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Updated on Nov 12, 2024, 10:12
IELTS Speaking is a common module in the IELTS Academic and General Training tests. The 3-parts remain the same in both tests. The cue card round is filled with simple topics such as personal interests, experiences, environmental and societal issues, and general knowledge. One of the most commonly asked topics is, 'Describe a Successful Person Who You Once Studied or Worked With.'
In this topic, you should discuss the individual's identity and the context of your interaction (whether studying or working together) and highlight their notable achievements or qualities that contribute to their success. Additionally, you can share your observations or experiences working alongside them and how they influenced your perception of success.
Introduction:
Who this person is?
When did you study/work with this person?
What did you do together?
What did you do to become successful?
Explain how you felt about studying or working with this person:
Conclusion:
Introduction:
Who this person is?
When did you study/work with this person?
What did you do together?
What did you do to become successful?
Explain how you felt about studying or working with this person:
Conclusion:
Introduction:
Who this person is?
When did you study/work with this person?
What did you do together?
What did you do to become successful?
Explain how you felt about studying or working with this person:
Conclusion:
The IELTS Speaking test is a 1:1 interview with a certified IELTS examiner. Once part 2 begins, you will be handed a cue card and 4 questions related to it. In our case, the cue card will look like this:
The ideal way to answer cue card prompts is to break them into digestible sections. Think of it this way: no matter your topic, there is always an introduction, key highlights, and a conclusion.
Considering that, here's how we'll break our topic down.
Introduction:
Who this person is?
When did you study/work with this person?
What did you do together?
What did you do to become successful?
Explain how you felt about studying or working with this person:
Conclusion:
IELTS cue cards are followed by Part 3 of IELTS Speaking, where you are asked questions about your topic. These are general questions, typically probing for your opinions and thoughts on the matter.
Below are some sample questions and possible answers. Once again, we recommend that you only take the inspiration from the answers below and add your twist to it!
Answer 1: Due to cultural and societal influences, financial wealth is often equated with success in many parts of India. Individuals who accumulate wealth are often admired and respected in society, leading to the perception that money is the primary measure of success.
Answer 2: However, there is also a growing recognition of alternative measures of success beyond monetary wealth. Many people value personal fulfilment, happiness, and positively impacting others as equally important indicators of success. This perspective challenges the notion that one's financial status solely determines success and highlights the significance of holistic well-being and fulfilment in Indian society.
Answer 1: In the Indian context, success can be defined in various ways. Some may consider achieving high levels of education, securing a prestigious job, or earning a substantial income as indicators of success. Conversely, others may define success based on personal happiness, fulfilment in relationships, or positively impacting society.
Answer 2: Success can also be measured by overcoming challenges and adversity, demonstrating resilience and perseverance in the face of obstacles. Ultimately, the definition of success varies from person to person and is influenced by cultural, societal, and individual values and beliefs.
Answer 1: In the Indian context, some people believe that success and happiness are interconnected and lead to happiness. They argue that achieving one's goals and ambitions can bring a sense of fulfilment and joy.
Answer 2: Conversely, others argue that success does not always guarantee happiness and that people can be successful in their careers or endeavours but still feel unfulfilled or unhappy in other aspects of their lives. Therefore, while success can contribute to happiness for some individuals, it may not necessarily equate to overall contentment and well-being for everyone.
Answer 1: In the Indian context, success is often measured by various factors, including financial stability, social status, and professional achievements. For some, success means attaining a high-paying job, owning a luxurious house, and driving expensive cars, reflecting material wealth and prosperity.
Answer 2: On the other hand, others consider success to be more about personal fulfilment, happiness, and making a positive impact on society, regardless of financial gains or social recognition. Thus, while material wealth and social status are commonly associated with success, personal fulfilment and social contribution are equally valued by many individuals as standards of success in India.
Ans. Some of the common mistakes made during the IELTS Speaking test are:
Ans. The three parts of your IELTS Speaking test are not marked separately. You will receive a band score for your overall IELTS Speaking test performance. Make sure your ideas are organised logically. Link and explain your ideas using more lexical resources, such as new words and phrases.
Ans. Yes, you can use idioms and phrases in your IELTS speaking test. Using popular idioms relevant to your topic will give a positive impression on your examiner. Idioms are words or phrases that have figurative, non-literal meanings attached to them. Some examples of idioms are ‘beating around the bush,’ ‘the early bird catches the prey,’ and ‘from A to Z.’
Ans. The lowest score you can get in your IELTS Speaking test is 0. The band score range for your IELTS Speaking test is 0-9. Here, 0 is the lowest score, and 9 is the highest score. The probability of getting a zero is relatively lower. Generally, a score above 6 and 6.5 is considered good.
Ans. No, you cannot divert from your topic in your IELTS Speaking test. Try to stick to your topic and cover all the related subtopics or points. The examiner is not checking your awareness of the subject. Instead, the focus is on your language usage and how well you frame it. Even if you do not know much about the topic, try to frame it properly and deliver it confidently.
A. Proper preparation and constant practice are the quickest ways to achieve a higher score on your IELTS Speaking test. Some good practices you can obey are:
Ans. No, there isn’t any specific dress code for your IELTS speaking test. You can wear any clothes that make you comfortable and look confident. Formal clothes are not necessary. However, make sure you do not dress too casually. Making a good first impression is always better.
Ans. Improving your speaking skills is a long-term process. Some good habits to ensure this are:
Ans. Some good practices to improve your performance for your Speaking test are:
Ans. The duration of your cue card section is 3-4 minutes. The first minute is the preparation time. You can use this to prepare and structure your answer well. Later, you will be given 2-3 minutes to speak. Speak confidently and make sure your speech is audible, clear, and concise.
Ans. If by chance you fail your IELTS Speaking test, you can apply for a retake. The IELTS One-skill retake facility allows you to retake just one IELTS module at a time. If your score is low for a single module, then you do not need to retake the entire test. Make sure you prepare well for your retake.
Ans. The IELTS speaking test is only 11-14 minutes long. You have three parts in your IELTS Speaking test. The duration of each part is as follows:
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