What’s the hardest thing about the speaking part of IELTS? What makes it different to all the other sections of the test? Well, what really sets it apart is the speed and delivery of your response to questions. In speaking you need to give your answers quickly and clearly and there is less opportunity to correct your mistakes after they’ve been made. However, there are some key things you should remember to take the pressure off a tiny bit…

What happens if I don’t know what the IELTS speaking examiner just asked me?

First of all, don’t panic! Remember what the test is for – it’s testing your ability to use a language. When you’re talking to people in your own language, do you sometimes not understand a question? Of course you do! This is a natural part of communication. And how do you cope? You ask them to repeat it. This is perfectly fine and your examiner will be happy to do this, but there’s a difference in what they can do in parts 1 and 2 versus part 3. ‘

Part 1 and 2 are scripted so the examiner can only repeat what they already said. However, in part 3 they can actually change the question to make it clearer. In part 3 questions get quite complicated and the examiner has freedom to construct them – but examiners are human too and sometimes their questions need some clarification. If you don’t understand exactly what they’re asking you, it’s okay to ask –

‘Can you explain what you mean?’

‘What do you mean by….?’

…and the examiner will oblige. It’s much better to do this than to misunderstand the question and therefore give the wrong answer entirely! This kind of interaction is a normal part of communication, so don’t be afraid of doing it if you’re unsure.

Read our post to learn more about how to improve your confidence for your IELTS speaking exam

I have an opinion, but I don’t really know how to explain…yet.

Everyone needs time to think. In part 3 questions can be very complex and it’s totally normal for you to need thinking time. However, if that thinking time involves a 3 second silence after each question… to the examiner this looks as if you have fluency issues or you don’t understand the question. You need to fill that gap with something.

‘Hmm, okay, I’m not sure really, but I guess I’d say….’

There are lots of phrases you can use to do this. Hopefully by the time you’ve used a ‘filler’ expression like the one above, you can give more details about your ideas. Phrases like this ‘buy you thinking time’, so it’s good to have a range of them ready to use. Think about it – just like asking someone to repeat a question, this is completely normal in any spoken interaction. How do you respond in your own language when someone asks you a difficult question? You might find you use filler phrases too.

I just don’t have a strong opinion on the topic! What do I say??

So, the examiner asks you if you think computer games have a positive or negative influence on children. Your real opinion is – ‘I don’t know. Maybe both..?’

But that’s not a complete answer required for an IELTS test. So how can we develop it? Well, think about the opposing arguments and speak about them more generally at first.

‘Some people argue that (the reason computer games are bad) …while others would say (the reason computer games are good)’. You can then state that you’re not sure which side is stronger. This is your actual real opinion, but instead of just saying ‘I don’t know’ – you’ve developed and justified your position. If the examiner wants to push you further on this, they will with follow-up questions.

Where next?

So IELTS speaking questions are challenging and should make you think. However, everyone should be able to provide an answer – the questions aren’t targeted at experts on any particular topic and there is no right or wrong answer. What the examiner is looking for is the language you use and not whether they agree with your opinions.

In our courses we provide candidates with strategies to help them to avoid the issues above and to express themselves clearly. With practice, you’re more likely to achieve your potential and get the IELTS band score you deserve.

Find out more about our IELTS speaking courses and how we can help you do your best in your IELTS speaking test.