How do I get a Band 9 in IELTS Speaking?

Summary

This video script outlines the distinctions in IELTS speaking test performances between high-scoring (Band 7-9) and lower-scoring (Band 5-6.5) candidates. It emphasizes the pitfalls of memorization and the importance of natural conversation in achieving higher scores. The speaker advises avoiding overly long or short responses, sticking to the main topic, and demonstrating a genuine command of English, including vocabulary and grammar, across a range of topics in parts one, two, and three of the test.

Takeaways

• 📚 The IELTS speaking test is divided into three parts, each with distinct characteristics and expectations.
• 🔍 Band 9 students are easily recognizable by examiners for their natural conversational style and ability to answer questions directly and naturally.
• 🚫 Memorized answers are a red flag for examiners, often leading to lower scores as they indicate a lack of genuine communication skills.
• 📈 Band 5 to 6.5 students often over-memorize and give excessively long answers, which can lead to going off-topic and sounding robotic.
• 🏙️ In Part 1, students are tested on personal topics like work, study, home, and hometown, where predictability allows for memorization but detracts from natural communication.
• 📝 In Part 2, rigid adherence to bullet points can hinder natural speech flow and lead to a decrease in fluency and coherence.
• 🔄 The use of tricks like PPF (Past, Present, Future) in Part 2 can backfire as examiners are well-aware of these tactics and they may not fit all cue card topics.
• 🌐 In Part 3, abstract questions require more developed answers, but many students struggle due to a lack of memorized content, leading to short and insufficient responses.
• 📉 Memorizing lists of vocabulary and idioms can actually harm a student's grammar and vocabulary score if they cannot be used effectively in natural conversation.
• 💡 Band 7, 8, and 9 students focus on the main topic in Part 2 and use bullet points as a guide rather than a strict structure, maintaining a natural and fluid conversation.
• 🌟 To achieve a higher band score, students should aim to avoid memorization, maintain a natural conversational tone, and demonstrate a broad range of vocabulary and grammar in their responses.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is to show the difference between what Band 7, 8, or 9 students do in the IELTS speaking test compared to students scoring between Band 5 and 6.5.

How is the IELTS speaking test divided?

The IELTS speaking test is divided into three parts: part one, part two, and part three.

What do Band 5 to 6.5 students often rely on during the IELTS speaking test?

Band 5 to 6.5 students often rely on memorized answers.

Why is relying on memorized answers not effective for improving IELTS scores?

Relying on memorized answers is not effective because the test is designed to assess the ability to speak and clearly communicate in English, not the ability to memorize answers.

What is a common mistake students make in part one of the IELTS speaking test?

A common mistake in part one is giving very long, detailed answers that go off topic because the students have memorized them.

How do Band 7, 8, and 9 students approach part one of the IELTS speaking test?

Band 7, 8, and 9 students answer questions directly and naturally, adding only a little more detail to adequately answer the question.

What is a common strategy that students use in part two that is not recommended?

A common but not recommended strategy is rigidly following the bullet points on the cue card, which can lead to a disjointed and unnatural response.

How should students approach part two of the IELTS speaking test?

Students should focus on the main topic of the cue card and speak naturally about it, using the bullet points as a guide rather than a strict outline.

What challenges do students face in part three of the IELTS speaking test?

In part three, students often give very short answers because the questions are more abstract and unpredictable, making them uncomfortable.

How do high-scoring students handle difficult or unfamiliar topics in part three?

High-scoring students attempt every question, developing their answers with explanations, examples, and evidence, even if they are not familiar with the topic.