SPEAKING PART 3

Mar 30 • IELTS

SPEAKING PART 3

PART 2

Use linking words and phrases

We use words and phrases to connect ideas and to express how we feel about what we are saying. We also use them to organise and manage what we are saying and to help us think about what to say next using fillers correctly to sound natural in our delivery.

Try to avoid meaningless fillers [um, er, ah, eh] as they show that you cannot find the words or language needed to discuss the topic. Also, avoid repetitive use of fillers that we generally overuse [yeah, like, you know].

Depending on what you are asked, the following linking words and phrases can be used:

Sequencing - ordering information [to begin with, moving on to the next reason, secondly, thirdly, subsequently, on top of that, later, after this, finally]
Adding information [Another thing that comes to mind, also, and, besides, additionally, another good example of this is, another reason for this, and one more thing]
Indicating opinion & attitude [Unfortunately, however, actually, to be honest, definitely, essentially, frankly, basically, clearly, I'm afraid, if you ask me, sadly, thankfully, in fact, seriously, as a matter of fact]
Comparing and contrasting [Similarly, in the same way, equally, likewise, in a similar fashion, if I compare it to my country | However, although, instead of, despite, on one hand, on the other hand, in the opposite way, in contrast, whereas]
Giving examples [A great example of this is, for example, for instance, a personal example is, in other words, a striking example of this, a classic example is, a clear example of this can be seen, such as, illustrated by]
Stalling - thinking about what to say next [Let me think about that..., that's a difficult/interesting question, I haven't thought of that before, well..., actually, basically]
Generalising [Generally, broadly speaking, as a rule, on the whole, it is often said that..., in most cases, the vast majority of, a small minority of]
Result [As a result, because of this, therefore, consequently, so, then]

Be willing to extend your answers

In part 3, you have the opportunity to discuss the topic in more depth. It is important that you attempt to extend your responses as much as you can. The following speech functions may be used in the test:

expressing your opinion
agreeing or disagreeing with something
looking at the advantages and disadvantages of something
giving reasons for your opinion
giving examples to support your opinion
describing the situation in your country
thinking about the future
assessing the importance of something
asking the examiner for clarification or to explain something
suggesting solutions
comparing and contrasting

It is important to show the examiner that you are willing to discuss the topic, so preparing for the interview by studying a number of topic areas is very helpful. However, most topics are of a general nature and will suit all test taker levels. Your examiner will explain a term to you if you ask, so make sure to check the meaning of a word if you don't understand the question.

Unlike an AI test, the advantage of a face-to-face IELTS Speaking test, means you have a human to interact with. The examiner will encourage you to keep talking and will try to see how much you can explore the topic.

Use a wider range of grammar

If you can keep speaking about a topic, this shows that you have access to a wider range of vocabulary and the grammatical structures needed to express yourself.

When you have to use some of the functions above, it is important that you can match the function with appropriate grammatical structures. For example,

describing the situation in your country - present, perfect, past
thinking about the future - conditionals (if), future (will/going to) modal verbs (may, might, should, could)
suggesting solutions - conditionals, modal verbs
comparing and contrasting - comparative structures

Use a wider range of vocabulary

Being able to access more than one or two words on a topic is vital to a successful performance. Mind Maps work in the way your mind should work. Linking ideas and language to the topic, so you can naturally extend your answers. Not only will you be able to discuss a range of topics with an examiner, but you will also be able to chat about topics to other people improving your ability to socialize and communicate with other English speakers.

Practice makes perfect

How did you go? Hopefully these tips will give you more confidence in preparing for all parts of the test. Also, with targeted practice, you will become more fluent and will be able to achieve the goals you have set!

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SPEAKING PART 3