How to Improve Your Speaking Score in the IELTS Exam

Are you preparing for the IELTS exam and want to improve your speaking score? You are not alone! Many learners feel worried about the speaking part, but the good news is that with the right practice and tips, you can feel confident and do well. In this blog post, we will share how to improve your speaking score in the IELTS exam with simple steps and practical advice. Let’s get started.

Understand the IELTS Speaking Test

 

First, it’s important to know how the IELTS speaking test works. The test has 3 parts and takes about 11 to 14 minutes:

  • Part 1: Introduction and general questions (about your life, family, work, or hobbies).

  • Part 2: Long turn (you get a topic card and speak for 1–2 minutes).

  • Part 3: Discussion (more detailed questions related to the Part 2 topic).

You can read more about the test format on the official IELTS website.

Speak Clearly and Naturally

One of the best ways to improve your speaking score in the IELTS exam is to speak clearly and naturally. This means:

  • Don’t rush. Take your time to think and answer.

  • Try to sound relaxed, like you are having a normal conversation.

  • Use simple and correct grammar.

It’s okay if you don’t know every word. The examiners are checking how well you can communicate your ideas.

Expand Your Answers

 

In the IELTS speaking test, short answers will not help you get a high score. Always try to expand your answers. For example:

Q: What’s your favorite hobby?
Bad answer: “Reading.”
Better answer: “My favorite hobby is reading. I love reading novels because they take me to different worlds. I usually read in the evenings after work.”

See the difference? Give reasons, examples, or explanations to make your answer longer and more interesting.

Use a Range of Vocabulary

 

To score high in IELTS speaking, you need to use a range of vocabulary. Don’t always repeat the same words. Try to learn new words and phrases for common IELTS topics like:

  • Travel

  • Education

  • Food

  • Environment

For good word lists and practice, check out Flo-Joe’s Word Bank or Quizlet.

Practice Speaking Every Day

The key to success is practice! Try to speak English every day, even if it’s just 5 or 10 minutes. You can:

  • Find a speaking partner (online or in person)

  • Talk to yourself about your day

  • Record your answers to IELTS questions

You can find IELTS speaking partners online.

Don’t Worry About Your Accent

 

Many learners worry about their accent, but don’t stress. In the IELTS speaking test, having an accent is normal and okay. The important thing is that you speak clearly and that your words are easy to understand. Focus on good pronunciation and word stress.

For pronunciation practice, BBC Learning English is a great free resource.

Tips for IELTS speaking

Use Fillers (but Not Too Much)

 

Sometimes, we need a moment to think. It’s fine to use fillers like:

  • “Well, let me think…”

  • “That’s an interesting question…”

  • “I’ve never thought about that, but…”

These fillers give you time to think of your answer. But don’t overuse them, too many fillers can hurt your fluency score.

Practice With IELTS Speaking Questions

 

A simple and very effective way to improve your speaking score in the IELTS exam is to practice with real IELTS speaking questions. You can find many example questions online. Try to answer these questions out loud and time yourself to get used to the real exam.

Stay Calm and Confident

Finally, remember that the IELTS speaking test is just a conversation. The examiner is not there to trick you. Stay calm, smile, and do your best. Confidence will help you sound more natural and fluent.

Prepare With Our IELTS Speaking Courses

 

We hope these tips help you feel ready and excited to improve your speaking skills. At English Learning Therapy, we offer IELTS preparation courses that focus on speaking and all other parts of the test. In our courses, we:

  • Teach you exam techniques and strategies

  • Provide real practice questions and model answers

  • Help you build confidence with speaking practice

  • Give personal feedback to help you improve faster

We are here to support you every step of the way so you can get your best score. If you are serious about your IELTS exam, why not join our courses?
Check out our IELTS preparation courses here and start your journey to success today.

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