Tag: speaking

In the interview part of the IELTS Speaking test (Part 1), you’re simply asked questions about yourself and other familiar topics. The examiner will be listening for how well you express yourself in a few words or sentences.

Of course, you should try to do more than simply answer the question if you want to achieve a high score. The following useful language will give you ideas for expanding an answer by talking about the past, present and future. It will also help you speak more fluently and with an awareness of collocation and idiomatic speech. Some idiomatic expressions are explained in parentheses.

Asking for repetition

• Could you say that again?
• I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that.
• Did you say (          )?

Stalling for time

• Well, let me see.
• In my case, …
• Hmm, I’d have to say …

Saying something negative

• I’m sorry but …
• I’m afraid (to say that) …
• To be (perfectly) honest, …

Giving an example

• For example, …
• A good example is …
• Maybe you’ve heard of …

Describing frequency

• Every other day, … (= Frequently)
• Once in a while, … (= Occasionally)
• Once in a blue moon, … (= Rarely)

Continue reading “IELTS Speaking Part 1: Useful Language”

In the individual long-turn part of IELTS Speaking, you have to talk for one to two minutes on a topic chosen by the examiner. This is the only part of the Speaking module in which a time limit applies, so there’s more pressure to speak quickly and without hesitation. However, it’s also the easiest part to practice, as answers tend to follow a similar pattern regardless of the topic. The useful language below will help you structure a response in Part 2. How you use it depends on the question.

Beginning your response

• I’m going to talk about …
• I’d like to tell you about …
• I’ve decided to speak about …

Indicating a time in the past

• I think it was when I was around (age) years old.
• When I was a (school) student, …
• In my (school) days, …

Speaking hypothetically

• If I could choose any (repeat topic), I’d choose …
• Given a choice of any (repeat topic), I’d rather …
• If money were no object, I’d …

Describing a book/film/story

• It’s about a (person) who …
• The story concerns a (person) who …
• The main character is a (role) played by (actor) who …

Omitting some details

• Briefly, …
• I won’t go into detail here but …
• There’s no time to explain fully here but …

Continue reading “IELTS Speaking Part 2: 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 …

Continue reading “IELTS Speaking Part 3: Useful Language”