2 Quick Methods for the IELTS Speaking 1-Minute Preparation Time

Summary

This IELTS speaking test tutorial advises candidates on how to prepare for the one-minute note-taking phase of the exam. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a strategy before test day to maximize speaking score. Two methods are discussed: listing two examples (e.g., websites) to avoid running out of ideas and considering past, present, and future aspects of a topic to enrich language use. The video also offers tips on grammar, pronunciation, and fluency, and encourages viewers to practice with different task cards.

Takeaways

• 📋 One minute for preparation during the IELTS speaking test goes by very quickly, so it is crucial to plan ahead.
• 📝 Candidates often struggle with the task card and waste time thinking about what to say, which reduces preparation time.
• 🎯 Method 1: Write down two ideas related to the task (e.g., websites or gifts), which helps avoid running out of things to say.
• ⏳ Taking a deep breath after reviewing the task card is essential to remain calm and organized.
• 🖥️ Example for method 1: If asked about websites, list Google and another website like Facebook to have enough material to talk about.
• 💡 Method 2: Focus on one idea but consider the past, present, and future to extend your language use (e.g., describing Google from when you first used it to how it may evolve).
• 📖 Method 2 helps improve grammar by using different verb tenses such as past, present, and future.
• 👍 Being flexible and using multiple methods is crucial on test day to maximize speaking performance.
• 📺 Example task: Describing an advertisement can be approached by discussing two ads (one from TV and one online) to broaden language use.
• 💬 Practice with a tutor or speaking mock tests can help improve performance, and taking a deep breath before starting can also be beneficial.

Q & A

What is the main challenge candidates face during the IELTS speaking part two?

The main challenge is the limited preparation time of one minute, which goes by very quickly, making it difficult to write much or think clearly during the test.

Why is it important to plan how to take notes before test day?

Planning ahead helps candidates maximize their preparation time and provides a strong foundation for their two-minute talk, preventing them from getting stuck or running out of things to say.

What method does the speaker suggest for note-taking in the first example?

The first method involves reading the card, selecting two websites to talk about, writing them down quickly, reviewing the card, and taking a deep breath before starting the response.

Why does the speaker recommend thinking of two items (e.g., websites, gifts) instead of one?

Having two items allows the speaker to extend their response and avoid running out of ideas or language, which can happen if they focus on just one item.

What is the second method for preparing a response to the task card?

The second method suggests choosing one website, then discussing its past, present, and future aspects to expand the response, incorporating different verb tenses and language structures.

How can talking about the past, present, and future help improve your score?

It allows the speaker to use a range of verb tenses, including past, present, future, and conditional structures, which can lead to a higher score for grammatical range and accuracy.

What example does the speaker give to explain how to discuss the past, present, and future?

The speaker uses Google as an example, discussing the first time they used it in high school (past), how they use it now for everything (present), and how they imagine its future capabilities (future).

Why is taking a deep breath before starting important?

Taking a deep breath helps calm nerves and allows the speaker to focus, leading to better pronunciation and fluency during the response.

How does thinking about changes over time help with vocabulary and grammar?

It encourages the use of varied vocabulary and grammar, including different tenses, modals, and conditional structures, which are essential for a high score in IELTS speaking.

What two methods does the speaker recommend for describing an advertisement?

The speaker suggests either discussing two advertisements (e.g., one from TV and one from the internet) or focusing on one advertisement and discussing how it has changed over time.