Every year people of different ages and their backgrounds opt for an English-speaking course and move their-selves to British Country. Some people choose this course so that they can pursue their studies at renowned universities. Others have an aim to find a job abroad. And there comes finally those people who simply migrate to be with their loved ones.
Despite the reason, the ability to use English is essential to meet immigration, study, or work requirements. That is the main reason why people end up taking the course IELTS just to prove their English vocabulary and capability.
How you can prepare yourself for the IELTS exam?
- Understand the format of the test.
- Surround yourself with English.
- Make a plan of action.
- Know how the test is marked.
- Join a preparation course.
- Practice with sample questions.
- Check your progress daily.
- Register for the test.
Need to test English:
From the past few decades, the migrants usually did not need to take an exam to prove their English skills. For work criteria, they should be able to answer the job interview and then get hired on the spot.
But after the years of difficulty either for workers, students, or employers it was determined that something needs to be involved.
Proper communication is essential for getting both the work and studies completely done. Hence the English exams like IELTS have been introduced. English communication skills serve as standardized proof of English capability.
- For both the Academic and general training IELTS speaking remains always the same.
- Regardless of the exam is whether computer-based; paper based on the speaking part will always be conducted face to face.
- The test duration of IELTS is from 11-14 minutes.
- The IELTS speaking test is divided into three main categories and they are:
First Part: The first part contains a question-answering round which means you will be asked about your everyday life. This section lasts for at least 4-5 minutes.
Second Part: In the second part you will be given a card with a particular topic. And you will get at least one minute to prepare your answers and then you have to speak up for 2 minutes.
Third-Part: In the third part your examiner will ask a few questions related to the topic that you talked about in speaking part 2. Thus, it is your opportunity to demonstrate your speaking skills flexibly. Also, this part goes a bit long. And your speaking time will be up to 4-5 minutes in part 3.
GT writing:
In general test writing, the candidate is expecting to create a letter i.e formal and informal. You will be given an essay about any given topic. For many test-takers, GT is much more welcoming and challenging as compared to the IELTS academic test. The GT essay’s topic is much more preferred as they are all about day-to-day topics. On the other end, the academic test might ask for something that is more abstract.
To do well the GT candidates should need to ensure their grammar, vocabulary, and organizational skills. All these are the ok test that helps in getting the high score. Constant writing practice is also needed to ensure that it can finish both the tasks within the hour time limit.
IELTS General Training:
The IELTS general training exam is mainly meant for high vocational students or blue-collared workers. This exam test has four communicative skills:
- Listening
- Reading
- Speaking
- Writing
Many people ask this question whether the IELTS test is easier than the academic ones or not. Well, the answer is yes. The general training test is easier as compared to the IELTS academic test. But the IELTS general test exam can be harder if not being prepared in the right way. Therefore, it is important to do practice in advance so that money doesn’t get wasted.
Few things that need to get remember:
The non-stop speaking should not give you expected marks. You need to add some more strategies to it. You have to avoid practices and focus on skills that prove your natural flow of speaking. The speaking marks are only depending on how well you communicate with the examiner. It will mainly depend on:
- How high-level advanced and difficult words you are using while interacting with the interviewee.
- How much complex grammar structure you will use in your speaking skills.
- Whether you can speak in British, American, or Australian accent or not.
- How much focus you have while communicating with the person who is taking your interview.
What does the IELTS examiner expect from you?
Let’s take a look at the marking criteria that the examiner will look into your speaking. This criterion includes:
- Fluency and Cohesion
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Pronunciation
Each of the criteria bears up to 25% of marks for the IELTS speaking test. It means that if you fail you have met with one of these requirements. For example, you can lose 25% of marks of your total speaking test.
Now let’s introduce the three different component of the IELTS speaking exam:
1: IELTS speaking part 1: This part is all about the question-answer of your daily life. The examiner might be able to ask you either about your work, study, or hobby. They can also be asked what the reason for selecting this particular subject is or what aim you hold in your life.
2: IELTS speaking part 2: This part will be a little longer as compared to the previous part. And this is known as a cue card session. It is very interesting. You will be given a card that includes some points on a particular topic. Moreover, you will be allowed to think for at least one minute to organize the answer before you start speaking. After that, you will be required to speak for at least 2 minutes.
3: IELTS Part 3: This part is almost similar to part 2 but you will be not given any cue card here. You need to speak for 4-5 minutes in IELTS part 3. As you get a relatively long time in this part you will get an opportunity to impress the examiner with a prolonged period of confident speaking.
