The IELTS test is an important part of the overseas university application process as well as getting your work visas to several English-speaking countries such as Australia and the UK.
The speaking test is one of the vital components of the overall IELTS test external icon and doing well here is important to get a good overall score and attain the IELTS band you wish to enter your dream course.
While it is fine to get nervous about the right method to prepare for the Speaking test, you should not believe several misconceptions about the test, particularly from 3rd party experiences and anecdotes!
In this blog, Cafe Converse, Delhi’s leading English institute for IELTS coaching, busts the most common myths and misconceptions of the IELTS Speaking test to keep you firmly on track.
A native slang or accent is compulsory to score better
While you may have an accent local to your country, you do not have to be worried about getting penalized for it. Your examiner is not here to make sure you got the same accent as him or her. Your accent or slang is not at all part of the evaluation criteria and does not impact your score.
Instead, you must be paying attention to what is being evaluated – i.e. your pronunciation, use of grammar, fluency, and coherence of your argument and conversation.
A good method to practice is to read aloud to enhance your pronunciation and practice with family and friends or even with online teachers to see if you can be understood and see if your ideas flow naturally and well.
The speaking test is easy and simple to score
Yes, the Speaking test is entirely verbal and you do not require to do any writing, however, like all other parts of the IELTS test, it does come with its unique set of challenges that needs ample practice.
Depending on your preference and unique scenario, you may find the speaking test easier but the evaluation criteria go beyond merely holding a simple conversation. You will need to discuss abstract ideas and problems, talk about yourself naturally as well as make sure your thoughts and speech are coherent having good pronunciation.
You have to agree with your examiner’s opinion
Engaging with your examiner in a conversation does not mean you ought to always agree with their opinion or statement, particularly, if you do not believe in them.
You are not going to be evaluated if your ideas match with theirs or not. It is all about engaging in a fluent conversation having good grammar, and pronunciation with coherence. If you do disagree with their opinions or statements, a good method is to acknowledge what they are saying and then present your idea.
My speaking test duration was just 11 minutes long
The duration of the test of IELTS test lasts between 11 to 14 minutes.
While you may be concerned that your test simply lasted shorter or longer than the average duration, it does not mean that you will score lesser or more because of it. The evaluation criteria do not take into consideration how long your test lasts.
Being polite and courteous will help you score more
Being polite, courteous, and smiling are supposed to be part of basic human manners when engaging with anyone in a conversation.
It does support the interaction moving forward, however, it is never a part of the evaluation criteria. You must not worry about being overly polite but pay attention to the conversation and topic at hand.
Using short and easy sentences means committing fewer errors
Using easier sentences may seem like a good tactic, but you are also being evaluated on how well you link ideas together plus your grammatical range and sentence structuring.
It decreases your ability to use clauses, verbs, and time clauses. Shorter and easier sentences restrict your ability to truly shine and stand out in the conversation and would perhaps leave the examiner a little choice but to mark you down.
Ms Sonu Goel is a professionally acclaimed certified ESL trainer from the British Council having 15 years of strong background for teaching the English language in both online and physical classes. She is dedicated to teaching of English in an interactive and practical way, whereby learners feel enriched with knowledge and experience the language hands-on. She uses creative ideas and aids to let the learning happen as organically and efficiently as possible. Ms Goel has travelled to various European countries and experienced an array of cultures and linguistic skills for the English language.
To learn more about Sonu Goel please visit : https://cafeconverse.com/best-english-tutor-coach-teacher-sonu-goel.html
