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An IELTS speaking examiner explains.

There are a few things that you need to avoid in the IELTS speaking test.

1. Understand that it isn’t a 2-way conversation. The examiner has a script to follow. They can’t deviate from this script until Part 3 so don’t ask them any questions.
2. The exam is strictly timed so control your speakingso you don’t go off on a monologue. The examiner has a number of questions they have to get through and they will stop you if spend too long on one question.
3. Part 1 is easyso don’t go into longwinded answers. Just say what you think and why. That’s all you have to do.
4. Speak until the examiner stops you in Part 2. If you don’t, you will sit in silence for a few seconds as the examiner will wait for you to try and continue. If you run out of things to say about your anecdote, tell another; that’s fine.
5. Put your ID in your pocket after showing it. You are nervous, sure, but there is nothing worse than a candidate playing with their ID card/passport all the way through the test.
6. The examiner is not your friend so don’t talk to them like they’re your It is an exam.
7. Avoid talking about yourself in Part 3. The examiner introduces this part but saying they want to talk about some more general things connected to the topic in Part 2. Talking about yourself is easy and this is what Part 3 is the hardest part. Low-level candidates will talk about themselves here as they can’t talk about anything else. The examiner will push you away from personal experiences here.
8. Don’t ask how you’ve done after the test.The examiner knows your score but cannot tell you.

If you have any questions about IELTS speaking, get in touch.  If you want to do an IELTS exam with an IELTS examiner, you can order one here.