IELTS Speaking Tips | 9 Tips for Band 9

Summary

This video offers valuable tips for succeeding in the IELTS speaking test. It emphasizes the importance of structured answers using the REE method (Reason, Example, Explanation) to provide detailed responses. The video also advises candidates to focus on general trends rather than personal experiences, especially in part three, to avoid interruptions and ensure a higher band score. Additionally, it offers strategies for handling unfamiliar questions with confidence, stressing the importance of staying on topic and preparing for a variety of questions. The message concludes with encouragement for test-takers to stay focused and confident.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on answering questions fully using the REE method (Reason, Example, Explanation) in the speaking test.
• 😀 In Part 3 of the speaking test, avoid focusing on personal experiences and instead discuss general trends or societal norms.
• 😀 Avoid talking about yourself too much, as it could lead to examiner interruptions or suggest you can't discuss unfamiliar topics.
• 😀 When discussing a personal experience, generalize to societal or group-wide experiences to align with the Part 3 expectations.
• 😀 If you're unsure of an answer, preface it with phrases like 'I’ve never really considered that' or 'It’s a tricky question' to buy time and maintain the flow.
• 😀 Giving a well-structured answer with reasons, examples, and explanations will help ensure clarity and relevance in your response.
• 😀 Avoid answers that are too vague or off-topic, as they may affect your speaking band score.
• 😀 Talking about general ideas (like societal influences) rather than personal ones helps demonstrate the ability to discuss unfamiliar topics.
• 😀 If the examiner interrupts, it’s often to steer you back to a broader perspective, so don’t be discouraged.
• 😀 Staying focused on the broader question and not just your personal experiences will allow you to showcase a wider range of language and ideas.
• 😀 Best of luck with your test preparation, and remember to practice in varied contexts to build confidence in answering unfamiliar questions.

Q & A

What is the importance of using the REE method in Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test?

The REE method is essential for providing well-rounded responses in Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test. It stands for Reasoning, Example, and Evaluation. Using this method helps you elaborate on your answers with clear explanations, examples, and final evaluations, making your response more complete and impressive.

Why is it not advisable to focus too much on personal experiences in Part 3?

Focusing too much on personal experiences in Part 3 can lead to interruptions from the examiner, who might redirect you to speak about people in general. Additionally, over-emphasizing yourself can make the examiner think you are unable to discuss unfamiliar or general topics, which can hinder your chances of scoring Band 7 or above.

What should you do if you are unsure about a question in Part 3?

If you're unsure about a question, you can start your answer with phrases like 'Hmm, I've never really considered that,' 'I don't know if I'm the right person to ask, but I'd say...,' or 'Interesting question, I think...'. These phrases show you're attempting to answer while also acknowledging any uncertainty.

How can using personal pronouns like 'I' impact your score in Part 3?

Using 'I' too much in Part 3 can make your response sound too personal and less general. The examiner is looking for your ability to speak about broader topics, not just your own experiences. Focusing on general statements helps demonstrate your ability to discuss unfamiliar topics.

What is the potential consequence of an examiner interrupting you during Part 3?

If an examiner interrupts you in Part 3, it may indicate that you're not providing the type of answer they're looking for. It can be awkward, and more importantly, it might suggest that you cannot elaborate on general topics, which could negatively affect your score.

What strategy should you use to avoid talking too much about yourself in Part 3?

To avoid focusing too much on yourself, structure your answers to address the topic in a general sense. For example, when discussing influences on young people, talk about the general impact of parents, teachers, or society rather than your own personal experiences.

What impact can focusing too much on yourself have on your IELTS Speaking score?

Focusing too much on yourself can lower your chances of getting a Band 7 or higher because it may make it seem like you are not able to talk about more abstract or general topics. It's crucial to showcase your ability to discuss a wide range of ideas beyond personal experience.

How can you prepare for the other sections of the IELTS test while focusing on speaking?

While focusing on speaking, it's important to also prepare for the other sections like writing, listening, and reading. These sections test different skills, so balancing preparation across all parts will help you perform better overall in the IELTS exam.

Why might the examiner think you're unable to discuss unfamiliar topics if you focus too much on personal experience?

If you focus too much on personal experience, the examiner might think you are not capable of discussing topics that are unfamiliar or broader in scope. The examiner is testing your ability to engage with general topics, and excessive focus on personal anecdotes can give the impression that you lack flexibility in speech.

What is the main point about talking about 'parents' in Part 3?

When discussing topics like 'parents' in Part 3, it's important to speak about them in general terms, such as how parents typically influence young people, rather than describing your personal experience with your parents. This allows you to answer in a way that demonstrates your ability to discuss abstract ideas.