Tips for Teaching the IELTS Speaking Test

    Are you struggling with teaching speaking for the IELTS test? here are some Tips to help you with your teaching journey and make your students score high on the IELTS speaking test.

1. Provide opportunities for IELTS Speaking practice

You should do a lot of IELTS Speaking practice using authentic IELTS test questions, like the ones provided in previous posts. Also, you should conduct test simulations by having students take on the roles of both test-takers and examiners to help your students get a feel of how the test is done.

2. Teach topic-specific vocabulary

Teaching students vocabulary related to common IELTS topics can enhance their fluency. Advise your students to create flashcards and study them, focusing on vocabulary commonly used in IELTS topics. After your students have memorized the flashcards, you can engage in IELTS Speaking practice. Anki is a helpful tool for creating these flashcards.

3. Teach phrases that students can use to buy thinking time

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In the IELTS Speaking test, your students will come across questions that require some thinking time. Therefore, it's essential to teach them phrases that can help them buy time to gather their thoughts. Encourage them to use these phrases during their test preparation:

• 'That'sagreatquestion.'

• 'I'vethoughtaboutthisquiteabit,actually.'"

4. Teach students how to ask for clarification

Instruct your students on how to ask the examiner to repeat a question. They can use phrases like:

• 'Would you please repeat the question?'

• 'Sorry, I didn't catch that.'

• 'Could you say that again, please?'

However, it's essential to discourage your students from asking the examiner to repeat every question.

5. Tell your students that lying is okay

Ensure that your students understand they are not obligated to provide truthful answers during the test. They can create stories or fictional details to enhance fluency and maintain the flow of the conversation. Additionally, emphasize the importance of avoiding attempts to explain ideas that they find challenging to express in English due to a lack of vocabulary.

6. One more tip:

Remember to tell your students that, during the test, it is not allowed to ask for a different question, but it is okay to ask the examiner to repeat a question.

   In conclusion, these techniques are among the most helpful for achieving higher scores on the Speaking test. They provide a strong starting point, and for further guidance, you can explore additional techniques and tips available on the internet.

References:

Pete, J. (n.d.). IELTS Speaking: 10 ways to help students speak more fluently. IELTS Speaking: 10 ways to help students speak more fluently . https://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2023/02/16/ielts- speaking-10-ways-help-students-with-fluency/