2023 IELTS Speaking Topics: IELTS Speaking Questions With Answers

IELTS score is significant in securing admission into the top educational institutions worldwide. The test is trusted by over 11,000 global organizations and evaluates the language proficiency skills of individuals based on four sections – reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Most students find the speaking section to be challenging in particular.

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The speaking section is 11 to 14 minutes long and consists of three parts. The major challenge in this section is that candidates get only 1 minute to prepare their answers. In addition, an accurate description is needed to answer the introduction questions for IELTS, which hinders most candidates. The examiner evaluates the candidate via various factors, including grammar, pronunciation, fluency, and lexical resource. Here’s a detailed overview of the IELTS speaking section, along with a few useful tips to prepare for this exam. In the following sections, you will learn how to introduce yourself and what not to do while introducing yourself. 

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How to introduce yourself in IELTS speaking?

The introduction for IELTS speaking can be overwhelming to some students. Knowing what it takes to ace the test can help one score better in this module. After reaching the test centre, candidates must keep their belongings in a separate room and proceed to the exam room. Upon reaching the examination hall, the examiner will greet the candidate, after which the speaking will begin.Introducing oneself is an art, which one should do in accordance with the environment. For example, while introducing yourself, begin as:

• Hi, I am (name)
• My name is (name)
• I am (name)

Candidates should avoid beginning as:

• You can call me (name)
• Hi, it’s me (name)
• My nickname is (name)
• Everybody calls me (name)
• My first name is (name), and my surname is (name)

Apart from this, there are some rules that one must follow:Provide more informationWhile answering the IELTS speaking introduction questions, candidates must try to give more information about them. Adding information like extracurricular activities, any social work, etc., will be an advantage. However, one must remember to keep it short and professional.Use simple wordsIt is advisable to use simple words while answering the interviewer. Candidates must not assume that the interviewer will be impressed with high-sounding words. Rather, this will negatively impact their raw score. It is always recommended to say “I live in (name of the city)”.One must try to be as formal as possible and not sound awkward. You can say, “I am 25 years old”. However, do not say, “I am in my mid-twenties”. Speak naturallyCandidates must not try to mimic a foreign accent. One should speak in their natural tone. However, at the same time, they should make sure that their mother tongue does not affect their English. Most candidates fail to score better in IELTS because their English is attached to their mother tongue influence. As a result, their pronunciation and tone get affected. 

What not to do when introducing yourself in IELTS?

Here are a few things that candidates must avoid while answering introduction questions for IELTS:Don’t use a lot of big wordsA common misconception surrounding this exam is that students need to use many big words to get a good score. However, this is not how native speakers speak in their daily lives. Candidates must prove their vocabulary in front of the interviewer. But, at the same time, they must refrain from using words that they are not familiar with. Refrain from memorizing the answersMany candidates believe that it is best to remember the scripted answers and use them in the interview to score better. This is a bad idea because examiners are already familiar with these answers. Upon spotting such answers, they won’t hesitate to cut marks. Don’t be overly informalCandidates need to understand that IELTS is a formal exam. Therefore, they should not try to be over-friendly, as it will impact their band score.

IELTS speaking test format

As mentioned above, the IELTS speaking test is 11-14 minutes and contains three tasks. This test evaluates the speaking skills of an aspiring candidate who wants to immigrate to an English speaking country. The three parts of this test are:Task 1 – This is the introductory part of the test. Candidates are asked to answer a few introduction questions for IELTS within a range of familiar topics. The various topics in this task can include work, home, studies, family, etc. Task 1 lasts for around 4 to 5 minutes.Task 2 – Candidates will be given a card and then will be asked to speak on a particular topic. Individuals get a preparation time of 1 minute before answering. After the candidate finishes speaking, the examiner concludes this task with a few questions at the end.Task 3 – The examiner asks further questions concerning task 2. This part provides more opportunities for the candidate to discuss more theoretical ideas. The third part of this test lasts for around 4 to 5 minutes.The examination board has designed the speaking test in a peculiar way, which does not provide rehearsal time to the candidates.

5 tips to help prepare for the IELTS speaking section

Here are some tips for IELTS speaking that will help candidates ace their introduction in IELTS:Speak some English in everyday lifeThis is something that all IELTS aspirants must have in common. It is better to practice speaking in English a bit every day to improve speaking skills. Candidates can converse in English with fellow friends, classmates, or even family. Moreover, speaking in front of the mirror also helps to a great extent.Ask questions if a question is unclearHowever formal the exam is, it is supposed to be a regular conversation between two people. Therefore, if one cannot hear a question, they should just ask the interviewer to repeat it. Moreover, if a word is unknown to the candidate, he/she can ask the examiner to explain the meaning of the word. However, it is advisable not to ask the meaning of the words too often as it will have a negative impact on the score. In addition, candidates must also refrain from asking the meaning of an entire sentence. Indulge in a 24-hour warm-upBefore appearing for the introduction questions for IELTS, candidates must save up some warm-up time before their exam. This will help them focus better and perform to their best ability. Candidates must speak, listen, write, and read in English for at least 24 hours before taking the test. This might bring a huge difference to the score. Explain the answersOne should always give full answers to the examiner rather than a simple yes or no. Candidates must show how much they excel in this language. If they provide short answers, the examiner will never know the skills they possess.Correct the mistakesIt is typical of candidates to make mistakes when speaking for a long time. Moreover, various candidates are nervous during the speaking test, which increases the number of mistakes they make. During such circumstances, candidates must always look back and correct their mistakes before proceeding. This way, they can show the examiner that they are well-versed with vocabulary and grammar. After making a small mistake, it is better to say sorry and then corrects the sentence.

Recommended study tools for IELTS

Candidates can aim towards a better preparation of introduction questions for IELTS via these 5 online study tools:British CouncilOn the British Council’s website, candidates can get a lot of helpful information, presented in the form of small articles and tips. Candidates can also get detailed information on what IELTS is, the exam’s format, and tips on what type of exam one should choose (academic or general training). Also, on their website, aspirants can get several resources to help them pass IELTS with the highest score. One can also find a few practice tests to gain acquaintance with the test. Exam EnglishThe Exam English website contains several tests ideal for preparing students regarding the introduction questions for IELTS. Candidates can also download the PDF practice tests with audio recordings and answers for general training and academic IELTS. All Ears EnglishThis website provides articles, practice tools, and videos for IELTS preparation. These articles are explanatory and provide a practical approach that would help candidates score better in the test. Further, candidates can also put their queries in the comments sections of these articles. IELTS MentorThis website comes in two sections, namely, IELTS Sample Questions and IELTS Preparation. The second part contains thousands of essay writing prompts with their samples. In the first part, candidates can find what they need to study for each test section.Exam WordThis tool is designed specifically to enhance one’s vocabulary, which is crucial in answering introduction questions for IELTS.Candidates can choose to learn different words in a fun way using flashcards or word cards. There are also additional exercises built like matching exercises, spelling puzzles, and much more.To begin preparing for IELTS speaking, the initial focus of candidates should be on practice. You can practice numerous practice sets online. Download them and answer the questions by maintaining the time limit. This will help you familiarize yourself with the questions and structure and prepare better to answer the introduction questions for IELTS.

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