IELTS Speaking 7 Plus [Improve your IELTS speaking score]

Congratulations on beginning your learning journey.

Learn and understand the 3 sections of the IELTS speaking test (and what you will need!)

Once you know how the examiner grades your scores, you'll easily be able to score higher!

Check these top tips to easily supercharge your score. Make sure you listen closely!

Have you wondered what the test day is like? Listen a real student's experience to prepare for your own test day.

Frequently Asked Questions

                                         It’s normal to have lots of questions about the IELTS Speaking test; don’t worry, you’ll do fine! I’ve collected a list of questions I’ve heard many times over the years. Students are often really worried about taking the test, when in all honesty, they needn’t be. Have a read through this Frequently Asked Questions article. If there is something not answered, you can message me or add your questions to the Question and Answer section of this course. See you soon!

How is the IELTS Speaking test score calculated?

There are three parts to the IELTS Speaking test. All three parts are scored equally, meaning that you shouldn’t ignore one part of the test. However, if you find that are weaker at answering topic cards, you could spend more time practicing topic cards to make sure all parts are strong. Work through this course and try and steal as much language as you can. This will give you confidence in all three test parts and you will worry less about your speaking skills.

How is my complete IELTS score calculated?

As we all know, the IELTS test is made up of four sections: Writing, reading, speaking and listening. Each of these parts are given a final score up to 9. The examiner then adds all four scores together and divides by 9. Therefore, if you score 8 in reading and writing, a 6 in speaking and a 6 in listening (total 28 divided by 4) you would score 7 overall. This would be your final IELTS score.

What can I do if I don’t understand a question?

No need to panic! Often students will find a word or phrase in a question difficult to understand. This is very normal and there’s an easy way to move forward. You can ask the examiner a question to clarify meaning. For example, if the examiner asked you, “What kind of vocation would you like in the future?”, you can clarify the meaning of vocation by asking, “could you please clarify what you mean by vocation?”. Then the examiner will give you an answer. I believe that asking the examiner questions (if appropriate) can actually boost your score! There’s a whole video lesson on this topic later in the course.

Can I ask to change the Topic Card in Task 2?

In a perfect world, you could choose the topic card and prepare to your heart’s content. However, it isn’t possible to change your topic card.  There’s a few reasons why you shouldn’t be worried about this.

In this course, you’ll be looking at a lot of example questions, topic cards and answers. IF you work carefully through this course and record language you want to use, you’ll have a huge bank of ideas to answer any topic you can. A top tip I have for Task 2 Topic Cards is to use the 5 w’s. I discuss this technique further later in the course, but it will really help you structure your ideas fluently and with confidence.

Can I ask how I performed at the end of the test?

Unfortunately, the examiner will not be able to discuss your score at the end of the test. I’m sure every student who has completed the test wanted to know quickly, but you’ll have to wait for the official marks – this usually takes around 2 weeks but could be slightly less.

What accent should I try to use?

This is a big misconception with many students. I’ve often seen IELTS candidates worry about their accent for months when they didn’t have to. Your accent does not have to be from any country. You have your own accent and that is fine. As long as your speaking is clear and easily understood, you will be okay to take the IELTS speaking test.

Should I give short or long answers?

You’ll see as you move further through the course, that I always encourage to give details in almost every answer during the IELTS Speaking test. Replying to questions with short, two or three word answers won’t earn you the marks that you deserve. Try to expand your answers and give ideas and thoughts using language you use throughout this course.

Can I start speaking before the 1-minute preparation in task 2?

During the topic card activity in task 2, you will have one minute to prepare some notes to help you answer the question given. If you feel you are ready before the one-minute time is complete, you can of course begin your answer, but let the examiner know you are ready by saying, “okay, I’m ready to give you my answer now”.  Do make sure you use this one-minute time wisely and make notes using the 5 w’s. Again, this is covered in the course.

What kind of topics will I be asked about?

There are hundreds of topics that could come up in the IELTS Speaking test. Lots of the common ones are covered in the IELTS Speaking 7 Plus course; but I also give you the language skills to discuss topics that you may know less about. It’s better to prepare by understanding how to tell stories and organize ideas than practicing every single possible topic that may arise.

How should I greet the examiner?

When you walk into the exam room, the examiner will greet you and ask you a few simple questions. Make eye contact, be friendly and create a nice environment for you to show off your language skills. In the Task 1 Language Focus lesson, we’ll look closely at this part of the exam.

What’s the difference between part 1 and part 3?

Part 1 of the test is considered an introduction and general conversation about common topics. Many of the questions in part 1 are scripted; making it easier to know what you will be asked. Questions are general and often about family, home life, jobs or studies. In part 3, the examiner will open up questions to broader topics, which makes part 3 more like a discussion. In part 3, your answers should be longer and more detailed.

How long will the speaking test take?

The speaking test will take around 12-13 minutes. Part 1 is 4-5 minutes. Part 2 is 3-4 minutes and part 3 is 4-5 minutes.

If you have any other questions, not answered in this article, please message me or add your questions to the Q+A section on the course website.