IELTS Speaking: Greeting the examiner

Summary

This lesson focuses on the initial phase of the IELTS speaking test, often referred to as Part 0. It covers the crucial first moments when a candidate greets the examiner and undergoes an identification check. The instructor outlines four typical questions asked during this phase and offers valuable tips for responding confidently and making a positive first impression. These tips include using contractions for higher-level pronunciation, speaking clearly and slowly, avoiding unnecessary information, and using English pronunciation for place names. The lesson emphasizes the importance of a friendly demeanor, eye contact, and a smile to convey confidence and ease.

Takeaways

• 😀 Greet the examiner politely and confidently when entering the IELTS speaking examination room.
• 🔍 Part 0 of the IELTS speaking test involves a greeting and an identification check before Part 1 begins.
• 🗣️ Respond to the examiner's introduction with a greeting and your full name, optionally using the examiner's name.
• 🙅‍♂️ Avoid using titles with first names in English when addressing the examiner.
• 💡 Use contractions like 'my name's' for higher level pronunciation in your responses.
• 🌟 Speak clearly and slowly when stating your name to ensure the examiner can understand it.
• 📍 For the question 'What can I call you?', provide a simple answer like 'Minh' or 'Just call me Minh'.
• 🏙️ When asked 'Where are you from?', give a straightforward answer with a brief additional detail if desired.
• 🚫 Do not expand excessively or ask questions back to the examiner during the identification check.
• 🗂️ For the identification check, promptly provide your ID and use phrases like 'Here you are' or 'Sure, here you are'.
• 👋 Remember to smile, make eye contact, and appear relaxed to create a good first impression.

Q & A

What is the first thing a candidate should do when entering the IELTS speaking examination room?

The first thing a candidate should do is greet the examiner and do an identification check, which is often referred to as 'Part 0' of the speaking test.

How many questions are there in Part 0 of the IELTS speaking test?

There are 4 questions in Part 0 of the IELTS speaking test.

What is the appropriate response to the examiner's greeting and introduction?

The appropriate response is to greet the examiner back, optionally using their name if you feel comfortable, and then stating your full name.

Is it necessary to use the examiner's name when greeting them?

It is not necessary to use the examiner's name when greeting them. You can simply say 'Good afternoon' if you prefer not to use their name.

What is the significance of using the contraction 'my name's' instead of 'my name is'?

Using the contraction 'my name's' is considered higher level pronunciation and is part of demonstrating good English skills during the test.

How should a candidate respond when asked what the examiner can call them?

A candidate can respond with 'You can call me [nickname or short name]', 'Just call me [nickname or short name]', or 'Please call me [nickname or short name].'

What is the purpose of asking the candidate where they are from in the IELTS speaking test?

The purpose of asking where the candidate is from is to gather basic information and to observe the candidate's ability to use correct grammar and pronunciation.

Is it acceptable to add extra information when stating your place of origin in the IELTS speaking test?

It is acceptable to add a little extra information, but it should not be excessive. A simple clause like 'which is in the east' is appropriate to show good grammar.

What should a candidate do when asked to show identification in the IELTS speaking test?

A candidate should provide their identification document and can also say 'Here you are', 'Sure, here you are', or 'Of course, here it is'.

Why is it important to use the English pronunciation of city names during the IELTS speaking test?

Using the English pronunciation of city names shows the examiner that the candidate is familiar with and can naturally use English pronunciation.

What is the final advice given to candidates before starting the IELTS speaking test?

The final advice is to watch the video again, practice answering the questions correctly, smile, relax, be confident, and start the test in the right way.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Introduction to IELTS Speaking Test Greeting

This paragraph introduces the initial phase of the IELTS speaking test, often referred to as 'Part 0'. It covers the first interaction with the examiner, including greetings and an identification check. The speaker outlines four typical questions asked during this phase and provides tips for effective communication. The first question involves the examiner introducing themselves and asking for the candidate's full name. It's emphasized to use contractions like 'my name's' for higher level pronunciation and to speak clearly and confidently. Tips for greeting include using the examiner's name if comfortable, but not using titles with first names. The importance of smiling and maintaining eye contact to show friendliness and confidence is highlighted.

05:05

🌐 Responding to IELTS Speaking Test Greetings

The second paragraph continues with the IELTS speaking test's greeting phase, focusing on the remaining questions. The examiner may ask what the candidate prefers to be called, with suggested responses provided. It's advised not to explain the nickname's origin or add unnecessary information. Candidates with English names can use them, ensuring to use the correct preposition 'by'. The third question deals with the candidate's origin, suggesting concise and grammatically correct answers. It's recommended not to expand excessively or ask the examiner questions. The importance of using English pronunciation for city names is emphasized to demonstrate natural English fluency. The final question involves presenting identification, with polite and brief responses suggested. The speaker encourages candidates to practice these interactions to start the test confidently and correctly.

Keywords

💡IELTS speaking test

The IELTS speaking test is a component of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), which assesses a candidate's English speaking abilities. In the video, the focus is on the initial phase of this test, where candidates are expected to greet the examiner and undergo an identification check. This part is crucial as it sets the tone for the rest of the test and can influence the examiner's first impression.

💡Identification check

An identification check is a preliminary step in the IELTS speaking test where the examiner verifies the candidate's identity. This is done to ensure the security and integrity of the examination process. In the script, it is mentioned as part of 'Part 0', highlighting its importance before the actual test begins.

💡Greeting

Greeting is the act of acknowledging someone's presence in a polite and friendly manner. In the context of the video, greeting the examiner is the first interaction in the IELTS speaking test. It is emphasized that using a contraction like 'my name's' instead of 'my name is' demonstrates higher-level pronunciation skills, which is an important aspect of the test.

💡Pronunciation

Pronunciation refers to the way words are articulated when spoken. In the video, the importance of correct pronunciation is stressed, particularly in the context of using contractions and the English pronunciation of city names. Proper pronunciation is a key aspect of the IELTS speaking test as it contributes to a higher band score.

💡Band score

A band score in IELTS is a numerical representation of a candidate's performance. The script mentions the use of higher-level grammar and pronunciation as ways to achieve a higher band score. This score is crucial for candidates as it determines their proficiency level in English.

💡Examiner

The examiner in the context of IELTS is the person who conducts the speaking test and evaluates the candidate's performance. The video script provides guidance on how to interact with the examiner, including proper greetings and responses to questions, which can impact the overall impression and score.

💡Confidence

Confidence is a state of self-assurance and belief in one's abilities. The video encourages candidates to be confident when greeting the examiner and throughout the test. Confidence can positively influence the candidate's performance and the examiner's perception.

💡First impression

First impression refers to the initial perception formed about someone, which can be influential in subsequent interactions. The video emphasizes the importance of making a good first impression on the examiner by being polite, friendly, and confident during the greeting and identification process.

💡English names

In the context of the video, English names are names that are commonly used in English-speaking countries. The script suggests that candidates can provide an English name if they have one, but it must be done correctly by using the preposition 'by' as in 'you can call me by my English name Mary'.

💡ID (Identification)

ID, short for identification, is a document or card that establishes one's identity. In the video, the examiner asks to see the candidate's ID as part of the identification check. The candidate is advised to hand over the ID and may accompany this action with a polite statement like 'here you are'.

💡Part 0

Part 0 refers to the initial phase of the IELTS speaking test before the actual test questions begin. It includes the greeting and identification check. The video script outlines the questions and tips for this part, emphasizing the importance of this phase for setting a positive tone for the rest of the test.

Highlights

Introduction to the IELTS speaking test's beginning.

Explanation of the pre-Part 1, known as Part 0.

The examiner will introduce themselves and greet the candidate.

Candidates should respond with a greeting and may use the examiner's name.

Avoid using titles with first names in English greetings.

Use contractions like 'my name's' for higher level pronunciation.

Speak clearly and slowly when stating your name.

Smile and make eye contact to show confidence and friendliness.

The examiner may ask, 'What can I call you?' with three suggested responses.

Avoid explaining why you go by a certain name during the test.

Using an English name is acceptable but ensure grammatical correctness.

The examiner will ask where the candidate is from.

Provide a simple answer with the city or country of origin.

Adding a little extra information about the location is friendly and shows good grammar.

Do not expand beyond the necessary information for the question.

Avoid asking the examiner questions or giving recommendations.

Use English pronunciation for city names to show natural language use.

The examiner will request to see identification.

Hand over the identification and respond with phrases like 'here you are'.

Keep the response to the identification request short and polite.

Silent handover of identification is possible, but a verbal response is recommended.

Encouragement to watch the video again and practice the greetings.

Advice to smile, relax, and be confident at the start of the test.

Transcripts

Hello, in this lesson we going to look at the beginning

of your IELTS speaking test this is when you walk into

the IELTS speaking examination room and you greet the examiner for the first time

this is before part 1 begins you will need to greet the examiner and

do an identification check we often call this part 0

there are 4 questions to part 0 and I'm going to give you the questions

and give you some useful tips so that you can be confident in your answers

and give a good first impression to the examiner

so lets start with the first question in the first question

the examiner will introduce him or herself and the examiner will give their name

so the examiner is going to say good afternoon my name's elizabeth

what's your full name or maybe they might say

could you tell me your full name please and you need to answer good afternoon

elizabeth you can give the examiner's name or

not its your choice and then you say my name's bui minh trang

now it's a simple question and simple answer but I still have some tips for you

so the first tip if you're going to use the name of the

examiner and say good afternoon elizabeth

please don't give a title this is incorrect in English

we don't use titles with first names so if you're going

to use the name of the examiner only say good afternoon elizabeth

but if you don't feel comfortable using the name of the examiner

it's fine its not a problem

you can just say good afternoon now when you give your name

there are two tips I want you to remember

the first tip is when you say my name's biu minh trang

please don't say my name is bui minh trang

I want you to use the contraction

my name's now the reason this is important

is because this is part of pronunciation when you contract a word from is to my name's

then is higher level pronunciation so remember that for the rest of your exam

and try to use it as much as you can

and the other tip is when you give your name

please don't speak quickly don't say ..........................

I want you to say the name clearly because sometimes it's difficult

for the examiner to hear foreign names so you need to say my name's

bi min tang and of course the point is to smile

don't forget to smile this is yur chance to greet the examiner

and be friendly and show confidence so smile look at the examiner in the eyes

and relax the second question is very easy the examiner

will ask you what can I call you

and there are 3 ways that you could reply

you could say you can call me minh

or you could say just call me minh

or please call me minh so those are 3 possible answers

that you can give now for some tips

my first tip is please don't explain why people call you this

this is really part of the test this is only the greeting

so you're going to give the examiner simple clear answers

you don't need to add more information and I know some of you have English

names and of course you can give the examiner you

English name you can say you can call me by

my English name Mary now this is fine but please remember

do not make a mistake with that sentence you still need to say yo can call me

you need this preposition by you can call me by

my English name Mary and if you don't have an English name

please don't worry it doesn't matter so lets have a look at the third question

the third question the examiner will ask you where are you from

or the examiner might say could you tell me where you come from

now let me give you some possible answers

you cuold say I'm from Hanoi

I'm from you could say I come from Hong Kong

I come from you could also add more information

if you want not too much just a little bit more if you want

you culd say I'm from Calcutta which is in the east of India

now it is good to add a little bit more information it's friendly

but also it's shows the examiner good grammar which is in the east

this is a clause which means it is high band score grammar

so you're already showing the exminer that you have good English

now lets have a look at some tips don't expand any further

you can give the location and stop don't say any more

again these are simple questions simple answers also don't ask the examiner

any questions so for example don't say I come from Hanoi have you been

there don't give the examiner recommendations

don't say I come from Hanoi I think you really should go there

so please don't do that just keep it simple

short and accurate and the last tip for you

this is with the pronunciation for the names of the cities where you come from

please try to use the English pronunciation so for example Hanoi please don't say

Ha Noi please say Hanoi or for example Calcutta please don't say Kolkatta

please Calcutta the reason that we do this is

because you're showing the examiner that the English pronunciation is natural

for you right so lets move on to the last question

question number 4 and the final question

question 4 the examiner will ask you could I see your

identification please or the examiner might say

can you show me your identification please now for your answer of course you need to

give the examiner your identification

and you can also say here you are

or sure here you are or of course

here it is so you can choose any

of those answers now for some tips

identifcation is often called ID so if the examiner asks you

for your ID it's the same it means identification keep your answer short

you can see here it's just a very short answer just a few words

don't make it any longer and the last tip it is possible

for you to actually say nothing and give the examiner

the identification but I think it's nice just to say something these are all

very polite and perfectly normal to say in that situation

so those are the 4 questions for part 0 for greeting the IELTS examiner

adn doing the identification check please watch the video again

practice answering the questions correctly and remember smile

relax be confident and start your test in the right way

well that's all I'll see you in my next IELTS lesson