Unit 2: How to Prepare for the IELTS Speaking Test

Which of the following is NOT a tip for enhancing your English communication skills?

• Read newspaper and magazine articles.

• Listen to radio discussions and watch TV interview programmes.

• Learn chunks of answers.

• Use descriptive and comparative language.

Answer explanation

Learning chunks of answers is not a good way to enhance your English communication skills. The examiner will be able to tell that you have memorized the answers, and this will not give you a good score.

Which of the following is NOT a tip for preparing yourself for the IELTS Speaking Test?

• Look your best.

• Be humble.

• Be self-confident.

• Pay too much attention to grammar and pronunciation.

Answer explanation

Paying too much attention to grammar and pronunciation can actually hinder your communication skills. The examiner is more interested in your ability to communicate effectively, not your ability to use perfect grammar and pronunciation.

Which of the following is NOT a commonly-seen problem in the IELTS Speaking Test?

• Giving short answers.

• Using broad generalizations.

• Mentioning complex subjects.

• Getting stuck on vocabulary.

Answer explanation

Mentioning complex subjects is not a problem in the IELTS Speaking Test. In fact, the examiner will be impressed if you can discuss complex topics in a clear and concise way.

What should you do if you get stuck on vocabulary during the IELTS Speaking Test?

• Sit there and try to remember the word.

• Ask the examiner for help.

• Describe what you mean in other words.

• Use a filler word to buy yourself some time.

Answer explanation

If you get stuck on vocabulary during the IELTS Speaking Test, you should describe what you mean in other words. This will show the examiner that you understand the concept, even if you don't know the specific word.

Which of the following is NOT a tip for avoiding rote answers in the IELTS Speaking Test?

• Do not memorize set responses.

• Do not learn chunks of answers.

• Give your opinion by developing your answers as much as possible.

• Speak more than the examiner.

Answer explanation

Speaking more than the examiner is not a good way to avoid rote answers. In fact, it can actually make you more likely to give rote answers. The best way to avoid rote answers is to give your opinion by developing your answers as much as possible.

Which of the following is NOT a tip for dealing with grammar and pronunciation in the IELTS Speaking Test?

• Do not worry about occasional mistakes.

• Concentrate on your communication.

• Show off your knowledge.

• Use the right past forms of verbs.

Answer explanation

Showing off your knowledge is not a good way to deal with grammar and pronunciation in the IELTS Speaking Test. The examiner is more interested in your ability to communicate effectively, not your knowledge of grammar and pronunciation.

What is the best way to prepare for the IELTS Speaking Test?

• Memorize set responses.

• Learn chunks of answers.

• Practice speaking English in everyday situations.

• Take a practice test.

Answer explanation

The best way to prepare for the IELTS Speaking Test is to practice speaking English in everyday situations. This will help you to become more comfortable speaking English and to develop your fluency.

What is the most important thing to remember during the IELTS Speaking Test?

• To give long answers.

• To use complex vocabulary.

• To be yourself.

• To avoid making mistakes.

Answer explanation

The most important thing to remember during the IELTS Speaking Test is to be yourself. The examiner is more interested in your ability to communicate effectively, not in your ability to use perfect grammar and pronunciation.

What should you do if you are asked a question that you do not understand?

• Ask the examiner to repeat the question.

• Ask the examiner to rephrase the question.

• Guess the answer and answer the question.

• Say that you do not understand the question and move on to the next question.

Answer explanation

If you are asked a question that you do not understand, you should ask the examiner to rephrase the question. This will help you to understand the question and to give a better answer.

What should you do if you get stuck on a question?

• Panic and give up.

• Take a deep breath and try to relax.

• Ask the examiner for help.

• Start talking about something else.

Answer explanation

If you get stuck on a question, you should take a deep breath and try to relax. This will help you to focus on the question and to give a better answer.