IELTS Speaking Part 3: Useful Language

For most people, the discussion is the toughest part of the IELTS Speaking test. Remember though, you’re NOT required to demonstrate any special knowledge of the topics discussed. The examiner is listening for how well you connect your ideas, expand your answers and cope with difficulty when it arises. The following useful language will help you speak with more fluency and coherence, which together are worth 25% of your speaking score in IELTS.

Asking for help

• Could you say that in other words?
• I’m not sure what you mean exactly.
• Do you mean (          )?

Stalling for time

• That’s a(n) interesting/tough/difficult question.
• I don’t know much about this issue but …
• I’ve never really thought about it before but …

Giving an opinion

• Well, I think/suppose/would say …
• … for two/several reasons.
• I think most people would agree that …

Self-correcting

• Or rather …
• I mean …
• Or, should I say …

 Rephrasing

• What I mean is …
• What I want to say is …
• What I’m trying to say is …

Commenting on your own ideas

• I know this may sound obvious but …
• This may sound strange but …
• I’m sorry to have to say this but …

Giving an example

• Take (         ), for example.
• Look at (          ), for instance.
• A good example of this is (          ).

Introducing other ideas

• On the other hand, …
• Or, to look at it another way, …
• Then again, …

Getting to the point

• Anyway, to get to the point, …
• Anyway, the main point I want to make is that …
• So, in answer to your question, …

Concluding

• So, that’s why I think …
• Anyway, that’s why…
• So, to return to my original point, …