IELTS Speaking Introduction and Basics

Speak Success – Mastering The IELTS Speaking Journey
Chapter 1

Introduction to IELTS Speaking

Welcome to the first step of your IELTS speaking journey! If you’ve come this far already, you probably already have an idea of what IELTS is and what to expect from it. In case you haven’t, here is the breakdown. The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your spoken English skills in three distinct parts: Introduction/Interview, Long Turn, and Discussion. Our aim is to make you comfortable and confident in all these sections.

Overview of Test Parts

1. Introduction/Interview: This is your chance to make a first impression. You’ll answer questions about yourself, your family, your work, studies, interests, and a range of familiar topic areas.
2. Long Turn: Here, you’ll speak about a given topic for 1-2 minutes. You’ll have one minute to prepare and jot down notes on a cue card provided.
3. Discussion: This part involves a discussion with the examiner on issues related to the topic in Part 2. This is an opportunity to showcase your ability to discuss abstract ideas and issues.

Understanding the Assessment Criteria

Your performance will be judged based on four criteria:

1. Fluency and Coherence: The ability to speak at length with appropriate pacing, linking ideas coherently.
2. Lexical Resource: This assesses the range of your vocabulary and your accuracy in using it.
3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Your ability to use a range of grammar structures accurately.
4. Pronunciation: How well you are understood, including your accent, tone, and intonation.

Your score for these criteria will be based on a Band scale of 1 to 9. A handy PDF of how IELTS assesses each criteria CAN BE FOUND HERE.

Tips for Initial Preparation and Setting Goals

• Familiarize Yourself: Understand the format of the speaking test thoroughly.
• Practice Speaking: Use everyday opportunities to speak English.
• Set Realistic Goals: Start with short speaking tasks and gradually increase complexity.
• Record Yourself: This helps to notice areas for improvement in fluency and pronunciation.

Vocabulary List

• Cue Card [kjuː kɑːd]: noun – A card used as a prompt or reminder, especially in speeches. Example: During the Long Turn, you’ll have a cue card to jot down your thoughts.
• Abstract [ˈæb.strækt]: adj. – Based on general ideas or principles rather than specific examples or real events. Example: The Discussion part often involves talking about abstract ideas.

Exercises

1. Self-Introduction Practice: Record a 1-minute introduction of yourself, covering basic personal information. Listen back and assess your fluency and pronunciation.
2. Cue Card Simulation: Choose a random topic and prepare a short speech for 1 minute, then talk about it for another 2 minutes.

This is just the beginning of your IELTS speaking journey. Stay tuned for more in-depth lessons, exercises, and tips to enhance your speaking skills for the IELTS exam.