Describe Something you Taught to Your Friend: IELTS Cue Card

A. Some of the common mistakes made during the IELTS Speaking test are:
 

• Poor pronunciation: Make sure you pronounce words clearly with proper pronunciation. 
• Lack of vocabulary: Do not use the exact words.
• Taking too many pauses: Do not take too many pauses between your answers. This might look like you are stammering for words. 
• Lack of Confidence: Answer confidently and calmly. 
• Being inaudible: Encouraging candidates to speak audibly and clearly is crucial.

A. 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. 

A. 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.’ 

A. The band score range for your IELTS Speaking test is 0-9. The lowest score you can get in your IELTS Speaking test is 0. 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. 

A. No, you cannot get your topic changed in your IELTS Speaking test. Try to stick to your topic and provide all the related subtopics or points. Remember that 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 with the help of supporting statements.

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:
 

• Start with a catchy and pleasant introduction
• Give definitions, examples, and scenarios for your answer
• Stick to your topic
• Use good vocabulary
• Use proper pronunciation
• Maintain eye contact and speak confidently with the examiner.

A. It might be useful to mention that candidates should choose attire that reflects a professional and respectful demeanour, which contributes to creating a positive first impression.

A. Improving your speaking skills is a long-term process. Some good habits to ensure this are:
 

• Listen to daily podcasts, movies, news, and other videos in english
• Interact with native english speakers
• Listen to a variety of accents and try them
• Try to watch movies without subtitles and try to figure out the words on your own
• Try learning new words and applying them in your speech.

A. Some good practices to improve your performance for your Speaking test are:
 

• Understand the task properly
• Use the preparation time wisely
• Do not by-heart your answers
• Speak clearly and fluently
• Check that you have not repeated your vocabulary and proofread for grammar mistakes.

A. 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. 

A. 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. 

A. 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:
 

• Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4–5 minutes)
• Part 2:  Long turn or Cue Card (3–4 minutes)
• Part 3: Discussion (4–5 minutes)