13 Best Tips to Improve Your IELTS Speaking Score

If you are gearing up for the IELTS exam, you have probably searched the internet and spoken with others to obtain information and tips to secure a good IELTS Exam Score. Perhaps you know, among the four sections of the IELTS test, the IELTS speaking section is a scary prospect.  In an effort to assist you in boosting your IELTS Speaking Score, we have compiled the best IELTS speaking tips that will help you in acquiring a pretty decent IELTS speaking score. Scroll down for the best IELTS speaking tips;

1. Comprehend the IELTS Speaking Test Format

You won’t be able to do well on an exam unless you know how many and what kinds of questions you’ll be asked. Hence, knowing the format of the IELTS speaking test is the first step toward aiming for a high IELTS speaking score.

The 11-14 minute test is divided into three sections. The first section is 4-5 minutes long and asks the test-taker to introduce himself/herself. During the session, the test-taker will most likely be asked generic questions about his family, education, and hobbies.

In section 2, the test-taker is given a task card with a topic written on it. After a minute of preparation, the test taker has to speak for a minute or two and answer the questions posed by the examiner.

Section third is a two-way discussion about the topic given in the previous task (task 2). 

2. Make a Good First Impression

A good first impression can get you far. Not only does your English matter, but so does your presentation, in order to leave a positive first impression on the examiner. When you enter the IELTS speaking exam room, you must be dressed neatly, look tidy, and greet the examiner warmly.

3. Do Not Speak in a Monotone

A flat and dull speaking style can make you appear inexperienced and lower your IELTS speaking score. Adding great emphasis to more important words, pausing when the sentence is finished, and using gestures are all necessary components of a powerful speech and should be used without fail.

4. Speak at a Natural Pace

Your speaking abilities are revealed not only by your words but also by your pace. Speaking too quickly can cause pronunciation errors while speaking too slowly can unveil your nervousness or cause the examiner to lose interest in your speech. In both cases, your IELTS speaking score is likely to suffer. The best thing you can do to enhance your IELTS speaking test score is to maintain a consistent, normal pace.

5. Do Not Learn by Heart

Given that the first section will be an introduction, you may choose to memorise the answers, which is a totally incorrect strategy. The intelligent examiner will quickly realise you have memorised your answers and will reduce your IELTS speaking score without giving it a second thought.

6. Avoid Using Complicated Words

Of course, a great vocabulary is vital but that doesn’t mean you should start using intricate and unfamiliar words. If you try, there’s a high likelihood you’ll end up mispronouncing words or using them incorrectly. Ultimately, your IELTS speaking score will deteriorate. So, when taking the IELTS Speaking Exam, be mindful of the words you choose.

7. Do Not Use Fillers

Fillers such as ‘ummm’ and ‘ahh’ indicate that you are either nervous or lack the words to convey your thoughts. Fillers are something that the examiner will surely not appreciate and will lower your IELTS speaking score if you include them. Hence, the use of fillers during the IELTS speaking exam should be strictly avoided.

8. Do Not Stop too Early 

Short answers will give the impression that you are unable to speak in detail. At the same time, explaining more than necessary will be a waste of time. Extend your answers to a good extent and stop when the required details have been covered.

9. Take Care of Pronunciation

Pronunciation is important. It’s perhaps the first thing the examiner notices in your speech. Pronunciation errors are extremely disappointing and can dramatically decrease your IELTS speaking score. Practice pronouncing words and numbers correctly. For example, forty and fourteen may appear similar but vary markedly in pronunciation; thus, care should be taken. Mastery in pronunciation can only be reached with regular practice.

10. Assemble Your Thoughts Before Speaking

Of course, you have a limited time to complete the IELTS speaking exam, but that does not mean you should speak without thinking. Not too much, but you should take some time to organise your thoughts before speaking up. You can even say things like, ‘That’s an interesting question’ or ‘That’s a good point’ to reserve some time to think.

11. Be Confident 

Most test takers become nervous as they walk to the exam room. Remember that you are not being graded on correct or incorrect answers, but on the accuracy of your English. Whatever responses you give, you must be confident in them. It is natural to be nervous during the exam that will decide your future, but you must learn how to keep it at bay.

12. Practice Speaking Every Day

Speaking abilities do not develop overnight. Develop the habit of speaking English with your family or friends for days or even months, before your IELTS Exam Date. To improve your pace and pronunciation, you can record your voice and perform self-evaluation to identify and improve the lacking areas.

13. Take Help from IELTS Speaking Experts

The IELTS speaking test is more hectic for many candidates than the other sections. To some extent, the above IELTS speaking tips and daily practice can aid you in boosting your IELTS speaking score. However, to master the IELTS exam, including IELTS speaking, you need proper information about IELTS Exam Pattern and support, which can be best achieved by enrolling in a reputable IELTS Coaching programme. IELTS coaching experts have years of experience in the field and know how you can ace the IELTS exam in the quickest possible time.

If you are searching for one, we are one of the best IELTS coaching providers in Gujarat. Feel free to reach us anytime.