IELTS Speaking | IELTS Prepare by IDP (Episode 8)

IELTS Expert Rochelle Van Der Merwe takes us through each part of the IELTS Speaking test and shares valuable insights about how to prepare. This episode also features a special section on how to practise for the Individual Long-turn in Part 2.
Highlights
02:28 - 10:48 Question Types in the IELTS Speaking test
10:49 - 21:51 IELTS Speaking Strategies
21:52 - 28:22 Test Taker Questions
IELTS Prepare by IDP is a free ten-part video podcast series created by IDP Education. The series is a trusted and reliable resource for IELTS preparation materials. Each episode features interviews with IELTS experts who explain the test structure, share preparation tips, and guide test takers on what to expect on test day. Get reliable information in video and audio formats to help you succeed in the world's most recognised English language test.
🔗 Book the IELTS test: bit.ly/3MYW3JH
📲 Download the IELTS by IDP app to view the full season: ielts.idp.com/...
👆 Subscribe to IELTS: / @ieltsbyidp
🔗 Episode links + resources:
• Your pocket guide to IELTS Speaking
ielts.idp.com/...
• IELTS Speaking practice questions and sample tasks
ielts.idp.com/...
• IELTS Speaking test: How to prepare for Part 2
ielts.idp.com/...
🎓 Credits
Host: Rocco Nigro
Guest: Rochelle can der Merwe
Director and Producer: Lizzy Garland
Content Writer: Linda Alley
Assistant Producer: Emily McIvor
🗨️ IELTS Speaking - Questions:
1:34 - Myth: I cannot ask the examiner to repeat a question.
2:26 - Topic 1: Question types in the IELTS Speaking test
2:36 - Are the Speaking questions different for IRLTS Academic vs General Training?
2:53 - How is the IELTS Speaking test conducted?
3:37 - Is the IELTS Speaking test done face-to-face?
4:04 - Can you tell us about the three parts of the Speaking test?
4:31 - Will the topics in Part 1 be unfamiliar?
5:50 - Can test takers take notes during part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test?
6:42 - In Part 2, can test takers speak for just one minute instead of the total 2 minutes allowed?
7:28 - What can test takers expect for IRLTS Speaking Part 3?
9:58 - In summary, how would you describe the three parts of the IELTS Speaking test?
10:50 - Topic 2: IELTS Speaking Strategies
11:00 - What advice would you give someone who wants to score a band 7 or higher on the IELTS Speaking test?
12:02 - Is good fluency in speaking related to speaking quickly or slowly?
13:45 - When it comes to vocabulary, should speakers aim to use common or uncommon words to achieve a band 7 or higher?
16:24 - Some people believe that using short and simpler sentences will mean they have greater accuracy. What do you think about this?
17:42 - What advice would you give test takers preparing for Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking Test?
20:07 - If you're recording yourself to track your progress, would sharing them with a friend or tutor be helpful?
21:19 - Would it be good for people to practice speaking out loud for Part 1 of the Speaking test?
21:52 - Test Taker Questions
22:03 - When the examiner takes notes during my test, are they writing down my score?
22:47 - What happens if the examiner interrupts me while I'm speaking?
23:39 - If I make a mistake, should I correct myself?
25:10 - What should I do if I'm given a topic to discuss that I know nothing about?
28:24 - Key Takeaways from Rochelle van der Merwe
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[@AbdulWahidKarimi-m5k]

She speak soo perfect and clear And also she talk very polite I want hard work for my self until one day I can speak like her ❤

[@IELTSbyIDP]

Thank you for your wonderful comment, @AbdulWahidKarimi-m5k! It's fantastic to see your motivation to improve your speaking skills.

[@luisalwayscurious]

Finally! The video I was waiting for.

[@IELTSbyIDP]

Hi @luisalwayscurious! We’re glad to hear that you were looking forward to this video. Thanks for watching, and we hope you found it helpful!

[@angelajose5717]

I am studying to be trainer and your video is worth listening.

[@IELTSbyIDP]

We’re so glad you found the video helpful, @angelajose5717!

[@tdtravel6121]

What a body language 😮 From Bangladesh 😊

[@IELTSbyIDP]

Hi @tdtravel6121, thank you for your comment! We're glad you enjoyed the video. Feel free to share any questions you might have about IELTS-we're here to help!

[@Car_world_111]

Is it important to cover all the bullet points which is suggested in part 2 in cue card ???

[@IELTSbyIDP]

Hi @Car_world_111, it’s important to address all the bullet points on the cue card as they help structure your response and show your ability to organize ideas. However, even if you don’t cover every point, focus on speaking fluently and staying on topic-that’s what matters most!

[@Car_world_111]

​Thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️ 😊​@@IELTSbyIDP

[@habiburrehmanswaleha0006]

Last time I gave exam I was bit nervous but the examiner did not guide me. She just asking questions again and again

[@IELTSbyIDP]

It’s natural to feel nervous during the test. The examiner’s role is to assess your English skills. Remember to practice and stay calm for the best results, @habiburrehmanswaleha0006!

[@Rhodah_Musonda]

Normally, that's how they guide you. By asking you questions, it's now up to you to realise what the examiner is trying to communicate with you. Remember, it's a test. They won't tell you that you have derailed from the question. They will ask you a question to guide you back to the first question. Notice how the next few questions are usually related to the first question. That's how they guide you.

[@anthonydiola1647]

@@IELTSbyIDPyes correct, but during my time they try to help approach to to continue talking instead of nervous however to be confident during speaking conversations

[@shafeequllahsatari2094]

Thank you for the video showcasing tips and strategies for the IELTS speaking test. I am unsure what the potential topics might be for Part 3 of the speaking test, so candidates can enrich their lexical bank accordingly.

[@IELTSbyIDP]

Hi @shafeequllahsatari2094! We're glad you found the video helpful. For Part 3 of the IELTS speaking test, topics often involve discussions on more abstract issues and ideas. It's a good idea to prepare by expanding your vocabulary on various themes like education, environment, technology, and culture.

[@hambaallohyangakankembalik5619]

Mastering the IELTS Speaking Test The IELTS Speaking test is one of the most important components of the IELTS exam. It assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English through conversation. Whether you’re taking the General or Academic IELTS, the speaking test is structured the same way. This guide will walk you through the test’s format, provide tips on preparation, and offer strategies to excel. IELTS Speaking Test Structure The speaking test is divided into three distinct parts, with a total duration of 11 to 14 minutes. Despite its brief length, this segment of the IELTS exam is highly intensive and requires well-prepared and confident communication. Here’s a breakdown: Part 1: Introduction and Interview Duration: 4-5 minutes In this section, the examiner will ask general questions about your life. You may be asked to talk about your hobbies, family, work, or other familiar topics. The questions are designed to be simple, and the examiner expects you to respond naturally, providing insight into your fluency and ability to answer without hesitation. Part 2: Long Turn (Monologue) Duration: 3-4 minutes (1 minute preparation, 1-2 minutes speaking) In this part, the examiner gives you a task card with a topic, and you have one minute to prepare. You’ll then speak for 1-2 minutes on the given topic. You are encouraged to take notes during the preparation time to structure your response. The topic usually relates to everyday life but requires you to share a personal story or opinion. Part 3: Discussion Duration: 4-5 minutes Part 3 is more abstract and involves discussing broader issues related to the topic you spoke about in part 2. This section tests your ability to express your ideas, argue your point, and consider different perspectives. The examiner will encourage you to explore multiple viewpoints, adding depth to your response. Preparation Tips for IELTS Speaking 1. Don’t Fear Asking for Clarification Contrary to popular belief, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask the examiner to repeat or clarify a question. Doing so demonstrates your ability to navigate real-life conversations in English. It’s better to ensure you understand the question than to give a confused or incomplete answer. 2. Practice Makes Perfect For part 2, where you’re expected to speak for 1-2 minutes on a topic, practicing with a timer is essential. Select random topics, give yourself one minute to prepare, and then speak for two minutes without stopping. Recording yourself can help you review and assess your performance. 3. Build Your Vocabulary A higher band score, especially 7 or above, demands the use of a wide range of vocabulary. Instead of sticking to simple words, incorporate more varied and expressive vocabulary into your responses. Reading lifestyle articles, listening to native speakers on podcasts, and engaging with English media will help enhance your vocabulary. 4. Don’t Overfocus on Grammar While grammar is important, focusing too much on it can interrupt your fluency. IELTS examiners prefer to hear candidates speak smoothly, even with a few minor mistakes, rather than struggling to correct every error. Aim for natural conversation, and avoid sounding rehearsed. 5. Be the Storyteller The IELTS speaking test is not an academic exercise; it’s about communication. Think of it as a conversation at a dinner party. The more you can present yourself as a natural and engaging storyteller, the better your performance will be. Share your experiences, give examples, and connect with the examiner on a human level. Overcoming Challenges in the IELTS Speaking Test Handling Unfamiliar Topics If you are given a topic in part 2 that you know little about, don’t panic. There are three strategies you can use: Make up a story: You can invent a situation related to the topic. However, if you do this, be sure to stay consistent with your answers throughout the discussion. Relate to a different topic: If asked to talk about something unfamiliar, pivot the conversation to something more relevant. For example, if asked about a book you’ve read, but you’ve never read one, you can talk about an audiobook or a movie based on a book. Explain the lack of experience: Sometimes, it’s okay to explain why you don’t know something. For example, if the topic is something uncommon in your culture, you can explain why that is and provide insights into your own experiences. Correcting Mistakes If you make a small mistake in your grammar or vocabulary, you can correct it once or twice, but try not to overdo it. Constant corrections can disrupt your fluency and make you seem less confident. Keep speaking, and if you make an error, briefly correct it and move on. Achieving Band 7 or Higher Aiming for a Band 7 or higher in the IELTS speaking test requires focusing on a few key areas: Fluency and Coherence: Speak in a steady rhythm without too many hesitations. Use connectives like “and,” “so,” “because,” to structure your speech and make it flow naturally. Vocabulary: Use a range of words, including less common ones, to express your ideas more clearly. Grammar: Show that you can use a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences, but don’t focus solely on grammatical perfection. Pronunciation: Be clear in your pronunciation, even if you have an accent. Pronunciation also includes rhythm and intonation, so avoid speaking too fast or too slow. Conclusion The IELTS speaking test may seem daunting at first, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can approach it confidently. Remember that this test is not about your knowledge or IQ, but about how well you can use English to communicate. Focus on your strengths, prepare diligently, and approach the conversation as naturally as possible. With regular practice, you’ll be able to perform well and achieve your desired band score.

[@AganethaKlassenWall-ey9ve]

Thank you for giving that good advice, my Exam is on the 24th .

[@IELTSbyIDP]

You're welcome, @AganethaKlassenWall-ey9ve! Good luck with your exam on the 24th. If you have any more questions or need further tips, feel free to ask.

[@anshidapt5185]

It's superb culminate awesome she it her ways loved it❤❤

[@IELTSbyIDP]

We're so glad you loved it, @anshidapt5185! Thanks for the enthusiasm and support!

[@self-development_lifestyle]

Wonderful woman

[@IELTSbyIDP]

Thanks for your kind words, @self-development_lifestyle! Feel free to share what inspires you the most in this Vodcast episode.

[@mmsproduct]

Authentic is comfortable

[@IELTSbyIDP]

We're pleased to hear you found it comfortable and authentic. Thanks for your feedback, @mmsproduct!

[@niqobli]

Good series

[@IELTSbyIDP]

Thank you, @niqobli! We're glad you're enjoying the series. Stay tuned for more helpful content!

[@graceeke5108]

Some people believe brainstorming is important in getting a higher score is that correct also will repetition of words lower your score?

[@IELTSbyIDP]

Great questions, @graceeke5108! Brainstorming can definitely help in organizing your ideas, which is important for a higher score, especially in tasks like writing. It allows you to plan your response more effectively. As for repetition of words, yes, it can impact your score, particularly in the Lexical Resource and Coherence and Cohesion criteria. It's always a good idea to use a range of vocabulary and avoid repeating the same words too often.

[@sercantas1630]

Can other parts of İelts results ( Listening, Reading or writing) affect the speaking result?

[@mrbipinthapa5429]

Yes because your overall band is calculated by average system.

[@graceeke5108]

Can using words like "hummm" "umhhh" "or" "and" too much when speaking affect one's score.

[@IELTSbyIDP]

Hi @graceeke5108, It's okay to take a brief pause to think during the Speaking test-it helps process questions. You can use phrases like: -That's an interesting question. -I’ve never thought about that, but... -Let me see. -That's a good point. -That's a tough question, but I'll try to answer it. Avoid using fillers like "umm," "ahh," "like," or "you know," as they can signal difficulty in accessing ideas or language.

[@kashiivlog1991]

She enjoy podcast

[@IELTSbyIDP]

Glad you enjoyed the podcast, @kashiivlog1991! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@soniadogar6824]

What if someone could not think any idea for cue card?? What should he do?

[@IELTSbyIDP]

Hi @soniadogar6824! If you can’t think of anything to say or if you don’t know a lot about the topic, you don’t have to be very specific about the given topic. You’re being assessed for your English-Speaking skills and not your expertise on a particular topic. For example, if you’re asked to talk about your favourite book, but you don’t read books at all - you can still go ahead and talk about why you don’t read books or why you don’t like reading books.

[@lilyasamoah8487]

@@IELTSbyIDPthis is helpful Thank you

[@PhotonicJerk]

Can or should one use slangs?

[@IELTSbyIDP]

Great question, @PhotonicJerk! It's best to avoid slang in your IELTS test. The interview is semi-formal, and you should showcase your ability to use a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentences. Slang doesn't demonstrate this effectively.