IELTS Speaking

Tips for Part 1

1. Keep answers concise, except when asked to describe something.
2. Be prepared for the unexpected questions.
3. Be creative and imaginative.
4. Volunteer pieces of information.
Tips for part 2
1. Study past questions in Part 2.
2. Master the art of note-taking.
3. Be creative and imaginative.
4. Use wow-factor language.
5. Talk for two minutes and sound interesting enough.
6. Don’t say “that’s all” to end your talk.
Tips for part 3
1. Master all the speech functions and their corresponding expressions.
2. Think about what most people in your community experience.
3. Lengthen your answers.
4. Be confident in expressing your ipinions.
5. Avoid sweeping statements.
PART 1: PERSONAL INFORMATION
Speech functions refers to the typical kinds of questions being asked in the IELTS speaking
test. By knowing these forms and mastering how well they are responded to, you should
be able to speak in confidence. Here are the typical speech functions tested in part 1 of
the IELTS speaking test.
Speech Function # 1: HOW?
Your task is to explain a process so use the words by or through (not because).

Q: How do you relax?

A: I unwind by being alone. I relax most of the time
by simply doing nothing. Sometimes, I stay in my
room reading books with my favorite music in the
background and enjoying my privacy.
Speech Function # 2: DESCRIBING
You may begin by expressing your viewpoint. (Do you like it? Are you proud of it? Are
you knowledgeable about it?)

Q: Describe your city.

A: I am very proud of where I come from. Davao City
is interesting because it is known for its massive land
areas. It is actually one of the biggest cities in the
world when it comes to the area it occupies. It is
situated in the war-stricken Mindanao, yet it is
relatively peaceful. It has a booming economy with
its flourishing IT industry and real estate business.
My city is popular for its abundant durian fruits and
orchids.

Speech Function # 3: DEFINING

To define properly, begin by identifying its generic classification (Is it a feeling? Is it a
state of mind?) and then discuss its specific function.

Q: Define globalization.
A: Globalization is an international policy (generic
classification) where countries open their doors to
others to share goods and services in the hope that
international commerce and communication shall
improve further.
Speech Function # 4: CITING PREFERENCES
Begin by explaining your choice (Don’t forget to use the expressions inside the
LANGUAGE BANK). Add a short explanation why you don’t go for the other choice
given.

Language Bank:

a. I choose __________over________
b. ____________is better than __________
c. I prefer ___________to ____________
d. ____________is far superior than______

Q: Which do you like better, English movies or

Filipino movies?
A: In general, I choose English movies over Filipino
movies. I find the western films more interesting
since their storylines are unique and their technical
production is more advanced. With Filipino movies,
plots are highly predictable and they seldom tackle
new themes for viewers to be surprised and amazed.
Speech Function # 5: ANSWERING “YES/NO” QUESTIONS:
BE RESPONSIVE: Start with a “Yes” or a “No” answer. (Don’t forget to use the
expressions inside the LANGUAGE BANK) Proceed to your explanation. Why yes? Why
no?

Language Bank:
Yes: Definitely, certainly, without a doubt, truly,
unarguably, absolutely
No: Unfortunately, I’m afriad….

Q: Do you like watching movies?

A: Definitely! I love watching movies. They are my
primary source of entertainment and I bond with my
friends through watching movies. Movies relax me
and they help me learn about the culture of other
people, notably the Americans.

Q: Do you like sports?

A: Unfortunately, I haven’t developed the liking for
sports. I didn’t have any role model at home when I
was young and I wasn’t given the opportunity to
enjoy them.

Speech Function # 6: ANSWERING THE FIVE W’s(what/when/where/why/who):

This is probably the easiest of all the speech functions. The suggested structure surely
helps in organizing your thoughts properly. The key here is to be direct to the point, yet
to be able to speak long enough to satisfy the interviewer.
The 2nd part of the interview (Individual Long Turn) is characterized by these questions.
What is important is you connect your ideas smoothly by using transitional devices as
you move from one question to the next.
 SPEAKING PART 2:
INDIVIDUAL LONG TURN
A. NOTE TAKING

DO’s:
1. Copy first ALL the key words of the questions.
2. Answer each question by identifying specific NOUNS, ADJECTIVES AND
ADVERBS.
3. Observe WOW factor language.
4. Identify the verb tense/s to use.
5. Be creative and imaginative.
DONT’s:
1. Don’t write your notes in sentence forms.
2. Don’t be picky. Stick to the answers that first spring to mind.

B. DELIVERY

DO’s:
1. Proceed right away to your topic.
2. Take your time in answering each question by citing specific details.
3. Use transitional devices.
4. Use expressions that will make you sound natural/conversational.
5. Sound INTERESTING and ENTHUSIASTIC.
6. Stick to the order of the questions.
DON’T’s:
1. Don’t be glues to your notes.
2. Avoid lenghty and “canned” introductions.

C. CONCLUSION

DO’s:
1. See to it that you talk for 2straight minutes.
2. Think of other relevant pieces of information for you to extend up to 2
minutes.
DON’T’s:
1. Don’t ever say “THAT’S ALL” to end your talk.
 Other reminders:

1. PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!

2. Expect to be asked of 2 rounding-off questions before going to Part 3.

Sample Part 2 questions and answers:

Talk about an advertisement that you

really liked. You should say: An advertisement that really caught my interest was
 What it was about the newest TV advertisement of Nescafe. This was
 When you saw it in relation to its newest product, Nescafe
 Where you saw it Cappuccino. Nescasfe, by the way, is the leading
brand of coffee in my country.
If my memory serves me right, I think I first saw it on TV two weeks ago. It was
actually an ordinary evening. Just to pass up time, I decided to watch one of the
more popular national programs on tV and during the show’s break, this new
advertisement was shown. I was at home when I saw it. I was seated on the sofa
with mt dog on my lap. It was such an interesting moment.
The advertisement’s plot is very simple. It’s between 2 yuppies. The man is
drinking coffee, while the woman is playing the role of an entertained spectator.
Because the man is drinking this very frothy cappuccino, much of the froth stays
on his upper lip. The woman, seemingly concerned with the man’s funny look,
gestures for the man to check his upper lip. She does this by sticking out her own
tongue to lick her own upper lip. Interestingly, no words are exchanged between
them. What ensues is the man unwittingly thinking that the woman is sexually
interested in him. In the man’s perspective, the woman being so beautiful and all
appears to be so drwan to him that she couldn’t control her actions. The man
only realizes the sad and cold truth when the woman approaches him and puts
some tissue on his face.
Personally, I find the advert very effective. Advertisements are created primarily to
bring the product to the customer’s attention, and it really caught my attention
instantaneously. I love the funny scenario plus the subtly seductive scene. In my
opinion, the message of the advert is drink this particular coffee if you want to
attract attention. I think most young professionals find the advert relatable. It’s a
wise decision for the director not to use any words. Only music accompanies the
silent advert to magnify dramatically the development of the story. If I were to
play the role of an armchair critic, I would definitely give it would two thumbs
up.
 PART 3: EXTENDED DISCOURSE
The final part of the IELTS sepaking test jumps off from the part 2 topic. However, the
kinds of questions can be a little more challenging because here the candidate may be
asked to identify specific ideas quickly, express his own views about an idea and
speculate about the future. Here are the typical speech functions asked in part 3 of the
interview.
Speech Function # 7: ENUMERATING ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Sample questions:
1. What are the advantage and disadvantages of intensive training for young
sportspeople?
2. What are the disadvantages of making friends easily?

HELPFUL EXPRESSIONS:

ADVANTAGE:
SUGGESTED STRUCTURE:
 Benefit
1 Start with a general statement.
 Positive aspect
√ Avoid using the word “many” for specifying the  Good thing
number of advantages/disadvantages you intend to  Favorable
enumerate.  Good point
 Gain
2 Enumerate your answers.
DISADVANTAGE:
√ If asked to enumerate only either the advantages
or the disadvantages, try to come up with three  Downside
ideas.  Negative aspect
 Problem
√ If asked to enumerate both, one task may only  drawback
have 1 idea, while the other task may have 2 or
more.
√ Briefly explain each answer and use linking devices to achieve cohesion.
√ Use the other equilavalent terms for advantages and disadvantages.
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of intensive training for young spotspeople?
A: Exposure to sports can both benefit and harm the young people.
On th plus side, these young players easily gain mastery over their chosen sports since constant
exposure will help them develop the right techniques. Another good thing about this is that they
become physically active; they develop the stamina they need to win the game.
The downside though is that overexposure may mean lesser time for studies, and this is not good at
all. Additionally, students are at risk of sustaining injury.

Speech Function # 8: COMPARING AND CONTRASTING

Sample Questions:
1. What are the difference between family parties and parties given by
friends?
2. Compare a group discussion from a speech.
SUGGESTED STRUCTURE:

1Start with general statement. HELPFUL EXPRESSIONS:

SIMILARITIES:
 Begin by identifying whether a lot of
 They are alike in the sense that
differences exist or if the things
 Their common trait would be that
compared are in general similar.
 They are regarded as the same in their

2
They are almost identical when it
Enumerate your answers. comes to
 They are comparable in
 To compare and contrast properly, think  They are hadly distinguishable when it
first of your distinguishing factors. comes to
 See to it that the points you are DIFFERENCES:
comparing ( regarding the two subjects)
match.  They vary
 Briefly explain each comparison and use  They differ
linking devices to achieve cohesion.  One contrast is
 Use the other equivalent terms for  They are essentially dissimilar in terms
similar and different. of
Q: What are the differences between family parties and parties given by friends?
A: Family parties and parties with friends differ in a number of ways. One disparity is the purpose.
Usually, families hold parties to celebrate typical occasions like birthdays, reunions, and Christmas
gatherings, whereas friends party even without any special occasion. As long as the troop is complete,
any meeting among friends may end up becoming a party. Another difference is the atmosphere or
ambience of the event. With family, events are normally observed formally, while with friends, guests
can be very casual and loud. They can also vary in their venues. With family, events are held at a
family member’s house, in contrast to parties with friends that are usually held in bars or beach
resorts.

Speech Function # 9: EXPRESSING OPINIONS

Sample Questions:
1. Some people think that technology hs brought more stress than benefits
to employed people nowadays. Would you agree or disagree?
2. Do you think advertisements are good for children to watch?
Suggested Structure:
 1 Start with standard. HOW STRONGLY DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE?

 Start your talk by identifying how
strongly you agree or disagree with
the question.
 Do not say: I agree to. Instead, say:
I agree with.
_____1_____2_______3_______4_______5_______
I strongly disagree
- I don’t believe that at all
- I think that idea is incorrect
- I do not see it that way

2
- By no means do I think of that
Explain your stand. I strongly agree

 Develop your answers using at - I think that’s absolutely true

least three sentences. - I totally agree
 You may expound your answer by - Without a doubt
citing examples or by quoting - By all means that’s correct
famous sayings.
OTHER HELPFUL EXPRESSIONS
- In my view/ opinion
Other expressions for because: - To my mind
- Personally, I think
On account of, for the reason that, - I suppose
since, as, due to the fact that, owing to - Well, from my point of view
the fact that - It seems to me that
- My impression is that
- As far as I am concerned

Q: Some people think that technology has brought more stress than benefits to employed people
nowadays. Would you agree or disagree?
A: I do not believe that at all. I say so since workers perfrom their tasks with speed, precision and
convenience because of technology. Multi-tasking is easily done due to the many gadgets that readily
assist office workers in their daily activities. It is also through technology that employees manage to
generate more free time. With the aid of new equipment in the office, workers finish their jobs fast.

Speech function # 10: SPECULATING ABOUT THE FUTURE

Sample questions:
1. Do you think all new homes will be equipped with household machines
in the future?
2. Do you think the text lingo and the chat lingo will form part of the formal
language in the future?
 SUGGESTED STRUCTURE:
1 Start with an expression
denoting your certainty.
 Use the expressions
listed to your
advantage.
2 Explain your answer.
 Develop your answer
using at least 3
sentences.
 You may also explain
how different or similar
the future is to the
present situation.
 To be substantial,
think of the
experiences or
conditions that people
will have in the future.
Possible concerns include:
HELPFUL EXPRESSIONS:
If you are certain, start by saying:
- There is a strong possibility that
- There is no question in my mind that
- There is every chance that
- I can say without a doubt that
- I can say most definitely that
- I am utterly convinced that
If you are fairly certain, begin by saying:
- It might be the case that
- It could be that
It could lead to
- It has the potential to
If you are uncertain, say:
- I’m not really sure if
- I think it is debatable whether
- No one can predict whether
- It is impossible to say if

 People’s haevy reliance on technology

 People living more fast-paced lifestyles
 People confronting worsening environmental problems
 The world as one global village
 People becoming highly mobile
 People assuming more liberated lifestyles

Q: Do you think all new homes will be equipped with household machines in the future?
A: There is no question in my mind that all new homes will be fitted with household machines in the future.
People’s heavey reliance on technology is a strong proof to this and since they will be assuming a much more
fast-paced lifestyle in the future, I think that this will be the case. The widespread use of technology now will
surely lead to the saturation of modern machines in most households in the years to come.