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Everything you need to Help you
Get a High Band in the IELTS
Speaking Test
Rayhan Chowdhury
CONTENTS
General Dos and Donts................................................................................................. 3
Band expectations............................................................................................................ 4
General Preparation......................................................................................................... 6
Vocabulary for Band 6-6.5............................................................................................. 8
Vocabulary for Band 7-9................................................................................................. 9
Conversation fillers........................................................................................................
10
10
12
Being spontaneous.........................................................................................................
14
Pronunciation tips...........................................................................................................
15
17
18
19
21
22
26
27
28
Describing people...........................................................................................................
29
Describing objects..........................................................................................................
33
Describing an event.......................................................................................................
35
Describing places............................................................................................................
37
Buying time........................................................................................................................
39
Speaking topics................................................................................................................
41
Giving opinions.................................................................................................................
46
Connecting ideas.............................................................................................................
47
Giving examples..............................................................................................................
51
Do
listen to the questions carefully
give relevant answers
ask for clarification if you dont understand the question
express your opinions and give examples to support your ideas
use conversation fillers to give yourself time to think
relax and enjoy yourself
try to use interesting adjectives
paraphrase if you dont know a word
speak clearly
Dont
give very short answers
repeat yourself all the time and overuse simple words
memorize long answers
get stressed if you dont understand the question
make long frequent pauses
speak too quietly
spell your name for the examiner
use your native language
use words or idioms that you are not sure about
write on the task card
ask the examiner if what you say is correct.
3
BAND EXPECTATIONS
Be realistic about your goals. If your level of English is around band 5, then do not expect to
achieve a band 7. Try to aim slightly above your current level. For example, if you took the
test and achieved a band 5.5, then you should try to aim for a 6-6.5 next time.
If you are too ambitious and try to learn very advanced idioms or phrasal verbs that are
inappropriate for your level, you might use them incorrectly, and your English will not sound
very natural. In the worst case, the examiner will not understand what you are trying to say.
Here are some simplified requirements for each band according to the IELTS official site. Try
to decide what level you are or ask your teacher.
You cannot respond without pausing and hesitating, and you may speak very slowly.
You repeat simple words a lot (e.g. because, and, good).
You cannot talk about unfamiliar topics without using the wrong words.
You cannot easily use synonyms.
You use very short, simple sentences.
You make lots of grammatical errors, and this may cause misunderstandings.
Your pronunciation is poor and it is easy to misunderstand you.
SPEAKING BAND 6
You can speak at length more easily, but you sometimes hesitate and correct
yourself.
You can use a range of connecting words and phrases (e.g. however, but, yet, so, on
the other hand), but not always appropriately.
Your vocabulary is wide enough to talk about different topics at length and the
meaning of what you are trying to say is generally clear.
You can use synonyms and say same the same things in different ways, but not
always successfully.
You can use a mix of simple and complex grammatical structures but you may make
frequent mistakes with complex structures, e.g. conditionals, perfect tenses.
Your pronunciation is generally clear enough to be understood but you sometimes
make mistakes with individual words.
SPEAKING BAND 7
You can speak at length with only occasional hesitation and self-correction.
You can use a wide range of connecting words and phrases.
You can use less common vocabulary, idiomatic phrases and collocations. However,
you sometimes make bad choices.
You can easily use synonyms and say the same things in different ways.
You can use complex grammatical structures (conditionals, perfect tenses, etc.) but
with occasional mistakes.
Your pronunciation is generally good enough for you to be understood clearly.
SPEAKING BAND 8
You can use less common vocabulary, idiomatic phrases and collocations, with only
occasional inaccuracies.
You can use a wide range of complex grammatical structures with only occasional
errors.
Your pronunciation is good and it is very easy to understand what you are saying.
SPEAKING BAND 9
You can use a wide range of complex grammatical structures with only occasional
slips that a typical native speaker would make.
Your pronunciation is very accurate and it is very easy to understand you.
GENERAL PREPARATION
The best way to prepare for the IELTS speaking test is to practise with a teacher as much as
possible. However, if you are preparing by yourself or if you want to use your spare time
more efficiently, you will find the following suggestions useful.
THINK ALOUD
Instead of thinking in your own language, try thinking aloud in English. For instance, instead
of planning your day in your native language, say it in English, for example Okay, today Ive
got an important meeting. I should get going. Im going to be late, etc. This will make you
feel more comfortable speaking English.
WATCH FILMS
Watching films is a good way to improve your spoken English. The more you listen to native
speakers, the more confident you will become in speaking. Try to understand what the actors
are saying. Pay attention to the subtitles or look up words in a dictionary. Try to follow the
subtitles in your own language first, and then in English when you feel more confident. Some
students find it useful to watch English comedies, for example Monty Python. In order to
understand the jokes, you will need to look up the meaning of certain words.
www.mylanguageexchange.c
om www.italki.com
www.busuu.com
Imprecise:
Precise:
Imprecise:
Precise:
Imprecise:
Precise:
Imprecise:
Precise:
Imprecise:
Precise:
Imprecise:
Precise:
Imprecise:
Precise:
Imprecise:
Precise:
Imprecise:
Precise:
Imprecise:
Precise:
Imprecise:
Precise:
Imprecise:
Precise:
Common:
Less common:
Korean people think that they are good singers, so they enjoy karaoke.
Korean people regard themselves as being talented singers, so they
enjoy karaoke.
Common:
Less common:
Common:
Less common:
Common:
Less common:
Common:
Less common:
Common:
Less common:
Common:
Less common:
Common:
Less common:
Common:
Less common:
Common:
Less common:
Common:
Less common:
In my country, if you are rich you can do bad things and not get punished.
In my country, if you are wealthy you can get away with murder.
CONVERSATION FILLERS
In the IELTS speaking test, you often need to think about what to say next. But this does not
mean that you cannot demonstrate your command of English while you are thinking. When
English native speakers do not know what to say, they are not completely silent. They use
conversation fillers words and phrases to fill the space. Here are some examples.
Well, .
So, .
Let me think .
Lets see
Hmm, thats a difficult question.
Hmm, thats a tricky question.
Umm, you know
Ive never really thought about that.
I guess
I suppose
I would say
Basically
Examiner:
Candidate:
Examiner:
Candidate:
Examiner:
Candidate:
Examiner:
Candidate:
Examiner:
Candidate:
10
IF YOU FORGET
WORDS
During the IELTS speaking test you might forget some words because you are nervous. Try
not to worry! You can use other words to describe what you want to say.
The expressions below will help you explain what you mean and at the same time
demonstrate your speaking skills to the examiner.
I dont know what you call it, but you use it to cut grass.
(a lawnmower)
I cant remember the word for it, but its used for changing the TV channel.
(a remote control)
I cant remember the word for them, but they help you to see under water.
(goggles)
Ive forgotten the name for it, but its a type of fish with large head and is normally
quite expensive.
(King prawn)
I dont recall the word for this profession, but its a person who helps passengers on a
plane.
(a flight attendant)
Ive forgotten the verb, but its when you change the colour of something, for example
your hair or your car.
(dye)
ADVANCED EXPRESSIONS
Consider using these expressions if you aiming for band 7-9:
The name of this crime is on the tip of my tongue but I cant quite recall it. Its a form
of crime where someone dishonestly takes money that is entrusted to him or her.
(embezzlement)
The name of this condition has completely slipped my mind. Its when you have problems
breathing. (asthma)
Ive never come across the name of this animal in English. Its a nocturnal bird with
large eyes, a flat face and a flexible neck. (an owl)
11
12
CHECKING UNDERSTANDING
If you want to check that you understood something correctly, you can say something like:
Do you mean ........?
Are you asking .?
When you say ........, do you mean ........?
By , do you mean ?
When you say ........, are you including ........?
Examples of use
Examiner:
Candidate:
Examiner:
Candidate:
Examiner:
Candidate:
Examiner:
Candidate:
Examiner:
Candidate:
13
BEING SPONTANEOUS
While you are speaking, many new ideas may come into your head. This is another good
opportunity to show your communication skills. Here are some examples of expressions
you can use to introduce new ideas in a natural, spontaneous way.
Here are some examples of how these expressions can be used. In the examples below, the
candidate is talking about why she likes a particular child (for part 2 of the test).
14
PRONUNCIATION TIPS
In order to get a high band in the IELTS speaking test, you dont need to speak with a British
or American accent, but you must be easily understood. This tip presents a few general tips
on how to make your English easier on the examiners ears.
You can listen to the correct pronunciation of any word by going to
entering the word in the text-to-speech box and pressing PLAY.
www.ivona.com,
THE SCHWA //
The schwa is an unstressed vowel sound that is found in many English words. It is the most
common vowel sound in the English language and it can be spelled in many different ways,
for example:
'a' in about [bat]
'e' in taken [tekn]
'i' in pencil [pnsl]
'u' in supply [spla]
'o' in provide [prvad]
unwritten as in rhythm [rm]
Make the schwa with your jaws slightly open, your lips relaxed, and do not move
your tongue!
The schwa is represented by unstressed suffixes, for example -er, -ar, -or, -um, -an, -al,
-ous, -ough, -our, -and, -ent and -ion. Enter the words below at www.ivona.com and
repeat them.
-er //
bigger
trainer
cater
meter
better
-ar //
familiar
popular
vinegar
sugar
singular
-or //
sailor
instructor
doctor
elevator
conductor
-um /m/
medium
maximum
quantum
premium
Museum
-an /n/
barman
doorman
organ
hooligan
human
-al /l/
hospital
normal
cathedral
artificial
actual
-ous /s/
dangerous
tedious
spacious
nervous
precious
-ough //
thorough
borough
-our //
armour
behaviour
flour
harbour
humour
-and /nd/
England
thousand
husband
island
highland
-ent /nt/
ancient
current
basement
competent
silent
-ion /n/
operation
television
nation
action
region
15
The schwa is represented by unstressed prefixes, for example su-, pro-, to-, a-, sur- and
con-.
su- /s/
suppose
suffice
success
suspect (vb.)
subtract
pro- /pr/
protect
provide
proliferate
professional
pronounce
to- /t/
together
tomorrow
today
tonight
torrential
a- //
ago
around
appropriate
allow
affect
sur- /s/
surprise
survive
survivor
surround
surreal
con- /kn/
control
connect
convert
conclude
condition
ADVANCED TIP
When native speakers speak at a natural speed, the pronunciation of many words changes
schwa becomes even more common. In the examples below, the schwa sound is highlighted
in yellow:
SLOW SPEECH: I went to a town where there were a lot of tourists.
NATURAL SPEECH: I went to a town where there were a lot of tourists.
THINK POSITIVE
Stress is caused by the way you think. If you imagine a negative experience during your
exam, for example not being able to understand the questions, you will start to panic a little.
It is important to realize that you have no idea how the exam will go until you take it. It could
be much easier than you expect. Before you go into the exam, try to remember a test that
you took in the past which was much easier than you had expected.
EXERCISE
Try to get a good nights sleep before the exam and start the day with a healthy breakfast.
Doing some exercise is also a good idea go for a run, walk or swim. This will take your
mind off the exam and help you to relax.
MEDITATE
On the day of your exam, you will have a lot of thoughts about the test How will it go? Will I
understand the questions? What will I do if I fail? What will I say if the examiner asks me .?
Find a quiet place to sit for 15-30 minutes. When a thought or image comes into your head,
try to observe it and feel the tension in your body. The thought and tension will disappear and
you will start to become a little more relaxed. Do not try to stop thinking. Just observe your
thoughts like you are watching a film.
IMAGINE A CONVERSATION
Try to think of the exam as a conversation with an acquaintance of yours, especially for parts
1 and 3. If you go into the exam thinking that you are going to take a test, you will put more
pressure on yourself.
17
Examiner:
Candidate:
Examiner:
Candidate:
Examiner:
Candidate:
Examiner:
Candidate:
Examiner:
Candidate:
Examiner:
Candidate:
Examiner:
Candidate:
Examiner:
Candidate:
18
It is important to use correct grammar in your answers, so listen carefully to the questions
and pay special attention to the verb tenses that the examiner uses. You may be able to
answer using the same tense or you might prefer to use a different tense.
The examiner uses the present simple (do you do). We use the present simple when we
talk about regular, repeated activities in the present.
You can begin your answer with the same tense, for example:
Well, I regularly play tennis in the summer.
I dont really have much spare time, but when I do, I like to
Here, the present continuous is used. We use the present continuous when we talk
about an activity that is taking place around the present time (but not necessarily right at
this present moment).
In this case, you can begin your answer with:
Right now, Im studying Molecular Biology.
19
Examiner:
Candidate:
No, Ive never met them personally, but my wife has chatted to them on
several occasions.
In the above example, the examiner uses the present simple but the candidate begins the
answer with the present perfect simple. We often use the present perfect simple to talk
about our general experiences things that we have done in the past without saying when
we did them.
Examiner:
Do you cook?
Candidate:
In the above example, the examiner uses the present simple but the candidate begins
the answer with a second conditional structure. We often use the second conditional to
talk about a hypothetical or imagined situation in the present or future.
20
ADVANCED EXPRESSIONS
Consider using these expressions if you are aiming for band 7-9:
21
Finally, remember that in the speaking test, you might hesitate and correct yourself, which is
natural. The possible band scores for each answer take that into account.
EXAMINER:
Candidate (Girl): Well, at the moment I study accounting. I want to later become an
accountant.
Candidate: Well, right now Im still a student Im doing a degree in accounting. When I
graduate next year, fingers crossed, I hope to find a job in a reputable international company.
Candidate: Well, I do try to keep a balanced diet, you know, eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
Besides that, I dont smoke. However, I dont do much exercise and Im rather fond of coffee.
If she wants to be sure of getting an even higher band, she could use more less common
vocabulary, for example I try to refrain from smoking instead of I dont smoke.
Candidate: I would say learning the phrasal verbs is pretty tricky. Its easy to memorize a
long list of them but its not that easy to put them into practice.
Possible band level: 7.5
In this answer, She doesnt make any grammatical mistakes and she shows that she can
use less common vocabulary, for example tricky instead of difficult. If she wants to be sure of
achieving an even higher band, she could try using more less common vocabulary. For
example, instead of repeating the word easy, she could say so something like putting them
into practice can be a daunting task.
25
26
27
If you feel you are going to finish in less than one minute and you have
nothing else to say, try to use conversation fillers (see page 10).
If you have spoken for at least one minute and you feel that you
have nothing more to say and your fluency is getting worse, just stop
talking and give the cue card back to the examiner.
When the examiner asks you the follow-up question, answer with one
or two sentences.
28
DESCRIBING PEOPLE
In the IELTS Speaking Test part 2, it is very common that the questions on the card will be
about a person, for example a role model, a neighbour, a child that you know, a celebrity or a
friend. You may need to describe the persons appearance, personality, what the person
does, why you like or respect the person, etc.
If you are aiming for a high band, consider using adjectives from the table on the next page.
Hair (colour)
black, dark brown, light brown, red, blond, dyed blond, fair, grey, ginger
Hair (type/state)
Body
thin, slim, fat, tall, big, short, straight, curvy, muscular, well-built
overweight, hairy
Skin
Face
TIP
Make your descriptions more interesting by using qualifying adverbs such as a
bit, a little, slightly, quite, fairly, very, really, extremely. For example:
Rahim is extremely overweight.
He has a very handsome face.
Her skin is quite spotty.
His hair is a bit thin.
Karims skin is a little pale.
Her face is slightly oval.
Practice ideas
1. Look at photos of your friends and family. Practise describing them using the
vocabulary above.
2. Next time you are walking down the street, describe the people you see in your head.
29
Hair (type/state)
Body
Skin
Face
30
DESCRIBING PERSONALITY
In the table below you will find useful adjectives that you can use for describing a persons
personality. If you dont know any of the words, look them up in a dictionary. Use Google to
search for examples of how the words are used.
If you are aiming for a high band, consider using adjectives from the table on the next page.
Qualities
Flaws
Other traits
TIP
Peoples moods and personality can change depending on the situation. Try to
make your descriptions more precise by using adverbs of frequency such as
usually, normally, sometimes, never, hardly ever, occasionally.
For example:
Practice ideas
1. Think of your friends and family. Practise describing their personalities using the
vocabulary above.
2. Next time you meet someone new, describe his/her personality in your head.
31
Flaws
clingy
needy
cowardly
devious
dull
grumpy
hostile
impulsive
indifferent
nasty
timid
vain
self-conscious
insecure
stuck-up
absent-minded
big-headed
hot-tempered
two-faced
self-centred
tight-fisted
TIP
If you are aiming for a very high band, consider using more complex qualifying
words and expressions, for example:
She tends to be rather hostile.
Adnan is a bit on the timid side.
He can be a bit self-centred at times.
She is hardly ever grumpy.
He is usually quite an amiable guy. But theres also a hostile side to him.
She seems a bit stuck-up. But once you get to know her, shes really
easy-going.
32
DESCRIBING OBJECTS
In the IELTS Speaking Test part 2, it is possible that the questions on the card will be about
an object, for example a present, a gadget, a photo, something you bought recently, an
important possession, etc. You may need to describe the appearance of the object as well as
its use and importance.
Its small/big/thick/thin
Its the size of a
Weight
Its heavy/light
It weighs about kilogrammes
Shape
Its square/round/rectangular/oval
Colour
Its red/blue/green/white/shiny
Material
Examples of use
My iPhone is small, thin and shiny black. It weighs about 100 grammes.
My first mobile phone was the size of a brick. It was very thick and heavy.
My wallet is small and brown. Its rectangular and its made of leather.
Examples of use
Its very important to me because it makes my life easier. (an iPhone)
It helps me a lot because I study mathematics and I need to do lots of
calculations. (a calculator)
Its very important to me because it reminds me of my childhood. (a photo or toy)
Examples of use
Its an essential part of my life. I keep my contacts there, my photos, I can make calls with
it. I simply couldnt live without it. (an iPhone)
I study mathematics so its indispensible. (a calculator)
Its very important to me because it brings back memories of my childhood. (a photo or toy)
Practice ideas
1. Think of some objects you own. Practise describing their appearance, use and
importance.
2. Look at some important photos. Practise describing why they are important to you.
34
DESCRIBING AN EVENT
In the IELTS Speaking Test part 2, it is possible that the questions on the card will be about
an event. You may need to describe the type of event, the people involved and the activities
that took place. There may also be a question about how you felt at the event or why it was
important to you.
TYPE OF
EVENT a birthday
party
a wedding
a concert
a sports event
a festival
a class reunion
a stag party (UK) / bachelor party (US)
a hen night (UK) / bachelorette party (US)
WHEN WAS
IT? last summer
two winters ago
5 years ago
during my summer break
WHO WAS
THERE? close
friends relatives
family and friends
people I know
work colleagues
old classmates
people Ive known since childhood
WHAT DID I
DO? danced
35
SAMPLE ANSWER
Im going to describe my friend's birthday party, last month. We went for a meal in an
Indian restaurant and then to different places.
There were about 10 of us, some close friends, old friends and work colleagues.
We started the evening at the restaurant. We ate a delicious meal and then we went to fancy
shop in my town. We were dressed like kids. It is a party tradition in my country to wear a
costume.
How did I feel? Well, it was a lot of fun. Everybody enjoyed themselves very much. And it
was great to meet old friends who I hadnt seen since my childhood. It was really
interesting to find out about what they were doing in their lives. What else? I cant talk
about everything we did, but lets just say that everybody had a great time.
DESCRIBING PLACES
In the IELTS Speaking Test part 2, it is possible that the questions on the card will be about a
place. You may need to talk about the type of place it is, its location, its history, its purpose
and the type of activities that happen there. There may also be a question about how you
feel about the place. Learn the adjectives and expressions on this page.
DESCRIBING A
BUILDING
tall
modern
old
new
commercial
unusual
conveniently-located
DESCRIBING A HOME
expensive
cheap
well-located
comfortable
dark
---------------band 7+
------------band 7+--------
rundown
dilapidated
multi-story
neglected
abandoned
classical
neoclassical
gothic
damp
well-lit
poorly-lit
luxurious
spacious
cramped
cozy
IT IS LOCATED
in the north/south/east of
in the centre of
on the coast
on a quiet street
by the sea
near the town centre
in the suburbs
in the mountains
in the countryside
in the city
10km from
DESCRIBING AN AREA
beautiful
interesting
amazing
dangerous
safe
crowded
noisy
quiet
strange
wild
peaceful
romantic
---------------band 7+----------------
tranquil
deserted
touristy
lively
SURROUNDING AREA
rural
urban
mountainous
dry
flat
hilly
---------------band
7+---------------in the outskirts of [NAME OF CITY]
at the mouth of [NAME OF RIVER]
at the foot of [NAME OF MOUNTAIN]
HISTORY
It was constructed in
It was established in
---------------band 6.5+---------------It has existed since [DATE IN THE PAST]
It has existed for [NUMBER OF YEARS]
37
SAMPLE ANSWER
OK, so what would be my ideal home? Well I think it would have to be a big flat, about 100
square metres. It would have five rooms a bedroom, a kitchen, a bathroom, a living room
and two spare rooms. Everything should be modern modern furniture, a flat-screen TV
and a gaming PC. There should be plenty of natural light.
It should be located in the centre of my city, near the market square in the old town.
But on a quiet street.
I would like to live there for several reasons. Firstly, its big and I like lots of space. Secondly,
I enjoy entertaining guests and the flat has everything I need modern appliances, space and
nice furniture. Also, I really like cooking, so a big kitchen is very important to me. I would also
like to live there because its well-located. It would be nice to live in the centre because I often
go there with my friends to eat out, visit some bars, go for a walk, and so on. I like meeting new
people and the centre of my town is very crowded, which is perfect for me.
38
BUYING TIME
In part 3 of the IELTS speaking test, you will be asked a question related to the topic of part
2, and you might need more time to think than you did in part 1. Simple conversation fillers
(see page 10) might not be enough to buy yourself the time that you need before answering
the question. Here are some more effective techniques.
Examiner:
Candidate:
Examiner:
Candidate:
Examiner:
Candidate:
Examiner:
Candidate:
If you are aiming for a very high band, you can consider using the following expressions.
Thats an interesting question. Can I dwell on it for a moment?
Okay, thats a tricky question. I just need a moment to think it over.
Okay, thats a tricky question. I just need a moment to ponder over it.
COMBINE TECHNIQUES
In order to buy yourself the maximum time that you need, consider all three approaches:
Examiner:
Candidate:
Hmm.so you would like to know the different types of food that people eat in
my country. Hmminteresting question. Can I think about it for a moment?
Well, I guess traditional Bangladeshi cuisine is still very popular.
40
SPEAKING TOPICS
You do not need a high level of general knowledge to achieve a successful result in your
IELTS speaking test. If you can communicate your ideas (or lack of ideas) fluently and
coherently, you will do well. However, it will help you to practise talking at length about a
variety of topics. Here are some possible part 3 questions that you can practise.
SPORT
S
How popular is fast food in your country?
SHOPPING
Do you enjoy shopping?
Is shopping a popular activity in
your country
How have shopping habits changed
in recent years?
In what ways you think advertising
affects the way people shop?
What are the advantages and
disadvantages of shopping online?
LEISURE ACTIVITIES
What types of leisure activities are popular in your
country?
What types of leisure activities are not popular in
your country? Why?
How have leisure activities in your country
changed in recent years?
How important is it to have leisure time?
Do people in your country have too much or too
little leisure time?
41
TRAVEL
TELEVISION
How popular is watching television in
your country?
TRANSPORT
television?
EDUCATION
ENVIRONMENT
Is pollution a problem in your country?
What are some of the causes of pollution?
What can people or governments do to
minimize pollution?
Do you think problems with pollution will
improve in the future?
42
If you want to talk about a current trend, use the present continuous (verb be + -ing):
People are shopping much more now than in the past.
If you want to say how a situation has changed over time up to the present moment, use the
present perfect (have/has + past participle):
Peoples shopping habits have changed dramatically in recent years.
If you want to talk about something that people did regularly in the past, but not today, use
used to/didnt use to + infinitive:
People didnt use to shop very much in the past.
If you talk about an imaginary situation in the present or future, use would + infinitive:
I think that Scotland would be a very interesting country to visit.
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If you want to talk about an imaginary situation with if., use a second conditional
structure. We form the second conditional in the following way:
If + past simple, would + infinitive
If I didnt have to work, I would spend more time with my family.
If you want to introduce a contrast, use words and phrases like however, on the other hand
or though:
Shopping online is very convenient. You can do it from the comfort of your home. However,
in my opinion it is not a good way to shop for things like clothes.
If you want to compare two different things, use while or whereas. For example:
I prefer to live in the city than in the countryside. In the city you have more shops and
places of entertainment, whereas in the countryside there isnt much to do.
cheap
cheaper
cheap
the cheapest
syllable
Two-syllable words
ending in -y
Two or more
syllables
hard
harder
-y
-ier
early
earlier
lucky
luckier
hard
the hardest
-y
-iest
early
the earliest
lucky
the luckiest
Use more/less
expensive
more expensive
boring
more boring
expensive
the most expensive
boring
the most boring
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Things to remember
1) When comparing two things with a comparative adjective, use than:
The bus is cheaper than the train.
2) Before comparative forms, you can use qualifying expressions, for example
much / a lot / far (= a lot) / a bit / a little / slightly:
The plane is far more expensive than the train.
3) With some two-syllable adjectives, you can use -er/-est or more/most, for example:
simple
clever
gentle
friendly
quiet
narrow
Joanna is friendlier / more friendly than usual.
4) We usually use the before superlative forms:
The plane is the fastest option.
6) To say that one thing is less than another thing, you can also say not as as:
My hometown is not as big as London.
7) If you want to say that two things are the same, you can say as as:
Spanish is as easy as Italian.
8) If you want to say that two things are same, you can also say the same
as: Prices in Moscow are nearly the same as in London.
9) If you want to say that two things are similar, you can say similar to:
The weather in Italy is similar to the weather in Greece.
10) If you want to say that two things are different, you can say different than/to/from:
The weather in Singapore is different than the weather in Russia.
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GIVING OPINIONS
In the IELTS speaking test, the examiner will ask you for your opinions on particular topics.
You may need to express opinions in part 1, part 2 or part 3 of the test. Therefore, it is a
good idea to learn some special phrases that you can use in your responses.
Study these examples.
In my opinion, good exercise and a healthy diet are important for a long life.
I believe that many jobs are more suited to men.
Personally, I think that many jobs are still more suited to men.
I feel that the gap between rich and poor is growing.
I find Indian food a bit too spicy.
If you want to give an opinion that something is not true with I think, I
feel, I believe, etc. you say I dont feel, I dont believe, etc. For
example:
I dont believe that there is enough equality between men and women.
I dont feel that the gap between rich and poor is getting smaller.
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CONNECTING IDEAS
In parts 2 and 3 of the IELTS speaking test, you will need to speak at length about a
particular issue. In order to get a high band, it is important to develop your ideas using
appropriate connecting words and phrases. Study how the connecting words/phrases in bold
are used in the answer below.
Would you prefer to live in a big or small city? Why/why not?
Well, I think on the whole Id prefer to live in a big city. Firstly, there are more job
opportunities. On top of that, the standard of living is higher and the infrastructure is
more developed. Also, there are more places to go shopping. In short, there are lots of
advantages.
On the other hand, I think there are several important drawbacks. First of all, big cities
tend to be more polluted because of all the cars. Secondly, there is more noise. Regarding
transport, big cities can be very stressful. For example, my home city Dhaka has a very
crowded transport system. In fact, its one of the most stressful transport systems in the
world.
However, despite those disadvantages, Id still prefer to live in a big city.
Talking in general
On the whole
Introducing a topic
Regarding (transport)
Firstly,
First of all,
Secondly,
On top of that,
Also,
Giving an example
For example,
Introducing a contrast
In fact,
Summarizing
In short,
The next page presents some more words and expressions that you can use to develop an
argument.
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WELL
Use well to introduce a remark or give yourself time to think.
Who is my favourite family member? Well, I need to think about that one.
SO / THEREFORE
Use so or therefore to introduce a logical result. So is more informal than therefore.
Living in a big city has lots of advantages. Therefore, Id prefer to live
there. Living in a big city has lots of advantages. So Id prefer to live there.
BASICALLY
Use basically to introduce the most important aspect of something. It is very common in
spoken English (dont use it in formal writing) and often used as a conversation filler (see
page 10).
Basically, there are three reasons why Id like to live in a big city.
HOWEVER / YET
Use however or yet to make a contrast.
I agree with that opinion. However, I dont know if it will be true in the future.
I agree with that opinion. Yet I dont know if it will be true in the future.
THOUGH
Though is used to make a contrast. It normally goes at the end of the sentence.
Living in a big city has lots of advantages. Id still prefer to live in a small town, though.
IN OTHER WORDS
Use in other words to simplify or summarize what you just said before.
In big cities, there are more offices and shops. In other words, there is more work.
IF WERE TALKING
Use If were talking to introduce a new topic.
If were talking shopping and entertainment, Id prefer to live in a big city.
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AS FAR AS
IS CONCERNED
We use as far as something is concerned when we introduce a new topic. It is a little more
formal that If were talking
As far as shopping is concerned, it is much better to live in a big city than a small town.
EVENTUALLY
Use eventually to say what happens after a long time and/or many problems. The meaning
is similar to in the end.
We drove for two hours trying to find the hotel. Eventually, we gave up and decided to
stay at a hostel.
ANYWAY
/ ANYHOW
ACTUALLY
Use actually to give an unexpected or surprising response.
Q: What is your profession? A: Actually, Im still a student.
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IN
FACT
Use in fact to modify a previous statement, for example if you said something that is slightly
inaccurate and you want to be more precise.
I used to get up at 7am. In fact, it was around 6.30.
You can also use actually: I used to get up at 7am. Actually, it was around 6.30.
OVERALL
Use overall to make a final concluding statement.
Overall, it was a fantastic holiday.
You can also use: all in all, on the whole, all things considered.
FOR EXAMPLE / FOR INSTANCE
Use for example or for instance to give an example.
Big cities have more developed public transport. For instance, in my city there are
trams, metro systems, buses and trains.
ALTERNATIVELY
You can use alternatively to provide an alternative idea.
In my town, you can get to the city centre by tram. Alternatively, you can take the bus.
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GIVING EXAMPLES
In parts 2 and 3 of the IELTS speaking test, and for some questions in part 1, you can extend
your answers and make them more interesting by giving personal examples to support your
points. Try to use real examples and stories about yourself where possible. Look the
examples below and study how the expressions in bold are used to introduce the examples.
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