IELTS Speaking Common Mistakes

SpeakSuccess – Mastering The IELTS Speaking Journey
Chapter 2

Welcome back to our SpeakSuccess: Mastering the IELTS Speaking Journey program. Today we’re diving into a crucial aspect of your IELTS preparation – avoiding common speaking mistakes. These errors, often overlooked, can significantly impact your score. Let’s explore them in detail, providing you with strategies and examples to enhance your speaking proficiency.

Identifying Frequent Grammatical Errors

Grammatical precision is a cornerstone of effective communication in English, and the IELTS examiners pay close attention to this aspect.

1. Tense Errors: One common mistake is the incorrect use of tenses. For instance, using the present tense instead of the past tense when discussing historical events can confuse the listener. Example:
   • Incorrect: “Yesterday, I go to the market.”
   • Correct: “Yesterday, I went to the market.”
2. Subject-Verb Agreement: Another common error is failing to match the subject with the appropriate verb form. This mistake can make your speech sound awkward and grammatically incorrect. Example:
   • Incorrect: “She have two cats.”
   • Correct: “She has two cats.”

Common Pronunciation Pitfalls

Pronunciation is not just about accent; it’s about being understood.

1. Vowel Sounds: Mispronounced vowels can lead to misunderstandings. For instance, mispronouncing the vowel sound in words like ‘seat’ and ‘sit’ can convey a completely different meaning. Example:
   • Mispronounced: “I need a new ‘sit’ for my chair.”
   • Correct: “I need a new ‘seat’ for my chair.”
2. Stress Patterns: English is a stress-timed language, and incorrect stress can change the meaning of words or make your speech difficult to understand. Example:
   • Word Stress: ‘CONtract’ (noun) vs. ‘conTRACT’ (verb).
   • Sentence Stress: “I didn’t say we should leave” can have different meanings depending on the stressed word.

Avoiding Overuse of Fillers and Pauses

Using too many fillers (‘um’, ‘uh’, ‘like’) or unnecessary pauses can disrupt the flow of your speech and give an impression of hesitation or lack of confidence.

1. Mindful Pausing: Use pauses strategically. A brief silence to collect your thoughts is better than filling the space with ‘um’ or ‘like’. Example:
   • With Filler: “I think, um, we should, uh, leave now.”
   • Without Filler: “I think… we should leave now.”
2. Eliminating Fillers: Practice speaking on topics without relying on fillers. This practice enhances your fluency and makes your speech sound more polished and confident. Example Exercise: Speak for one minute about your favourite book or movie without using fillers.

Enhancing Speech with Varied Expression

Beyond avoiding mistakes, using a range of expressions can enrich your speaking. Here are some tips:

1. Using Synonyms: Avoid repetition by using synonyms. This not only shows off your vocabulary but also keeps your listener engaged. Example: Instead of repeating ‘good’, use ‘excellent’, ‘fantastic’, or ‘wonderful’.
2. Employing Linking Words: Use words like ‘however’, ‘therefore’, and ‘furthermore’ to connect your ideas logically and smoothly.

Vocabulary List

1. Fluency (noun) [ˈfluːənsi]: The ability to speak or write a language easily and smoothly. Example: Fluency in English is essential for a high score in IELTS Speaking.
2. Cohesion (noun) [koʊˈhiːʒn]: The action or fact of forming a united whole. Example: Using linking words improves the cohesion of your speech.

Exercises

1. Grammar Correction Drill: Write ten sentences about your daily routine. Focus on using correct tenses and subject-verb agreement. Review and correct any errors.
2. Pronunciation Practice: Record yourself reading a short paragraph. Pay attention to vowel sounds and stress patterns. Listen back and note areas for improvement.
3. Impromptu Speaking: Practice speaking for two minutes on a random topic without fillers. Record and assess your fluency and coherence.

Understanding and avoiding these common speaking mistakes is a significant step towards achieving a high score in your IELTS Speaking test. Consistent practice and a conscious effort to correct these errors will not only improve your performance in the test but also enhance your overall communication skills in English.

Next time, we’ll delve into strategies for developing fluency and coherence, crucial components of the IELTS Speaking test. Stay tuned for more tips and techniques to help you excel in your IELTS journey.