Tips to Improve IELTS Speaking Skills

Mastery of English speaking skills is a crucial aspect of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). As one of the most widely recognized English proficiency tests globally, IELTS assesses your ability to communicate effectively in real-life situations, whether for academic pursuits, professional opportunities, or immigration purposes. To achieve a good score on this test—typically band 7.0 or higher for competitive universities or visas—thorough preparation is essential. This article will provide you with effective tips and strategies to enhance your IELTS speaking skills, drawing from official guidelines, examiner insights, and proven techniques used by high-scoring candidates.

Read also: The Importance of Knowing the Differences TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, and PTE. Understanding these distinctions helps you choose the right test and tailor your speaking practice accordingly, as IELTS emphasizes natural, interactive communication over rote memorization.

Get Acquainted with The Structure of The IELTS Speaking Test

The IELTS speaking test is composed of three sections, each requiring a distinct approach to showcase different facets of your oral proficiency. Conducted face-to-face with a certified examiner, this 11-14 minute module is identical for both Academic and General Training versions, ensuring fairness across candidates. It evaluates not just what you say, but how fluently, coherently, and accurately you express ideas in a conversational setting.

• Part 1 initiates with introductory questions, an identification verification process, and delves into two topics, often centered around the candidate’s life and experiences. This ice-breaker builds rapport and assesses basic fluency in familiar contexts.
• Part 2 necessitates speaking for one to two minutes on a designated topic, with a one-minute preparation period. Known as the ‘long turn,’ it tests your ability to organize thoughts independently and sustain a monologue.
• Part 3 engages in a more profound exploration of the theme introduced in Part 2, involving abstract discussions and opinion-based responses. This two-way dialogue evaluates critical thinking and lexical resource in depth.

It’s important to note that candidates for both the IELTS General and Academic modules undergo the same IELTS speaking test, making preparation strategies universally applicable. The evaluation in this test is based on four equally weighted criteria (25% each): Fluency and Coherence (smooth flow without excessive pauses), Lexical Resource (range and accuracy of vocabulary), Grammatical Range and Accuracy (variety and correctness of structures), and Pronunciation (clarity, intonation, and stress). Achieving band 7+ requires balancing these elements naturally.

1. Fluency in English, including the ability to speak without hesitation or interruptions, while linking ideas logically with discourse markers like ‘furthermore’ or ‘on the other hand.’
2. Effective usage of language connectors, pronouns, conjunctions, and other linguistic devices to create cohesive speech.
3. Clarity in language and accent to ensure the examiner’s comprehension, even if your native accent is retained—as long as it’s intelligible.
4. Appropriate vocabulary use, grammatical accuracy, and sentence structuring, incorporating idiomatic expressions and topic-specific terms where relevant.
5. Pronunciation and intonation, featuring natural rhythm, word stress, and sentence melody to convey meaning effectively.

Now, let’s delve into the detailed structure of the IELTS speaking test, dissecting each part:

Part 1: Format:

• Introductions by both the candidate and the examiner, starting with ‘Hello, my name is…’ to set a professional tone.
• General questions posed by the examiner concerning the candidate’s hometown, profession, hobbies, family, and education—typically 4-5 questions per topic to gauge everyday conversational skills.
• Candidates are required to provide their name, present their passport or ID, and indicate their preferred name for the examiner’s address, ensuring smooth interaction.
• This section evaluates the candidate’s ability to discuss everyday topics and shared experiences with confidence and elaboration. Duration: Part 1 typically spans approximately four to five minutes, allowing for natural exchanges without pressure.

Tips for Part 1 Speaking Test:

• Arrive early to the appointment—ideally 30 minutes—to familiarize yourself with the environment and reduce anxiety.
• Maintain a courteous demeanor upon entering, smiling and greeting the examiner to establish positive rapport.
• Keep your identification readily accessible and avoid overly formal language; use natural phrases like ‘I live in a bustling city’ instead of scripted responses.
• Be prepared to answer two to three questions about your hometown, home, studies, or work using clear and simple language, expanding with examples like ‘My hometown is famous for its street food, which I enjoy every weekend.’
• Respond to three to four questions on each of two topics with relatively concise yet detailed answers, aiming for 2-3 sentences per response.
• Allocate roughly 10-20 seconds to each answer, and don’t be concerned if you are interrupted—it’s part of guiding the conversation.
• While most questions pertain to your life and experiences, some may require yes or no responses. Nevertheless, providing additional details is often advantageous, as it demonstrates fluency and lexical range—for instance, ‘Yes, I do, because it helps me relax after a long day.’

Part 2: Format:

• A Task Card (Cue Card) is provided to the candidate, featuring a topic and 3-4 bullet points to guide your talk, such as ‘Describe a memorable event… Who was there? What happened? Why was it memorable?’
• One minute is allocated for preparing a response to the given topic—use this to jot notes on the card’s back, structuring introduction, body, and conclusion.
• The candidate must then speak for one to two minutes on the provided topic, covering all prompts while adding personal anecdotes for depth.
• This section assesses the candidate’s ability to confidently discuss any topic with coherence and relevant vocabulary. Duration: This segment typically spans three to four minutes on average, including prep and follow-up.
• If the candidate hasn’t spoken for the full two minutes, a final question may be posed to round off, like ‘How did it make you feel?’

Tips for Part 2 Speaking Test:

• Utilize the one-minute preparation time effectively to organize thoughts and structure the response—brainstorm key vocab, sequence events, and plan connectors like ‘firstly,’ ‘then,’ ‘finally.’
• Speak in a relaxed manner without unnecessary haste; pace yourself at 120-150 words per minute to maintain clarity and avoid filler overuse.
• Aim to speak for at least one and a half minutes, extending to two by adding details, reasons, and examples to demonstrate range.
• It is advisable to practice speaking for two minutes before the test using official cue cards from Cambridge IELTS books, timing yourself and recording for self-review.

Part 3: Format:

• The examiner poses 4-6 questions related to the theme introduced earlier, shifting to abstract, societal, or hypothetical scenarios.
• The candidate must provide more detailed and subjective opinions, typically 3-5 sentences per answer, with justifications and examples.
• This portion assesses the candidate’s capacity to critically analyze a topic, articulate and justify personal views, and effectively organize thoughts using advanced structures.
• Expect to provide longer responses to four to five questions, incorporating comparisons, causes/effects, and predictions.
• While the examiner may occasionally interject for clarification, this should not impact the candidate’s overall score.
• Questions may cover various aspects of the candidate’s life, but they may also delve into broader ideas and themes like technology’s impact or environmental issues. Duration: Part 3 typically spans four to five minutes on average.

Tips for Part 3 Speaking Test:

• This section requires comprehensive and detailed responses—aim for 4-6 sentences, starting with a direct opinion, then explaining with reasons, examples, and a balanced counterpoint.
• Candidates should be prepared to elaborate on their opinions, explaining and justifying their stance on various matters and ultimately evaluating them with phrases like ‘In my view,’ ‘This is because,’ or ‘However, on the downside.’
• If interrupted by the examiner, candidates should pause and compose themselves; such interruptions will not adversely affect the total score and often signal time management.

General Tips for Excelling in the IELTS Speaking Test:

Now that you are familiar with the IELTS speaking test pattern and structure, here are some general tips to help you secure a high score, compiled from IDP and British Council recommendations:

• Arrive at least 30-40 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow sufficient time for relaxation, check-in, and mental preparation.
• Maintain consistent eye contact with the examiner upon entering the testing room to build connection and show confidence.
• Articulate your responses clearly and courteously without rushing—speak at a natural pace to allow for proper intonation and avoid misunderstandings.
• Avoid displaying anger or discontent, even if a question is challenging; stay positive and pivot gracefully.
• Engage with the examiner in a formal yet conversational manner, treating it like a friendly chat rather than an interrogation.
• Listen attentively to the questions and ensure comprehensive responses, paraphrasing if needed to confirm understanding.
• It’s acceptable to disagree with the examiner’s viewpoint on a topic, but do so politely with phrases like ‘I see your point, but I believe…’
• Whenever expressing an opinion, endeavor to provide detailed and relevant answers to each question, using PEEL (Point, Explain, Example, Link) structure for coherence.

These IELTS Speaking test guidelines will undoubtedly contribute to your success. Be yourself, communicate naturally, and remain relaxed—examiners reward authenticity over perfection. Here’s to a rewarding journey ahead, where consistent effort transforms into band 8+ achievements!

IELTS Preparation with Ultimate Education:

If you encounter challenges while preparing for the IELTS at home—such as limited feedback or unstructured practice—consider enrolling in Ultimate Education’s IELTS Preparation Program. This comprehensive program covers all modules with a focus on speaking, including academic writing, profile development for university applications, education loans, and immigration support for a holistic pathway abroad.

The program offers flexible pricing, ranging from Rp. 2,230,000 to 7,300,000, depending on your specific needs like intensive speaking modules or full-package prep. It includes tailored features to boost your band score:

• 40-160 hours of program content, covering topic-specific vocabulary, cue card strategies, and Part 3 debate techniques.
• Semi-private lessons with max 4 students for personalized attention and interactive speaking drills.
• Tri-weekly practice tests with detailed feedback on fluency, pronunciation, and error correction.
• 2-3 full-length mock tests simulating real exam conditions, complete with band score predictions and improvement plans.

Engage in Regular Speaking Exercises

Regular practice is crucial for enhancing your speaking abilities and building the muscle memory needed for spontaneous responses. Look for occasions to engage in English conversations on a frequent basis—aim for at least 30 minutes daily. You can participate in English language study circles via apps like Meetup, communicate with friends who possess strong English skills through language exchange platforms, or even record your own voice while speaking on random topics for self-assessment and progress tracking.

Focus on Vocabulary and Key Expressions

Expanding your vocabulary and using appropriate expressions will help enhance your fluency and coherence in speaking, directly impacting your Lexical Resource score. Create a themed list of commonly used vocabulary and expressions related to IELTS hotspots like environment, technology, education, and health. Practice using this vocabulary and expressions in daily conversations, journaling, or shadow-speaking with podcasts to internalize collocations like ‘tackle climate change’ or ‘foster innovation.’

Read also: Want IELTS Lessons? These are 5 Recommended Places for IELTS Courses in Jakarta. Professional tutoring accelerates vocab retention through targeted drills.

Listen to English Audio Materials

Listening to English audio materials can help improve your intonation, pronunciation, and listening comprehension, which indirectly boosts speaking confidence. Listen to various types of audio materials such as BBC podcasts, TED Talks, news broadcasts from CNN or ABC, or interviews with native speakers. Strive to understand the meaning conveyed in the audio, pay attention to the speaker’s pronunciation and intonation patterns, and repeat aloud to mimic rhythm— this ‘shadowing’ technique enhances natural flow and reduces accent barriers.

Simulate The Speaking Test

One effective way to prepare is by simulating the speaking test under exam-like conditions. Find sample IELTS speaking test questions from official practice books or websites, and practice answering them within a limited time frame using a timer. Seek assistance from friends, language partners, or teachers to evaluate and provide feedback on your speaking performance, focusing on the four scoring criteria to identify gaps.

Read Also: IELTS Test Simulation: The Right Way to Get a High Score. Regular mocks desensitize you to pressure and refine timing.

Enhance Reading Comprehension

Good speaking skills are supported by a strong understanding of written texts, as Part 2 and 3 often draw from reading-inspired ideas. Read articles, essays, and various types of texts in English regularly from sources like The Guardian, Academic journals, or IELTS reading passages. Train yourself to summarize the content using your own words, extract key arguments, and practice conveying ideas orally to bridge reading and speaking skills seamlessly.

Use Grammar Appropriately

Good speaking skills also involve the proper use of grammar to avoid errors that lower your band. Expand your understanding of English grammar structures—conditionals, passives, relative clauses—and practice using them in daily conversations or responses to sample questions. There are many online grammar learning resources available for your benefit, such as British Council LearnEnglish or Grammarly’s speaking exercises, to ensure variety without overcomplication.

Maintain Confidence

Maintaining confidence while speaking English is crucial for fluent delivery and positive examiner impression. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes or experiencing moments of hesitation—examiners expect natural speech, not flawlessness. Keep practicing daily, have faith in your speaking abilities, and visualize success. Remember that the IELTS test is an opportunity to showcase your skills in real-world communication, not to be perfect; even native speakers pause and correct themselves.

Read also: Accurate Tips for Facing IELTS Reading Questions. Strong reading supports confident speaking through idea generation.

Record and Evaluate Your Performances

Recording your speaking performances and evaluating them objectively can help you identify strengths and weaknesses in your speaking. Use your phone to record Part 2 monologues or full mocks, then pay attention to pronunciation (word stress), intonation (rising/falling tones), clarity, and the variety of vocabulary you use. Identify areas that need improvement—such as filler words like ‘um’ or grammar slips—and practice repeatedly with targeted drills to see measurable progress over weeks.

Seek Help from Teachers or Mentors

If you find it challenging to improve your IELTS speaking skills independently due to lack of objective feedback, don’t hesitate to seek help from experienced teachers or mentors. They can provide specific guidance on idiom usage, pronunciation nuances, and valuable feedback through one-on-one sessions to help you make significant progress toward your target band.

Read Also: Fully Funded Scholarships 2023 – Opportunity to Get Fully Funded Scholarships for This Year. High IELTS scores unlock such opportunities.

Improving IELTS speaking skills requires consistent practice, dedication, and strategic approaches over 1-3 months. By following the tips and strategies mentioned above—from structured test familiarity to daily immersion—you can enhance your English speaking abilities, reduce anxiety, and achieve a good score on the IELTS test that opens doors to global education and careers.

Read also: What is the minimum IELTS test score for studying abroad? There is a University of Your Destination…. Know your targets to motivate practice.

FAQ

Do I need to use complex vocabulary in the IELTS speaking test?

There is no need to use complex vocabulary unnaturally, as it can lead to errors and sound forced. It is better to focus on using appropriate, precise, and diverse vocabulary that fits the topic, including less common items and idioms for higher bands.

Should I speak at a fast pace in the IELTS test?

No, what matters is clarity, good pronunciation, and natural speed. Speaking too fast may lead to a loss of articulation, mumbling, or increased errors, lowering pronunciation and fluency scores.

Do I need to memorize complex sentences while speaking?

There is no need to memorize complex sentences verbatim, as it can make speech robotic. It is better to focus on conveying ideas clearly and using a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences organically.

How can I improve my intonation and vocal skills in speaking English?

You can improve intonation and vocal skills by listening to and imitating proficient English speakers through shadowing exercises, recording comparisons, and focusing on stress-timing in sentences.

Is it important to take IELTS preparation courses?

Taking IELTS preparation courses can provide you with effective guidance, strategies, mock exams, and expert feedback tailored to your weaknesses, significantly boosting your chances of a high band score.