In the current issue, we will discuss the Speaking module of IELTS

Description of IELTS Speaking module

The IELTS speaking test lasts 11 to 14 minutes. The test consists of a one-to-one interview with an examiner. The test can be divided into three parts.

Part one: (intro Round)

In this part, you will be introduced to the examiner and your name and identity will be checked. As a warm-up to the remainder of this part, you will be asked a number of questions that relate to your personal life; for instance, where did you do your schooling? Whom do you stay with? Such questions may be followed by other questions on similar lines that cover a wide range of personal experiences. 

It must be noted that the examiner may repeat the question only once as he/she must adhere to a predetermined script and that he/she is not allowed to explain the question to the test taker. This part normally takes four to five minutes.

PART TWO:  (Q Card Round) 

In this part, you will be given a topic and asked to speak on it for one to two minutes. You will be allowed to spend one minute time to prepare for the question. You may use paper and pencil for making notes about the topic given to you. A Candidate Task Sheet will be given to you that tells you what you need to describe and what details you should include in your short presentation.

After one minute of preparation time, you will be asked to start responding to the given question. This part normally takes three to four minutes including the preparation time.

PART THREE: (Extension round)

In this part, you will be encouraged to discuss a number of general questions related to the topic you spoke on in part two.  The examiner will often ask questions that are quite abstract and that require complex answers. This part normally takes four to five minutes.

At the end of part three, the examiner will thank you signaling the end of the speaking test.     

Tips for the speaking test

1. Remember, speaking test is an informal interview. This is far removed from the job interviews in which your knowledge of a particular subject is assessed. Therefore, there is no need to feel anxious or jittery.

2.   The interview will be recorded on an audio tape that will be sent to the evaluationteam that will assess your speaking abilities and award score. 

3. The interviewers are Indians and use Indian-English accent. Therefore, you need not feel nervous. Remember not to speak in affected accent to impress the interviewer. Use the accent that you normally use in day to day conversation.

4. Be punctual and fresh. You would end up casting a negative impression if you fail to turn up on time. If you do not belong to the town or city where the interview is scheduled to take place, program your travel time in such a way that you reach the venue at least twenty minutes before the test.

5. It is advisable to take a glass of water or juice before the test as that would greatly help in reducing the stress.

6. Dress smartly but moderately or in a style acceptable for the job.  A well-groomed and neatly-dressed person conveys an image of efficiency and a responsible attitude.

7. Every action of yours including your gait and posture right from entering the interview room to exiting will be watched. So, it is important that you maintain boardroom etiquettes; for example, seek permission before entering the room by asking ‘May I come in Sir/Madam? Wishing the interviewer by saying ‘Good Morning/Good Evening, etc.

8. Walk in smartly and confidently. If the interviewer offers to shake hand, use a firm grip maintaining eye contact and a smile. It is important to note that the first few minutes are very crucial. You can strongly influence the interviewer’s assessment about you in those few minutes.

9. Your greeting the interviewer should be warm, friendly and lively. Maintain a cheerful disposition throughout the interview. Be enthusiastic and responsive to the best possible extent.

10. Sit upright with hands under the table. Use your hands when emphasizing a point. Avoid bad habits like playing with the tie or button, shaking legs, adjusting hair, picking nose, etc.

11. Do not try to take control of the interview. Follow the interviewer’s lead. Most interviewers expect to control the interview. So you will only make a bad impression if you try to take over or outsmart the interviewer. If you are tactful enough, you can steer the interview to topics and issues in which you are strong and confident.

12. Be a good listener to a good speaker and a good speaker to a good listener. It is good to listen to the questions of the interviewer carefully and then give the answers. It is always a good idea to seek a clarification politely if the question is not clear. Remember, seeking a clarification is far better that giving an irrelevant answer.

13. Your language, attitude and demeanor reflect your upbringing and culture. Using polite phrases in conversation such as, ‘Thank you.’  ‘I beg your pardon.’ ‘Yes please’ etc. show polished and good heritage. Maintain an air of humility in your conduct.

14. Do not sound too objective in your answers. Do not give the answers in ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ or memorized responses.  The whole idea is to talk and give as much information as you can. Do your best to give an answer even if you are not sure of what the interviewer is asking you.

15. Concluding the interview is as important as beginning it.  End your interview on a  note expressing your happiness and satisfaction of having had a useful experience. Do not forget to wish the interviewer. Extend your hand to shake only if the interviewer has done so first.  Open the door facing the interviewer and shut it softly after making an exit.

16.  It is a useful habit to recapitulate the entire interview the same day. Note down as many questions and answers as you may recall. It gives you a chance to do       retrospection and analysis of your strengths and weaknesses and also an opportunity to evaluate your performance objectively.      

Following is a practice test for IELTS speaking module:

Part-1 (4 to 5 minutes) Intro Round

Examiner:

· Where did you do your schooling?
· How do you spend your leisure?
· Which languages did you learn at school?
· Do you read?
· Which books have you read?
· Describe the place you are currently staying at?
· How do you spend your holidays?
· How do you keep yourself fit and fine?
· Which places would you like to travel to?
· What do you like about living in your country?

Part-2 (3 to 4 minutes) Q Card Round

    Examiner: Now I am going to give you a card with some information on Life Style. You have     
one minute time to read the card and then you need to speak on the topic for one or two minutes.  Make notes if you wish to.

Describe present day culture of SHOP, EAT AND CELEBRATE culture.  

Speak on the following points:

· Impact of globalization and western culture.

· Migration of young people from small towns to cities.

· Meaning of entertainment.

· Easy access to money.

After one minute

Examiner: Would you like to start now?

PART-3 (4 to 5) Extension Round

Examiner:

· How do you think this new culture is going to impact the mindset of the young people?

· We often notice a generation gap between children and their parents and grand parents, how can traditions help bridge the gap between the two generations?

· Do you think the present generation has no sense of money?

· What role does religion play your country for the youth?

· What are the main areas where lifestyle has undergone drastic changes?

Thank you very much.
That is the end of the speaking test. Goodbye