3 Steps to a Perfect IELTS Speaking Part 2 Answer

Summary

In this video, Keith from the Keith Speaking Academy provides three key steps to improve your IELTS speaking part two responses. He emphasizes the importance of starting your answer concisely, developing it with detailed examples and connectors, and finishing with a brief conclusion. Keith also suggests practical tips such as using personal anecdotes, specific details, and clear signposts to create a coherent response. By following these steps, students can deliver confident, structured answers and impress examiners, all while avoiding common mistakes. The video concludes with a sample model answer to demonstrate these techniques in action.

Takeaways

• 😀 Begin your IELTS Speaking Part 2 answer directly and concisely. Avoid long background introductions that may confuse the examiner.
• 😀 When answering a question, focus on directly introducing the topic (person, place, thing, or activity) you will discuss.
• 😀 Prepare three main points to discuss in your answer using the common question words (what, why, how, where, etc.).
• 😀 Avoid giving one-sentence answers; instead, develop your response by adding details, examples, and explanations.
• 😀 Be specific in your responses, providing personal anecdotes and real-life examples to engage the examiner and show off your vocabulary.
• 😀 Use connectors (e.g., firstly, on the one hand, finally) to make your answer more coherent and easier to follow.
• 😀 Don't simply state the bullet points from the IELTS task card. Use them as a guide and structure your answer using natural language.
• 😀 A brief conclusion can wrap up your answer and show that you are finished, but it’s not mandatory in Part 2.
• 😀 Avoid overly formal connectors (e.g., 'furthermore' or 'nevertheless') and use simpler alternatives that are more natural in speaking.
• 😀 Remember that the goal is to keep the examiner happy by making your answer easy to follow and engaging, with clear structure and natural flow.

Q & A

Why is it important to start an IELTS Speaking Part 2 answer concisely?

Starting concisely helps avoid confusing the examiner. A brief introduction directly addressing the topic ensures clarity and prevents the examiner from thinking you've misunderstood the question.

What is the recommended way to begin an IELTS Speaking Part 2 answer?

You should start directly by introducing the topic, such as the person, place, thing, or activity you are going to describe, without over-explaining or giving unnecessary background information.

What are some useful phrases for starting an IELTS Speaking Part 2 answer?

Phrases like 'The tool I want to talk about is...', 'The person I will describe is...', or 'The event I’m going to discuss is...' are simple and direct ways to begin your response.

How should you develop your answer in IELTS Speaking Part 2?

You should develop your answer by preparing three key points to discuss, such as what it is, what it does, and why it’s useful. Use specific examples, anecdotes, and connectors to make your response more engaging and detailed.

What role do connectors play in your answer?

Connectors are crucial for making your speech coherent and easy to follow. They link your ideas and sentences, keeping your answer organized and helping the examiner understand your response clearly.

Why is it important to provide specific details in your answer?

Specific details make your answer more engaging and demonstrate a wider vocabulary. Including anecdotes, personal experiences, or examples enriches your answer and makes it more relatable.

What common mistakes do students make when developing their answers in IELTS Speaking Part 2?

Many students give overly brief responses or fail to elaborate on their points. Instead of simply stating facts, they should develop each point with examples, explanations, and personal feelings to create a more comprehensive answer.

How can you effectively conclude your IELTS Speaking Part 2 answer?

While not essential, a brief conclusion can help wrap up your answer. It could be something simple like, 'So that's the tool I regularly use in my home,' which provides a neat end to your response.

What types of connectors should be avoided in IELTS Speaking Part 2?

Avoid overly formal connectors like 'furthermore' or 'nevertheless,' as they sound unnatural in spoken English. Instead, use simpler, more conversational connectors like 'also,' 'but,' 'so,' or 'finally.'

When should you follow the structure in your answer, and when can you go with the flow?

If you feel less confident, it's better to stick to the structure for clarity and coherence. However, if you're more confident, you can go with the flow and adapt your answer based on the situation or question.