IELTS-Academic

SPEAKING MODULE

Speaking module
I: Introduction
Timing: 11 14 minutes Tasks: The Speaking test is a 3-part face-to-face oral interview with an examiner The Speaking test is recorded Test Parts: There are 3 parts Part 1 Introduction and interview (4-5 minutes) The examiner introduces him/her and asks the candidate to introduce him/herself and confirm his/her identity. The examiner asks the candidate general questions on familiar topics, e.g. home, family, work, studies and interests Part 2 Individual long turn (3-4 minutes) The examiner gives the candidate a task card which asks the candidate to talk about a particular topic and which includes points which the candidate can cover in their talk. The candidate is given 1 minute to prepare their talk, and is given a pencil and paper to make notes. The candidate talks for 1-2 Minutes on the topic. The examiner then asks the candidate one or two questions on the same topic Part 3 Two-way discussion (4-5 minutes) The examiner asks further questions which are connected to the topic of Part 2. These questions give the candidate an opportunity to discuss more abstract issues and ideas Skills assessed: A wide range of speaking skills is assessed, including the ability to communicate opinions and information on everyday topics and common experiences and situations by answering a range of questions; the ability to speak at length on a given topic using appropriate language and organizing ideas coherently; and the ability to express and justify opinions and to analyze, discuss and speculate about issues Marking: Candidates are assessed on their performance throughout the test by certificated IELTS examiners according to the four criteria of the IELTS Speaking Test Band Descriptors (fluency and
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coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, pronunciation).

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IELTS-Academic

SPEAKING MODULE

1) About the Examiner They can come from any country where English is spoken as a native language. IELTS examiners are all professional teachers with advanced degrees. They understand the test is difficult. They will be patient with you, as far as time allows. The examiner hopes you will do well. (It's much more interesting!) They have received specific IELTS training to make sure they judge you fairly and honestly. They might be tired on the day of the test, or they might be sick. Even though one examiner might seem unfriendly, your score should be the same in any case. 2) What will the examiner listen for? Pronunciation - This is only important if it gets in the way of communication. Speak clearly and you will be all right. Vocabulary - Some students try to improve their speaking score by using difficult words. However, using words incorrectly will LOWER your score! Avoid using difficult words or expressions unless you are sure of how to use them. Sentence Structure - Using better sentences is the best way to improve your speaking score in a short time, because using better sentences is how we COMMUNICATE. Fluency and Coherence - Of course fluency is very important but it is useless if you are not understood (if you are not "coherent"). You do NOT have to speak quickly, but too many hesitations are bad. 3) Your Score If you cannot make good sentences, if you hesitate too much, if your speaking is not clear or if you use words incorrectly, you will be Band 4 or below. To be Band 5, you can make mistakes and have hesitations, but you must make simple sentences easily and without mistakes. To be Band 6, you must be able to use longer sentences with fewer hesitations. You need to use a variety of language. You can make some small mistakes if your meaning is still clear. Also, you should be able paraphrase. To be Band 7, you should be able to do Part 2 with no problem. You must use a variety of sentences and connect the sentences well. You must correctly use difficult vocabulary. You can make very small mistakes if your meaning is clear. You should be able to paraphrase very well. To be Band 8, you need a very wide vocabulary and the ability to speak fluently on any topic. You may make a few tiny errors, if those errors do not get in the way of communication.

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IELTS-Academic Part 1 - Warm-up

SPEAKING MODULE

The questions are easy, so the examiner cannot be sure of your level from only Part 1. You can give very easy answers, but this is a chance to make a good impression. If you give easy answers, the examiner will not know if you are Band 4 or maybe Band 5. If you give good, specific answers with explanations, the examiner will think you could be Band 6 or Band 7! You can use this time to practice making good sentences. If you wait until Part 2 and Part 3 to give longer answers, you might not do so well. Athletes and musicians always take time to warm up. You should too!

Part 2 - the "Q-Card" The biggest mistake students make is to not take notes. The examiner will give you a piece of paper and a pencil to take notes because speaking for two minutes without stopping is not easy. Even native English speakers will have trouble speaking for two minutes! Students who don't take notes often say, "Uh, I think maybe, um.... Um..., well... It seems to me...". "Uh" and "Um" are Band ZERO! Use notes to help you remember what you want to say. If not, you WILL get a low score. Use the P.R.E.P. method. Start with "P" - make one sentence about your main Point. Then give two or three sentences to provide "R", a Reason. Next give "E", an Example. Describe the example using two or three sentences. Finish by repeating "P", your main Point, but use a different sentence. If you have extra time, give a second example. You must practice! Use a watch and give yourself one minute to take notes on a topic, then two minutes to make four or five sentences using the PREP method. You should practice one or two topics every day before the test. Do not worry about the time. That is the examiner's job. He or she will tell you when to stop. Part 3 Related Questions Part 3 is the hardest part of the Speaking Test and it comes very fast. Most students aren't ready. When you hear the examiner say "And now I'd like to ask you some more GENERAL questions RELATED to your Part 2 topic", you know Part 3 is starting. Be ready! Do NOT take so much time. Two sentences for each answer is usually enough. If you have a long introduction, the examiner will think you don't know how to answer the question. Use the General-Specific technique. As soon as you hear the question, give a general opinion about the topic. Then give a specific reason or example in the next sentence or two. Do not use too many connectors when you speak, or it may sound unnatural. Here are some of the most common connection words in English.
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IELTS-Academic

SPEAKING MODULE

1. Give a full answer. Don't just give one word answers. Include more information. For example, when asked where you're from, instead of just saying the name of the place, speak in a sentence which states the name, the location, and how long you've been there. This shows the examiner you are confident speaking in English. But don't speak too long or the examiner will think you've misunderstood the question! 2. Speak clearly and don't worry about your accent. Everyone has an accent when they speak English. The important point is that you enunciate the best you can so the examiner can understand you. Rehearse in advance to overcome any obvious pronunciation problems. If you make a mistake, don't worry, just correct yourself and keep going. 3. Use descriptive words. Don't use boring words like good, bad, nice, or okay. 4. Use exciting words that covey emotion. Practice using higher level words for every simple word you know such as thrilled instead of happy, or depressed instead of sad. 5. Speak up. Sometimes, students mumble and speak very softly because they are nervous or unsure of their words. Use simple, correct language rather than complicated vocabulary and speak loudly enough that the examiner does not have to strain to hear you. This indicates selfconfidence and command of the language. 6. Don't use slang. You have 11 minutes to display the best English you know in all the years that you have been learning English! Choose to be formal rather than informal. 7. Keep a steady pace. Don't speak too fast or too slow. 8. Don't try to memorize answers to sample subjects. The examiner has enough experience to recognize that you are not speaking naturally and spontaneously and will change the subject or give you a lower score. Use the sample subjects to give you practice speaking on a variety of topics, but not to memorize.

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IELTS-Academic

SPEAKING MODULE

9. Explain names or words which are in another language. For instance, if you are asked to speak about a festival, which involves using words in your language, say the words clearly and give the meaning if any afterwards, so the examiner can follow your explanation. 10. Ask questions, if necessary, in Part 3 only. You cannot ask questions in Parts 1 and 2, but you can do so, if necessary in Part 3. 11. Practice speaking with a watch. Get an idea of how long two minutes is and approximately how much content you will have to cover. 12. Stay on topic. Don't change the subject or the examiner will think you have misunderstood and may give you a lower mark. 13. Have daily discussions with friends. Take turns asking each other questions about current events and develop your ability to speak about various topics, using varied sentence structure and vocabulary.

A useful skill for IELTS speaking

Students often say or write sentences that are too simple such as: This is important. My hometown is very good. I like to eat pizza. I will go to another country. These sentences are okay if you want to be Band 4 or Band 5. However, these will be much better IF some explanation comes after. For example, instead of saying "This is important", you should explain WHY it is important: This job is very important for our company. (a very general sentence) If we can sell over 10,000 of these items, we will have earned enough money to build a new factory." (a very specific sentence!) Now let's look at the other three examples. Instead of "My hometown is very good", could say:
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My hometown is a very nice city in Shandong Province. (Rather general)

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IELTS-Academic

SPEAKING MODULE

Because it is between the sea and the mountains, there are many beautiful places to visit. (Very specific.) Instead of saying "I like to eat pizza", you could say: Pizza is my favorite food in the whole world. (General) I not only love the cheese, but the bread, tomato sauce with meat and vegetables on top make pizza a complete meal! (Specific) Finally, instead of saying "I will go to another country", you should say something like this: I hope to go to New Zealand to study in the future. (general) If I can arrange the visa and a job, I will work in the sheep herding industry where I will have a peaceful and enjoyable life in the mountains, away from the crowds and the pollution! (specific)

Some more examples:

Question: Tell me about your family. Common Answer: There are three people in my family. Better Answer: In China today, a majority of families have three members, and my family is no exception. Note: This sentence is built with three parts. First is the place, China. Second is the situation, many families with three people. Third is this person's family.

Question: What is your hometown like? Common Answer: My hometown is very nice. Better Answer: Although my hometown is not very famous, it has several advantages that make it a great place to live.

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IELTS-Academic

SPEAKING MODULE

Question: How do you feel about your job? Common Answer: I like my job very much. Better Answer: Although you might not believe it, I really enjoy my job every day

Question: What do you dislike about your classes? Common Answer: Studying is very difficult. Better Answer: When I think about how hard my classes, I feel like quitting, which is one reason I've decided to go abroad Note: The question is about a feeling and the answer is about a feeling. Good!

Question: What do you want to do in the future? Common Answer: I want to be a lawyer in the future. Better Answer: I first thought about being a lawyer when I was a child, and now, after many long years of study, it seems my dream will become reality. Note: Excellent! Compare the past dream with the present hard work to show the bright future!

. Question: What do you do in your free time? Common Answer: In my free time I like to play sports. Better Answer: If I ever had free time, I would probably do many different things, including playing sports, listening to music, and going out with my friends.
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Note: Good examples

IELTS-Academic . Question: What will you do when you go abroad? Common Answer: I want to study Computer Science in Australia.

SPEAKING MODULE

Better Answer: If I am able to get a visa, I hope to learn about Computer Science in Brisbane, Australia, so that I can come back to China and work for a successful local company

Question: Tell me about a typical day in your life. Common Answer: My typical day begins when I wake up.

Better Answer: After resting all night, I wake up every morning looking forward to a new day.

Question: What are some typical jobs that people do in your country? Common Answer: Many people in China work as farmers. Better Answer: One of the biggest industries in China is agriculture, so there are a large number of people working as farmers.

Question: Tell me about a celebration or festival in your country. Common Answer: The Spring Festival is the biggest holiday of the year in China Better Answer: When winter is coming to an end, which means a new spring is not far behind, and that is when we in China have our largest celebration of the year, the Spring Festival.

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IELTS-Academic

SPEAKING MODULE

Test-1
Introductory questions

Describe your family? Do you have a large or small family? How much time do you spend with your family? What do you like to do together as a family? Do you get along well with your family? Are people in your country generally close to their families?

Q-card question Which type of job do you enjoy to do? Why you like that job How your skills useful in that job What is the role you expect

Related questions: How the work place effect the employers loyalty? How far it is good to change working companies frequently? How it is important to have retirement at particular age? Do you prefer to be an employee or entrepreneur in most of your life? How do you balance personal and professional life?

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IELTS-Academic

SPEAKING MODULE

Test-2
Introductory questions

Describe your education. What kind of school did you go to as a child? Did you go to a co-educational school? What was your favorite subject as a child? Who was your favorite teacher? What is the education system like in your country? Do you think your country has an effective education system?

Q-card question Describe an enjoyable event that you experienced when you were at school. You should say:

When it happened What was good about it Why you particularly remember this event

Related questions: How the school days impact ones career? What are the primary things should be learnt by the student? Are you thinking discipline learnt only in school days? Are you thinking now-a-days students are enjoying their schooling?

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Test-3
Introductory questions

Do you like music? What kind of music do you like? When do you usually listen to music? What kind of music did you like when you were younger? What kind of music is popular in your country? Do you play any musical instruments? Do you wish you could play any musical instruments? Which is your favorite instrument?

Q-card question Describe a newspaper or magazine you enjoy reading. You should say:

What kind of newspaper / magazine it is Which parts of it you read regularly When and where you read it Explain why you enjoy reading it

Related questions: Is there any difference between reading newspapers and magazines? How the common people react when sensational news comes out? Why newspapers project the news about famous people? What is the role of news papers on society?

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Test-4
Introductory questions

Do you use the Internet much during the day? What do you usually do on the Internet? What are some advantages of the Internet? What are some disadvantages? Do people in your country use the Internet a lot? Do you do any shopping on the Internet?

Q-card question Describe an area of countryside you know and like. You should say:

Where it is What its special features are What you and other people do in this area And explain why you like it

Related questions Which type of places do you prefer to visit? How frequently you travel around your country? How it is useful for your refreshment? Do you prefer to have the family trip?

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Test-5
Introductory questions

Whats the weather like in your country? Does the weather affect your mood? How do rainy days make you feel? Whats your favorite season of the year? What do you like to do when its hot? What do you usually do in the winter? How many seasons does your country have?

Q-card question Describe a museum or art gallery that you have visited. You should say: Where it is Why you went there What you particularly remember about the place

Related questions How the museums and art galleries have the significance in history? Do you have the habit of visiting historical places? How people enjoy doing so? What are the main museums in your country?

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Test-6
Introductory questions

Do you send and receive email regularly? Who do you usually communicate with? How often do you check your email? Do you think writing email has strengthened or weakened peoples writing skills? What are some disadvantages of email?

Q-card question Describe a newspaper or magazine you enjoy reading. You should say: What kind of newspaper / magazine it is Which parts of it you read regularly When and where you read it Explain why you enjoy reading it

Related questions How the news papers influence the society? Are there any changes in presenting news from olden days to now? Is there any ethics should be followed by print media? How much time do you spend on reading news paper? Which is best for you to know the news? News paper/television? What is the difference between both in projecting news?

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Test-7
Introductory questions

What do people in your town do? What are the main industries in your hometown? What problems face your hometown? What languages are spoken in your hometown? What are the advantages of living in your hometown? What are some problems faced by your hometown? Compare your hometown with another city. What are some environmental problems faced by your hometown?

Q-card question 1. Describe about old buildings in your country? Building you visited recently With whom you went How you feel

Related questions How the buildings have the importance in history? What you observed from their construction? How they motive the new ideas in construction? How they influence the countries valor? How do you feel whenever you visit those buildings?

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Test-8
Introductory questions

Do you enjoy shopping? How do you feel about shopping? Do you like shopping on the Internet? Do you have any favorite stores? What dont you like about shopping? Which is the most popular place to shop in your hometown

Q-card question

Describe a festival that is important in your country. You should say:

When the festival occurs What you did during it What you like or dislike about it And explain why this festival is important

Related questions Do you prefer to celebrate national festivals or regional festivals? Do you recognize any difference in celebrating them? Some people think celebrating festivals is waste of time and money? What you think? Why people celebrate festivals?

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Test-9
Introductory questions

Do you like to travel? What kind of places have you visited in your life? Which place would you really like to visit? Why? Whats the best place youve ever visited? How people can travel around your country? Do you always prefer to visit cool/hot places? How much time do you spend time on travel every day?

Q-card question Tell me something about tourism in your country? Places to visit Cheaper/expensive How it is good for other country people Regional places and temples

Related questions

Which places would you recommend to a visitor to your country? Do a lot of tourists visit your country? What do they usually do there? How has tourism changed your country?

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What are some famous landmarks in your country?

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Is your country expensive for most tourists?

IELTS-Academic

SPEAKING MODULE

Test-10
Introductory questions

What type of clothes do you like to wear? What kind of clothes do people in your country usually wear? How important is fashion to you? What kind of clothes do you dislike? Do you think people behave differently in different kinds of clothes? What kind of clothes do people wear to work in your country? Are clothes expensive in your country?

Q-card question Describe an artist or entertainer you admire. You should say

Who they are and what they do How they became successful How you found out about them And explain why you admire them

Related questions Tell me about special art in you? Do you think you are a good entertainer for your family? Why most of the people prefer film stars to entertain them? How the individual talents make others to be entertained?

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IELTS-Academic

SPEAKING MODULE

SOME QUESTIONS 1. Describe about a valuable thing you lost in your life? 2. What will you do when ever you memorize that? 3. Describe about your work place? Where it is located? 4. Describe about old buildings in your country? 5. Have you find any difference in construction from nowadays to olden days? 6. Which things make us to find history? 7. What is the major change in your life? How did you overcome that? 8. Tell me something about a marriage function you have enjoyed recently? 9. Which product do you want to purchase which is not made in your country? 10. Describe a movie you have recently seen? 11. Describe a party you have enjoyed most? 12. What is your hometowns shape? Can you describe it for me? 13. What is your hometowns history? 14. Do you prefer going out or staying at home? Why? 15. What will do if you go out? 16. I'd like you to tell me about an equipment of your household (such as computer, television, refrigerator, Mobile Phone as so on). 17. Could you please explain with some examples about the changes of technology which are used by people in our daily life between now and the past 20 years? 18. Whether those equipment you've ever mentioned in your examples is used in your home? 19. How about other Indian families? 20. Do you think the technology will have what development in the future? 21. Do you think it is important? 22. How often do you access internet? 23. How much time do you manage to spend with members of your family? 24. What sorts of things do you like to do together? 25. Do you get on well with your family? Why? 26. When and where you study English 27. What English course do you like best? And explain why it is important for you. 28. We've been talking about household equipments

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29. What is the most popular transport system in use? Talk about its reliability, frequency and fare. 30. Do you have any problems using the public transport? 31. I'd like you to tell me about your favorite news channel? And explain why you like it. 32. What do you think for ordinary people the most effective media to get news is? Whether all people will be interested in national or international news in your country. 33. Compare the people's attitude to media between now and the past 20 years? Should we trust the journalists?

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34. What do you think how a good journalist should be? 35. Do you want to become famous? 36. How to become a well-known person in your country? 37. What kind of people can become famous in your country? 38. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being famous? 39. What do you think of the privacy of a well-known person? 40. What do you think of the relationship between a well-know person and advertising? 41. Would you be influenced by the well-known persons in TV commercials? 42. Do you often talk about singers with your friends? What do you often talk about? 43. Who he/she is? When did you become friends? Why do you like him/her or why do you think that he/she is important to you? How he/she influences you. Discussion: 44. What are the differences between adults and children in terms of making friends? 45. Can adults make friends with children? 46. What do you think are the most important factors when making friends? 47. What are the possible factors that cause the break-up of friendship? 48. Why is it difficult for adults to make friends? 49. What will the friendship become like when getting old? 50. Do you like to work alone or with a partner? 51. What do you think of teamwork and team spirit? 52. What kind of people are good to work with? 53. Do you like group work or group learning? 54. What is your opinion on efficiency? 55. What are the advantages of studying by yourself? 56. What do you think k of efficiency? 57. Describe a restaurant or a cafe. You should say where it is? What it looks like? What kind of services is provided? What kind of food you like there/ what kind of food is famous? Why you like it? Discussion: 58. Do you like cooking? 59. Will you cook for your friends when they visit you? 60. Who cooks in a Chinese family? 61. What do you think of the advantages and disadvantages of fast food? 62. Why is fast food so popular? 63. Where would Chinese go when they eat out? 64. What changes would take place in terms of Chinese eating habits? 65. What food is popular? 66. What is the difference between fresh food and canned food? 67. What can we do to solve the problem of food shortage? 68. What are the advantages and disadvantages of family food? 69. What role do old buildings and new buildings play in modern society? 70. What changes have taken place in architecture in the past two decades? 71. Do you think it necessary to protect old buildings? 72. Describing a kind of book you like. 73. What is the difference between men and women when choosing what to read? 74. What kind books do children like? Why do they like reading? 75. What is the difference between reading and watching TV? 76. What is the relationship between reading and computer? 77. What are the advantages of reading books?
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78. Why do children like pictorials? 79. What books are popular in China? 80. Describing one of your favorite books. 81. Describing a letter. 82. What is the difference between letter and e-mail? 83. Do you often keep diaries? 84. What is the difference between diary and letter? 85. What is the difference in the past and at the present as regards communications? 86. What is the role of letter 50 years ago and at the present? 87. What do you think of the role 50 years later? 88. What do you think of creative writing? 89. Would post office disappear 50 years later? 90. What role does computer play in our society? 91. What changes have been brought by the computer? What is professors attitude? 92. Describing a kind of music. 93. How long do you listen to music every day? 94. Why is it easier for children to learn playing a musical instrument? 95. What are the benefits of learning to play musical instruments? 96. Discuss the impact of western music on the world music? 97. What changes in terms of spending festivals and holidays have taken place in the past decade? 98. What is the difference as regards celebration in different part of the country? 99. Describing an interesting trip you have taken. 100.Describe an environmental problem. 101.What causes environmental problems? 102.How should we educate children to protect environment 103.Whats the difference between the old and the young as regards environmental protection?

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