Speaking in IELTS can feel nerve-racking, especially if English is not your first language. However, speaking is as important as any other module in IELTS. Students often practice reading, writing, and listening, but they ignore the speaking part. The speaking part is a formal interview where your grammar, fluency, use of lexical resources, and pronunciation are judged.
Speaking is divided into three parts, and it lasts around 11 to 14 minutes: part one is for 4 to 5 minutes, and involves common questions about the test-taker’s personal history or background. The second part takes 3 to 4 minutes, including the preparation. The students are given a cue card to speak on. The test-taker can take a minute to prepare before speaking; following that, they need to speak continuously for up to 2 minutes. The last section involves an in-depth discussion about the cue card, lasting 4 to 5 minutes.
Being aware of common ielts speaking mistakes can help you avoid pitfalls and improve your performance on the test. Recognizing these common ielts speaking mistakes will ensure you’re better prepared.
Speaking in English daily is not enough to attain a good band in IELTS speaking, as it follows specific grading criteria. The examiner evaluates the test-taker’s fluency and coherence, lexical resources, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.
Here are 10 common IELTS speaking mistakes people often make and a few hacks to improve your speaking:
Learning from these ielts speaking mistakes is crucial for achieving a higher score.
Common mistakes
1. Providing one-word or short answers
The IELTS speaking test assesses how fluently and clearly you can convey your answers. Giving short or one-word answers provides the examiner with the impression that you are unable to elaborate on your answers. Concise replies fail to show your command over the language. Giving answers like ‘yes’ or ‘no’ provides the examiner with no insight into your fluency, vocabulary, or ability to form coherent ideas.
Example of a weak response :
Examiner: “Do you enjoy traveling?”
Candidate: “Yes”
Example of a strong response:
Examiner: “Do you enjoy traveling?”
Candidate: “Yes, I love traveling. It gives me immense joy and a sense of serenity. Learning about a new place, their culture, rich history, and scrumptious food.. Etc. fascinates me. Moreover, it broadens my perspectives about the world and helps me to develop a sense of self-awareness.”
2. Speaking too fast or too slow.
Hurrying through your answers can make your answers sound ambiguous, and speaking too slowly can affect your scores. Keep a moderate pace while speaking,g that each word is comprehensible and straightforward. Take small pauses between your speaking for a smooth flow of ideas. Always keep the timer while speaking; this will allow you to maintain a consistent rhythm.
Example of a weak response:
“Ilovegoingtothemallbecauseiloveshopping.”
Example of a strong response:
“I love going to the mall because I love shopping. It’s relaxing, and I can also hang out with my friends. We often go shopping, to movies, or to the game zone.”
3. Incorrect pronunciation
Mispronounced words can affect your band score and the clarity of your speech. More than having an accent, your pronunciation of words should be crisp and clear. Taking small pauses and accurate use of intonations is what makes speaking more engrossing.
Common mispronunciations:
- Vegetable should be “ vej-tuh-buhl” not “vege-ta-ble”
- Comfortable should be “kumf-tuh-buhl” not “com-fort-able”
- Education should be “ej-oo-kay-shun” not “edu-ca-tion”
4. Using basic or repetitive vocabulary
The usage of limited or repetitive vocabulary shows your lack of lexical resources while speaking. Using identical or the same words like “good, bad, nice, or things” shows your minimal source of vocabulary, and it indeed will affect your lexical resources scores.
Weak example:
The food was good. It tasted really nice.
Strong example:
The food was scrumptious. I really enjoyed the flavors and the texture of the food.
5. Poor grammar usage
Incorrect grammatical usage can also affect your band score. Poor use of tenses, articles, and subject-verb agreement can make your speech sound unclear and vague. Focus on correct sentence structures. Often, people think they need to use complex grammar to sound refined and superior, but the trick is that what you convey to the examiner should be accurate and consistent.
Weak example: she go to school.
Strong example: She goes to school.
6. Going off-topic
There are changes that the test-taker might misunderstand the question and provide unrelated answers. If you do not understand the question, you can always ask the examiner to explain or elaborate on the same. Giving irrelevant answers indicates a lack of active listening and an inability to comprehend the language.
Weak example:
Examiner: “Do you prefer to study in the morning or the evening?”
Candidate: “ I usually wake up at 7 in the morning and eat breakfast.”
7. Being too formal or too informal
IELTS speaking follows a semi-formal language. It should not be overly formal. Using slang language is also not appropriate. The best way is to use polite and conversational language. Watching formal interviews like BBC or NPR can help you improve your speaking skills.
Example:
Too formal: “I endeavor to utilize the opportunity to travel…”
Too informal: “Yeah, I am like super into it…”
Better version: “I enjoy traveling whenever I get a chance, hence it allows me to learn about different cultures.”
8. Not asking for clarification
If you do not understand the question, it is better to get clarification from the examiner, as this will allow you to give a better and more appropriate answer rather than an incorrect answer. Often, the candidates are intimidated from asking for clarification from the examiner. There is no need to be frightened while asking for clarity. Politely ask the examiner to explain or repeat the question.
Examples:
What to say when confused:
- Pardon me, I didn’t quite catch that.
- Sorry, could you please repeat that?
- I am sorry, I did not understand the question. Could you please repeat that?
9. Not practicing enough
It is a common misconception among students that having basic language skills is enough to take an IELTS test. A good grip over the language is required, it is far from the only requirement for cracking an IELTS test. Consistent and regular practice is significant for attaining a good band score in IELTS. The natural flow and fluency in the language are essential for this. Create a speaking routine, practice at least 2 to 3 cue cards every day. There are plenty of free online platforms where you can practice IELTS mock tests.
10. Memorizing answers
Memorizing answers can lead to confusion in your speaking. If the answer you prepared and the question the examiner asks are different, then you will end up providing a vague answer. Rote learned answers sounds unnatural and rehearsed. The examiners can identify scripted answers. Memorizing answers hinders your creativity and the flow of spontaneous speaking. This can affect your speaking score negatively. You can add phrases and sentence starters to make your speech gripping.
Example of memorized answer:
“In this modern era of globalization, reading books is a pivotal pursuit that intensifies one’s knowledge.”
Better approach:
“I personally prefer reading books, especially fiction. They transport me to a different world. If I had to choose between movies and books, I would definitely choose books.”
The IELTS Speaking test may only be for 15 minutes, but it carries a significant weight in your overall band score. Avoid making these mistakes in your speaking and boost your speaking skills. Remember, the goal is not to sound like a native speaker but to express your ideas clearly and accurately. So speak up, stay calm and let your English shine.
