, but perhaps…, One possibility 40. You never know __________________.
is that…, etc. 41. Kind of __________________.
42. I find it very hard __________________.
• When talking about a topic in Part 2, remember to make notes of the key points you want to talk about 43. Obviously _____________________
during the preparation time so that you do not run out of things to say when you start talking. It is far 44. To tell you the truth ____________________
better to be stopped by the examiner because you have overrun the time allowed. 45. It doesn’t make any difference __________________
46. If I had my way I would __________________.
Spoken Expressions
SPEAKING INTRODUCTION
1. The topic I’ve got is __________________.
2. Let me tell you about __________________. Skills for the Speaking Module
Introduce __________________. For security reasons you will be asked to bring your passport or some other form or photographic identifi-
3. as far as __________________ is /are connected __________________. cation. You will be asked to sign your name, which will be matched up with the photograph and signature
4. In my opinion __________________. on your IELTS application form.
5. I must say __________________. The test will be conducted in three parts, which will be described in turns.
6. Well / you know / you see
7. It depends PART 1: Introduction and interview
8. To be honest (I’ve never heard of it) In the introduction of Part 1, the examiner will first greet you and then introduce himself or herself and will
9. Let me give an example invite you to do the same. Your identification will also be checked here.
10. Let me put it this way __________________. SKILL: Greeting the interviewer and introducing yourself.
11. I’ve never been fond of __________________. Phrases you can use:
12. I’m not into it/I’m into it
13. There is nothing I like more / less than __________________ • ‘Good afternoon. My name is (name)’
14. I am very keen on __________________. • ‘Hello. My name is (name) but most of my friends call me (shortened version of name/ nickname)’
15. It reminds me of __________________.
16. I get along very well with __________________. The interview section of Part 1 will follow with questions related closely to your personal life and then
17. The reason I Don’t like it is __________________. continue with further questions that are related to you wider experience. Initially you may be asked about
Like it is __________________. your background or your home or what you are currently doing. The questions may extend to topics relat-
18. I wish I could tell, you more about this topic. ed to your country, such as customs or lifestyles and your personal involvement with these.
something about this topic.
But I’m not familiar with it. The aim of this Part 1 interview is to show that you can answer the specific questions that the interviewer
I don’t have any knowledge about it. asks. There are two main skills that you need to practice for this part of the test.
19. I’m afraid __________________.
20. Personally I believe __________________. • You need to give relevant factual information related to yourself.
21. In [that/my] case __________________. • You also need to be able to express your opinions and your thoughts regarding a familiar issue
22. I’m not fussy ______________________ without relying on the interviewer’s help.

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The idea is for you to talk and give as much information as you can. Even, if you are not sure what the inter- OR
viewer is asking, do your best to give an answer. Do not simply answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Do not, however, memo-
rize responses. If you appear to be recalling and reciting from your memory, the examiner will disregard Transport
what you are saying. • What public transport is available in your home town?
• How much do fares cost?
Before you begin preparing for the interview section of Part 1, you can make a list of the topics related • Are there any discounts for students?
to your country, culture, lifestyle, personal interests etc. Once you have completed your list, think of the • What hours does public transport operate?
possible questions you could be asked that relate to the skills for this part of the test. You can further prac- • Is it a system that you would recommend to others? (Why?)
tice by answering questions that could be asked, from the task cards given on the following pages.
OR
With a partner, practice interviewing and being interviewed. Try to give full, detailed and comprehensive
answers to each question and include some of the useful phrases given in this part. Questions about some other familiar topics.
Phrases you could use:
Questions you may be asked:
The place where you grew up When giving information When commenting:
• Could you describe your home city / town / village? Generally Now, let me see
• What would a tourist go to see there? Usually Surprisingly enough
• How do people your age spend their weekends in your home city / town / village? Most of the time Actually
• Do you enjoy living there? [Why?] On the whole Interestingly enough

OR Phrases you could use to introduce your own opinion:

In my opinion Well, personally speaking
Work I personally think It seems that
• Where do you work? I believe that From my point of view
• How do you get there? I feel that As I see it
• What does an average day at work involve? To my mind I’m quite convinced that
• How did you become interested in the type of work you do? Obviously I’m fairly certain that
• Are there things you would like to change about your work?
Individual long turn
OR
In Part 2, the examiner wants you to have a long turn speaking on your own that lasts between one and
Study two minutes.
• What are you studying at the moment?
• When did you decide to study these subjects? You will be given spare paper and a pencil as well as a topic written on a task card. On this task card will
• What influenced you to make this decision? be written a general instruction related to the give topic and several suggestions of what you should
• Do you enjoy studying these subjects? include in your long turn. You will also be given a minute to think about and/or make some notes on what
• How will they help you with your future career? you are going to say. The examiner will tell you when to begin. Speak as clearly as you can, and try to pres-
ent your ideas in a logical way. If you speak for more than two minutes, the examiner will ask you to finish.
THEN Then you may be asked some further questions before the examiner beings the discussion in Part 3.
Family In Part 2, the topic will be reasonably easy to talk about. You can prepare for this part by choosing simple
• Tell me about your family members. topics such as a favorite book, or a film or television program, a special friend, or even a type of animal you
• Where do they live? like. Make notes about what you would like to say. Study the suggestions for useful phrases in this part to
• What is each person doing at present? help you organize your speech. Then present your ideas to a partner. Even if you feel that you do not have
• Are there special times in the year that you spend together? very much to say about a topic, try to keep talking. Practice speaking for up to two minutes. For further
• Do you socialize with them at other times? practice, select one of the Practice Task Cards. Study the suggestions about what you should say and give
yourself one minute to prepare and jot down ideas before presenting your ideas to a partner.
OR

Studying English
• When did you first start learning English?
• Which English skill do you find easiest to learn? Why?
• In what ways do you practice your English?
• How will improving your English benefit you personally?

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Practice Task Card A PART 3: Two-way discussion

Describe a famous person whom you admire. In Part 3, the interviewer will converse with you in greater depth on a particular, more abstract topic. This
You should say: two-way discussion will be linked by theme to the topic you spoke about in Part 2.
• Who this person is
• What he or she is like During this part, the interviewer will allow this discussion to become more complex by asking you a
• The length of time you have admired this person series of questions. You may have to give answers that describe, compare, evaluate, justify or speculate on
• For what this person is well known ideas related broadly to an issue.
and explain the reason why you look up to this person.
In order to prepare for Part 3, select one of the Practice Task Cards and ask a partner to discuss the
Task A follow-up questions: given question suggestions with you. Try also to think of further topics that may be included. In your
Do you have friends or family who also look-up to this person? discussion answers, try to include some of the suggestions for useful phrases related to the skills required
Do you think that you will continue to admire this person in the future? for the two-way discussion.

Practice Task Card B Practice related to Task Card A

Describe a place that is very special to you Wealth

You should say: • (comment on) the wealth of famous people
• Where it is • (compare) the differences in the way celebrities spend their money
• What it is like there • (justify or otherwise) the amount of money famous people earn
• How often you go there Marketing
• How you feel when you are there • (describe) the role marketing plays in famous people’s lives
and explain why this place is important to you. • (justify or otherwise) the necessity of marketing in the lives of famous people
• (evaluate) the worth of marketing in famous people’s lives
Task B follow-up questions: The Press
Is this place also significant for anyone else? • (describe) the responsibilities they have to report about famous people’s lives
Do you think that you will always consider it special? • (justify or otherwise) the reporting of very private details about celebrities
Phrases you could use to begin Part 2. • (evaluate) the press’s power to positively or negatively influence readers towards famous people

To start with Practice related to Task Card B

I would like to begin with
I would like to tell you about The City
• (describe) the advantages related to city living
In Part 2, your sentences will need to follow logically, so the ideas need to be organized using appropriate • (compare) the main differences between country and city living
connective words and phrases such as: • (justify) where you prefer to live
Population Growth
So although • (comment on) the current population in your home town / city
Next however • (explain) the changes in population growth over the past 20 years
Also not only . . . but • (speculate on) the future trend of population growths
Besides this on the other hand Urbanization
As well as yet • (describe) the hazards of urbanization
And then otherwise • (justify) the reason why people move from country to city areas
Perhaps I should mention what’s more • (speculate) on the effects of megacities of the future Take for example namely
Afterwards though
Useful phrases for Part 3
Phrases you could use when giving examples.
For instance For one thing Phrases you could use when comparing and contrasting
Take the way To give you an idea
Take for example namely The main difference just a little different
One of the differences totally different
Phrases you could use to complete Part 2: In contrast / on the other hand slightly different
So, in the end Finally Similarly / likewise Whereas / while
So, To finish off
All in all I’d like to finish with

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Phrases you could use when speculating: 9. When do you smile the most? 1. Who do you trust most?
10. When did you last see a bunch of people smiling? 2. What kind of people do you trust?
It may / could / might (well) be that Maybe 11. How can you identify a fake smile? 3. Have you ever lost trust in someone?
It’s quite possible that I guess 12. Do you often smile when taking photos? Why? 4. Do you trust the Internet?
I imagine that I suppose 5. Do you trust artificial intelligence?
Perhaps I expect
1. What things make you tired usually?
Phrases you could use when justifying 2. What do you do when you feel tired?
3. Who do you prefer to talk to when you feel mentally tired, your friends or your families?
That’s why you see 4. Do you want to talk to strangers when you feel mentally tired?
Besides to be honest
Because let me explain 1. Do you like shopping?
So the reason why 2. Are there many shops where you live?
What I mean is what I’m saying is 3. What’s your favorite shop?
4. Do you prefer shopping alone or with others?
Phrases you could use to give yourself time to think in the discussion: 5. Have you ever bought anything online?

Now, let me think The best way I can answer this is Sets of Questions ask In Part 2:
It’s difficult to say exactly, but Mm, that’s a difficult question. Let me see
That’s an interesting question I’ll have to think about that
How shall I put it? Let’s put it this way Talk about a time you were given the Describe a time you invited a friend to eat
wrong information. meal at home/restaurant.
Assessment You should say: You should say:
• what it was • who cooked the meal
The assessment will be based on your average performance over the three parts of the test. Your speaking • who gave to you • when and why you invited him
skills as a whole will be marked on four separate scales. • why you found it is wrong information • what meal you treated him with
Fluency and coherence: Do you express your ideas clearly and logically at a normal rate and without long • and explain how you felt about this. • how you felt after the meal.
hesitations?
Lexical resource: Do you use a wide range of vocabulary that is appropriate?
Grammatical range and accuracy: Do you use a variety of grammatical structures in your speech and make Describe a person who has creative ideas Describe a situation that your vehicle broke
only a few minor errors? and opinions. down during your travel.
Pronunciation: Are you easy to understand? Does your English pronunciation sound natural?
Each of these categories will be awarded a score and these scores will be averaged to provide a final band You should say: You should say:
score for the Speaking Module. • who he is • where you were going
• how you knew him • who you were there with
Speaking test hints • why you think he has creative ideas • how long it took to fix the vehicle
Try to improve your pronunciation, intonation and fluency. One way to do this is to listen to native speakers or opinions. • and explain how you felt about it.
in a variety of situations such as, on radio news. Record several news items , listen to them and try to
imitate the speaker’s pronunciation, intonation and fluency.

Sets of Questions ask In Part 1:

1. Do you like wearing perfume? 1. Do you like wearing jeans? Why?

2. What kind of perfume do you prefer? 2. How often do you wear jeans?
3. Is there a special brand of perfume you like? 3. Do you wear jeans at your workplace?
4. Have you bought yourself a bottle of perfume? 4. Do you prefer to wear brands jeans?
5. Have you ever bought a perfume as a gift? 5. How much do you spend on jeans?
6. Why are jeans popular all over the world?

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Follow up Questions for part 3:

1. Do you think we will stop using paper money in the future?

2. How do companies encourage the consumer to spend their money?
3. What do you think shops need to do to create a positive shopping experience?
4. Is it a good idea to save money? Why?
5. What typical things can visitors to your country buy?
6. What things do young people like to buy in your country?
7. Do you think that people are happier if they have money? Why?
8. What can shops do to make shopping more pleasant for their customers?
9. Do you think that in the future people will do most of their shopping online? Why or Why not?
10. Do you think humor is important in presentation? Why?
11. Do you think it is necessary to use visual aids during oral presentation? Why?
12. Which one do you prefer, modern buildings, or old buildings?
13. How can people discover historical sites?
14. Why do people like to visit historical building?
15. Do you think people entry fee should be free for the historical building?
16. Is it necessary to protect historical buildings?
17. Do most people agree to the government's funding to protect historical buildings?
18. Where are you living nowadays?
19. what do you like most about your area?
20. What is bad things in your area?
21. Do you intend to stay in this area in future?
22. What makes a good leader?
23. Why should a child participate in a team?
24. How has technology made team sports fair?
25. Is there a growing interest in team sports?
26. Is it important for countries to hold international sports competition?
27. What imported products are popular in your country?
28. What are the effects of imported products to your country?
29. What are some of the main food products that your country produces?
30. Do you think it's important that a country is self-sufficient in food?

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