Get a Band 9 in IELTS Speaking with this ONE Word!

Summary

In this video, viewers are taught how to use the word 'if' strategically to boost their IELTS speaking score. The instructor outlines four key techniques: extending ideas by contrasting opinions, explaining cause and effect, presenting the opposite or reversal effect, and offering advanced reflections through third conditional sentences. These methods help students improve their fluency, coherence, grammar variety, and pronunciation. By incorporating 'if' in thoughtful ways, candidates can deepen their responses and demonstrate a higher level of proficiency in the test. Practicing these techniques and receiving expert feedback is crucial for success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Using the word 'if' can greatly improve your IELTS speaking score by helping you extend and develop ideas.
• 😀 The four areas to focus on to improve your speaking score are fluency and coherence, grammar, pronunciation, and accuracy.
• 😀 The first technique for using 'if' involves expressing your position and then explaining both sides of the argument using 'if' and 'but'.
• 😀 A key example of using 'if' to extend ideas: 'It depends if the food is expensive because the restaurant has a famous chef... but if it’s just for status, it may not be worth the money.'
• 😀 Using 'if' in conditional sentences helps with grammar variety and increases fluency, contributing to a higher IELTS score.
• 😀 The second method for using 'if' is to explain cause and effect: 'If kids learn to eat healthy from a young age, they'll develop better eating habits.'
• 😀 For grammar improvement, using varied structures like first and second conditionals can help increase your speaking score.
• 😀 The third method involves explaining the opposite effect of a situation: 'If kids don’t develop these habits, they may struggle later in life.'
• 😀 Using sentence stress, especially on the words 'if' and 'but', helps with pronunciation and clarity, adding more emphasis to your ideas.
• 😀 An advanced technique includes reflecting on how past experiences relate to present outcomes, such as using third conditionals: 'If kids in my generation had learned this, we would have grown up much healthier.'
• 😀 Practicing these techniques and receiving feedback, such as through speaking tutorials, is crucial for refining your skills before the test.

Q & A

Why is it important to extend ideas during the speaking test?

Extending ideas helps improve your fluency and coherence score by showing the examiner that you can connect and develop your ideas effectively. It also enhances the variety of your sentence structures and may positively impact your pronunciation score.

What is the significance of using the word 'if' in the speaking test?

'If' allows you to explain different sides of an argument, show cause and effect, and contrast ideas, all of which help extend your responses. It is a versatile word that improves fluency, grammar variety, and pronunciation when used correctly.

How can using 'if' improve fluency and coherence?

By using 'if,' you can logically connect different parts of your answer, which helps in clearly presenting your ideas and developing them further. This can make your response sound more natural and well-structured.

What role does sentence stress play when using 'if'?

Sentence stress on the word 'if' can help highlight the development or contrast in your ideas. This gives emphasis to your argument and makes it clearer for the examiner, potentially improving your pronunciation score.

What is the first method for using 'if' in the speaking test?

The first method involves using 'if' to present both sides of an argument, especially when answering position-based questions. After stating your position ('it depends'), you can explain your reasoning by using 'if' to offer different scenarios.

How does 'cause and effect' work when using 'if'?

This method involves using 'if' to explain the consequences of an action or situation. For example, you can say 'If kids learn to eat healthily, they'll have better eating habits as they grow older,' showing the cause and effect relationship.

What is the 'reversal' technique when using 'if'?

The reversal technique involves using 'if' to explain the opposite of your previous argument. After presenting the cause and effect, you can show what would happen if the opposite were true, such as 'If they don’t develop healthy eating habits, they may struggle with health later on.'

What is the advanced method for using 'if' in the speaking test?

The advanced method involves reflecting on past situations using the third conditional, such as 'If kids in my generation had learned this, we would have grown up much healthier.' This method reflects on past actions and their future impact.

How does practicing with feedback help improve your speaking test performance?

Regular practice with feedback allows you to refine your use of 'if' and other techniques, helping you become more comfortable using them naturally in the test. Feedback from an expert can guide you in making improvements and adjusting your strategies.

How can using a variety of sentence structures improve your speaking score?

Using a variety of sentence structures, including different conditional forms, shows grammatical range and flexibility. This can impress the examiner, increasing your grammar score by demonstrating that you can handle complex sentence constructions.