Some Of the Best Preparation Tips for IELTS Speaking (Part 2)

Some Of the Best Preparation Tips for IELTS Speaking (Part 2)

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a standardized English language competence test and is recognized all over the world. The British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge English share ownership and management of this test. IELTS examines a person's English language proficiency when they are seeking a job in a nation where English is the native language. For example, Canada. IELTS are of two types: Academic IELTS and General IELTS. However, if you intend to apply for permanent residency (PR) in Canada, you must take the General IELTS exam, which satisfies both the IRCC's as well as the CLB's (Canada Language Benchmarks) requirements. Each year, over three million people take the IELTS exam. The exam evaluates an individual’s Speaking, Writing, Listening, and Reading skills. The speaking test gains significance in its part 2. This article discusses 3 steps, to make it easier for the test taker while attempting part 2 of the speaking test.

The speaking module – a general overview

The speaking test takes between 11 to 14 minutes and is divided into three parts. The test will assess a person's vocabulary, pronunciation, fluency, and grammar by its plan. In IELTS, only the speaking test is given face-to-face with the examiner. The first part of the exam includes general questions about topics such as studies, interests, friends, and family. The examiner will attempt to gauge the candidate's ability to communicate ideas on familiar or common topics. The examiner will give you a task card in Part 2 of the test that contains a specific topic. The test taker has one minute to prepare and two minutes to speak on the topic. The major goal here is to test one's ability to engage in a detailed discussion on a certain issue. Part 3 is a discussion with the examiner. Here, the test-taker's capacity to reply to general and abstract questions (related to part 2) is assessed.

A 3-steps strategy that will help you on the way…!

Here's a step-by-step plan, to help you make the most of this time so you can begin talking when you need to.

Step 1 (read the Speaking Part-2 task card and make sure you understand the topic): although it would seem like a no-brainer to ask this right away, test takers often wait until the end of their allotted one minute to do so. If, there is an expression on the Speaking Part-2 task card that you do not understand, ask the examiner what it means at the beginning (not at the end) of your preparation period. Inquire, "What does this word mean?" or "Can you tell me what this word means?"

Step 2 (establish what/who you're going to discuss):this step may sound effortless, but it's not always easy, especially if the task card contains vocabulary you struggle to comprehend. Here, the general advice is to stick to the first example of the topic that comes to mind and that you suppose you can effectively convey in English. While it is not required, it is advised that you include a real-life scenario. People who make up answers on tests typically run out of things to say or are not cohesive. 

Step 3 (take notes): during your one minute of preparation, taking notes can aid in helping you plan and recall your speech. Additionally, knowing that you may check them during your 2-minute speaking span could strengthen your confidence. Consider the notes as a safety device that will keep you going even if you stumble (i.e., forget what you were going to say).

When taking notes, make sure to:

1. If you want to read your notes during your talk, write them in English so you may not need to translate.
2. To give yourself enough time to take notes on every point on the task card, use phrases rather than complete sentences.
3. Prepare your notes in the order that you want to discuss them so that you can check where you are if necessary.
4. Write clearly so that you can read what you've written.

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