Preparing for IELTS Speaking: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Posted by

A significant part of the exam used to evaluate your communication and English language skills is the IELTS speaking test. This is one of the hardest sections since it calls for not just fluency in the language but also coherence, self-assurance, and efficient time management. 

However, you may greatly enhance your performance and raise your chances of receiving a high exam score if you follow the appropriate approach and are aware of the typical blunders to avoid. IELTS is mandatory if you want to Study in UK. Check out Nodnat Lucknow if you are looking to know about IELTS and Studying Abroad

Many mistakes could happen because it is done directly, especially for Indonesian students studying English as a second language. During the IELTS Speaking exam, many candidates make pronunciation and grammar mistakes.

Even thinking about sitting for an exam in person could sound scary. However, there are several things you may do to keep your cool and get a better grade.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Lack of Confidence:

The examiner does not anticipate that you will talk fluently on the IELTS Speaking test. When you are able to communicate normally with someone, such as a friend or coworker, that is more than enough. 

It’s normal to feel anxious. Even yet, speaking too rapidly or incoherently will give the impression that you lack confidence. 

One approach to get over it is to try practicing with other people. Additionally, it’s critical to maintain courteous conversation, periodically smile, make hand gestures when needed, and maintain good eye contact with the examiner.

  • Answer Silently:

A silent moment may be the appropriate reaction if you don’t comprehend what the examiner is saying, are unsure of what to reply, or need some time to gather your thoughts. It is preferable to hammer home your response by including superfluous words like “Um” or “Ahh.” 

It’s acceptable to be silent for a short while before responding to a question. However, it may have negative effects if it lasts longer than five seconds. To make the question more understandable, you can ask the examiner to repeat it or provide you more time to reflect.

  • Don’t Stray off the Topic:

Some test takers tend to forget the question and stray from the subject in the middle of the interview. As a result, they start talking more and bring up unrelated topics. 

However, you don’t always gain more points by talking more. For speaking a lot is not the same as speaking correctly. 

Remember that the examiner asks straightforward, uncomplicated questions, so keep on topic. It is preferable to respond to them in three to four sentences; this need not be very long.

  • Don’t Repeat Same Phrase or Words:

Steer clear of overusing the same word or phrase. To express the same things in multiple ways, you might increase your vocabulary or study synonyms. 

You have access to additional books on certain subjects, movies, and podcasts. Jot down new words you come across, along with their definitions. This is a simpler way to expand your vocabulary in English.

  • Poor Pronunciation

Your flat intonation will make it difficult for the examiner to comprehend you even if you talk effectively. The opposite is true. 

IELTS Speaking test pronunciation and intonation are two crucial components. To maintain the examiner’s attention, you need to be aware of your voice pitch, speed, and volume. 

You can record your speaking practice and compare it to the real voice in order to prevent making these blunders. You can also listen to conversations with natural English speakers. As many times as you can, repeat this while using various accents and speech patterns.

  • Memorized Answers:

Reciting an answer from memory will be noticed by the examiner very likely, and you will be penalized for it. The candidate may try to “rephrase” the question to fit their desired response, speak in an artificial tone, or speak in a “written” English style when giving a memorized response. Speaking about a variety of topics in preparation before the test is far more beneficial than trying to memorize answers to questions, that are highly unlikely to be asked.

  • Don’t Overuse Transition Signals:

Using a few signposting words, such as initially or on the other hand, is beneficial. However, you risk actually losing points if you use too many of these in your speech. Your objective for IELTS Speaking should be to sound natural, not like a robot providing directions. Furthermore, additionally, and in addition are just a few of the many terms that are typical of academic writing but are rarely used in speech and may even make you sound less natural if you use them.

  • Don’t Say “I don’t Understand”:

Discover the superior methods for determining meaning! You could make a simple request such as “Could you say that again, please?” can pose a clarifying query like “Do you mean…” that demonstrates that you have a basic understanding of the question.

  • Don’t Repeat the Question:

A parrot is a bird that can mimic human speech in the wild, but it cannot comprehend it. A applicant who repeats the question in statement form on the IELTS is called a parrot. Which sport do you prefer to watch on television? A: Football is my favourite sport to watch on TV. IELTS scoring significantly rewards speech variation, thus paraphrasing the question’s wording or structure is a quick way to get a higher score: I watch football on TV all the time.

  • Don’t Use a Lot of Big Words:

People sometimes assume that in order to perform highly on an exam, you need to use long, “complex” words in each sentence. Except in the case of a conference of university professors, this simply does not occur when listening to native speakers speak. Attempt to demonstrate to the examiner that you are familiar with a wide range of words; nevertheless, avoid attempting to utilize language that you are not quite comfortable with. Use of complicated words that you are not familiar with will almost certainly result in errors and a failing grade.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *