IELTS Speaking Test consists of 3 parts.
Part 1 – Introduction and Interview
Part 2 – Individual long term
Part 3 – Two–way discussion
While the first and last parts of the test are straightforward question-and-answer types, it is IELTS SPEAKING Part 2 that will leave you at your wit’s end. Many candidates start off well but lose track of their answers and stammer not knowing what to add more to their answers. If you’re one among the lot, then don’t worry. In this blog, you will see the explanation of the section, a BAND 7 sample answer, and some tricks to ace your speech.
IELTS Speaking Test Part 2 – EXPLAINED
- After the Introduction and Interview section which happens for 4-6 minutes, the examiner will carry on with the next saying something along the lines of, “Now, let’s move on to Part 2…” which is your cue to be mentally prepared
- The examiner will give you a piece of paper (a cue card) or on some occasions, he will pass on a book that has a question printed on it.
- You will be given 1 minute time to prepare the question.
- You will also be provided with a blank sheet of paper and a pencil to take notes and organize your ideas.
- After a minute, the examiner will notify you and take away the cue card. You have to start your speech and with the aid of your ‘notes,’ you can extend your answer by covering all points.
- When the stipulated 2 minutes is up, the examiner stops you.
- You will be asked a couple of questions related to the topic before moving on to Part 3.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE
- The question card will have a statement line and 3-4 additional points below it. It is sufficient if you elaborate and answer those given points.
- You should not change the order of the points. Follow the sequence of information according to the cue card.
- You have to speak for a minimum of 1 minute. If not, you may not get your desired score
- You will be given a maximum of 2 minutes. When your time is up, the examiner will ask you to stop. Don’t panic. Give a concluding statement and finish your talk.
Tips and Tricks for IELTS Speaking Test
- Use the preparation time efficiently.
In your 1 minute time to read and practice the question, make sure you jot down key points that will help you with your monologue. Don’t write full sentences there. You will run out of time. Think smart, put bullet points and take down important ideas.
- The Devil is in the details
Instead of explaining each point in one sentence, try to weave a story and sugar-coat your answer. Your ability to expand and speak expeditiously will result in getting good band scores.
- Use idioms, phrasal verbs, and hyphenated words
Add a variety of lexical resources in your speech. By doing so, you will come out as someone with a flexible English command and in turn, boost your Band score.
- Practice Practice Practice
Have n number of practice sessions before the main exam. With the help of a timer, prepare your speech and see how long you can speak for a question.
BAND 7 SAMPLE ANSWER
I would like to talk about a jam-packed place that I visited recently, which is, Church Street, located in Bangalore.
Church Street is situated in the heart of the city and is the shopping hub of Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka. It is half an hour’s journey from the Majestic Bus Depot. You can also take the services of Metro Rail and enjoy the unique experience.
I went there last week for my Christmas vacation. My college provided me with 2 weeks’ holiday and I thought it was the right time to catch up with my friends there. We picked a weekend which is the Saturday before Christmas Eve. We arrived there at 6 pm and stayed till midnight.
The primary reason I chose Church Street was because of a world-famous bookstore that is located there. It is called Blossoms Book House and is home to thousands of new, used, and rare books. It is a dream destination for bibliophiles and as an avid reader myself it is everything I could wish for. I asked my friends to roam around the street and explore the various shopping malls, resto-bars, delis, and boutiques so that I can take my time and wander around the bookshop. After 2 hours of hunting books with hawk eyes, I finally managed to covet 3 pre-loved books for the price of 1500 rupees. I also bought decorative bookmarks and literature-themed postcards.
Since its Christmas time, the entire place was in a festive mood. Aesthetic neon lights hung over the shops and lit up the street with beautiful colors. Luxurious cars, race bikes, and people from all walks of life thronged the place. Normally, I’d feel nauseous in crowded places. Congested places suffocate me and my anxiety would hit a peak when it’s overpopulated. So I took refuge in the bookstore and didn’t spend too much time outside. Inside the place, it was a meditating experience as I discovered many interesting books in various genres.
So Church Street is the crowded place I visited last week for Christmas and I have a lot of good memories to cherish.
Carefully reread the sample answer and you will have a better understanding of the nuances of IELTS expectations for Speaking Test Part 2.
Here are some more sample questions for you to practice:
Describe an interesting talk or lecture you have heard or attended to.
You should say:
- who was the speaker
- when and where you heard/attended it
- what it was about
Describe a success your friend has had that you are proud of.
You should say:
- what success it was
- how he/she achieved it
- how easy or difficult it was for your friend
- and explain why you are proud of it
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