How Do I Get A Band 9 in IELTS Speaking?

Summary

This video offers strategies for achieving high IELTS speaking scores by focusing on the differences between band 5-6 and band 7-9 students. It emphasizes the importance of answering naturally, avoiding memorized responses, and offering detailed, personal examples. Key techniques include staying on topic, elaborating with personal stories, and engaging in relaxed conversation to showcase fluency. The video highlights the importance of practice and provides resources to help students prepare effectively. Ultimately, the goal is to shift from test anxiety to confident, natural communication during the speaking test.

Takeaways

• 😀 Memorized answers in the IELTS speaking test lower your score and make you sound robotic. Focus on natural conversation instead.
• 😀 In Part 1 of the test, providing long, off-topic responses can lead to examiner interruptions, negatively affecting your score.
• 😀 Band 7, 8, and 9 students answer questions directly and naturally, adding brief details or personal stories to enrich their responses.
• 😀 Speaking naturally, like you would in a conversation with a friend, is key to improving your IELTS speaking score.
• 😀 In Part 2, avoid sticking rigidly to the bullet points. Instead, expand on the main topic and feel free to talk about related aspects you're comfortable with.
• 😀 Many students struggle in Part 2 by focusing too much on bullet points, leading to poor fluency and a lack of things to say.
• 😀 In Part 3, never give up or provide short answers. Even if you don’t know the answer, attempting to answer shows your speaking ability.
• 😀 If you receive a difficult question in Part 3, it’s a good sign! The examiner is testing your ability to speak at a higher level.
• 😀 Band 7, 8, and 9 students are able to steer the conversation to comfortable topics and communicate fluently without relying on memorized answers.
• 😀 To succeed in the IELTS speaking test, practice natural conversation, use your existing English ability, and focus on clear communication rather than tricks or hacks.

Q & A

What is the main reason Band 5-6 students perform differently from Band 7-9 students in the IELTS speaking test?

The main reason is that Band 5-6 students tend to memorize answers, which can sound robotic and unnatural, while Band 7-9 students focus on answering questions naturally, directly, and with detail, creating a more conversational atmosphere.

Why is memorizing answers considered problematic in the IELTS speaking test?

Memorizing answers is problematic because it goes against the purpose of the test, which is to assess your ability to communicate clearly and naturally in English, not your ability to recall scripted responses. It also makes you sound unnatural, lowering your score.

What happens when students give overly long or off-topic answers in Part 1 of the IELTS speaking test?

Giving overly long or off-topic answers can lead to examiners interrupting students mid-sentence, which may cause stress and a lower score. It also suggests the student isn't answering the question directly, which is key for a good performance.

How should Band 7-9 students approach answering questions in Part 1 of the speaking test?

Band 7-9 students answer questions directly and add a little extra detail, such as personal stories, explanations, or examples, to sound more natural and fluent without memorizing responses.

What is the common mistake students make in Part 2 of the speaking test, and how can it affect their score?

A common mistake in Part 2 is sticking strictly to the bullet points on the cue card. This can lead to short, shallow answers, which make it hard to speak for the full two minutes. Band 7-9 students focus on the main topic and naturally expand on it with relevant details.

Why do Band 7-9 students perform better in Part 2 of the speaking test?

Band 7-9 students perform better because they focus on the main topic of the question and speak naturally, adding extra relevant details like personal stories or examples, instead of rigidly following each bullet point.

What is the key strategy for succeeding in Part 3 of the IELTS speaking test?

In Part 3, students should never give up or provide short answers. Instead, they should attempt to answer every question, even if they don't know much about the topic. Providing a well-thought-out response, even if limited, demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively.

How can difficult questions in Part 3 actually be a good sign for the student?

Difficult questions in Part 3 indicate that the examiner thinks the student has the potential for a higher score. These questions are designed to challenge the student's speaking abilities and differentiate between Band 7-8 and Band 9 candidates.

What are some common pitfalls in Part 3 that can lead to a low score?

Common pitfalls in Part 3 include providing no response, giving short answers, or appearing fatigued. These behaviors can indicate a lack of confidence and preparation, which negatively affects the score.

How can a student make their answers in the speaking test sound more natural and conversational?

To sound more natural, students should approach the speaking test as if having a normal conversation. They should avoid trying to impress the examiner with memorized responses and instead use the English they already know to answer questions directly, with added detail and examples when appropriate.