6 Tips for Acing the IELTS Speaking Test: How to Prepare and Avoid Overdoing It

To prepare for the IELTS Speaking test, it's important to understand the format of the test and the areas of proficiency that will be assessed. The Speaking test is one of the four main parts of the IELTS test, and it takes place in an in-person interview format between the examiner and test taker. In fifteen minutes, the test taker will be asked a series of questions to assess their ability to hold a proper conversation. It's easy to get carried away without proper preparation, so here are six tips to keep in mind to help you ace your Speaking test without overdoing it:

  • Focus on your experience: Instead of making up stories, use your personal interests and unique life experiences to make your conversation as natural as possible. This will allow you to focus more on your pronunciation and intonation.
  • Don't worry about the examiner's opinion: Remember that the examiner is only assessing your use of language and your ability to communicate. Don't worry too much about their opinion of you and focus on your delivery.
  • Don't over rehearse: Trying to memorize perfectly crafted answers is not the best strategy. Examiners are trained to spot memorized answers, which can lead to lower scores. Instead, make use of what you already know and be conversational.
  • Use your anxiety to score better: Instead of being paralyzed by anxiety, take advantage of it by taking a pause and using native phrases to demonstrate your flexibility and use of other language resources.
  • Don't over agree with the examiner: If you have differing opinions, don't be afraid to express them. Showing your ability to hold a balanced conversation will demonstrate your proficiency.
  • Don't overthink: Stay focused on the task at hand and don't overthink the exam. Remember that the IELTS Speaking test is a chance to showcase your ability to communicate in English.