In this tutorial you will learn:

* How to efficiently prepare for IELTS Speaking Part 1.

This will help you in your IELTS Speaking exam because:

* You will learn practical tips for IELTS Speaking Part 1 preparation.

* You will learn how to avoid the most typical mistakes many test-takers make in Speaking Part 1.

IELTS Speaking is a short but somewhat demanding exam section, which, if approached with the right amount of preparation, can be an absolute breeze! In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about Part 1 of the Speaking exam, and namely structure, content, stress management, evading typical errors, and practical tips to achieve a good score.

* Remember that it is important to manage your stress before the exam. If your mind is peaceful your speaking quality will soar!

When you are less stressed, you speak more coherently, remember better examples and detail and feel genuine and energetic, which is a huge benefit for your Speaking score.

Tips for efficient stress management: 

* Think of the exam as an interesting conversation with a new classmate/co-worker.

* You know what the exam is like, that’s why there’ll be no surprises.

* Don’t try to correct yourself, if only winds you up and freaks you up too. Just go on.

* Embrace the questions. It’s a chance to show what you know and love.

* When you feel the tension build up, try to slow down.

* If you’re stuck at some specific word, replace it with a basic synonym and move on.

Make sure you know what the exam is like because when you know what awaits you, you are less likely to be stressed.

* Duration: 10 – 15 minutes

* IELTS Speaking Exam Structure

* Part 1 (4–5 minutes) short questions about yourself and everyday situations.

* Part 2 (3–4 minutes) one – to two-minute talk, based on your own experience, on a simple topic provided on a cue card.

* Part 3 (4–5 minutes) general but more abstract questions on topics related to Part 2 topic.

* What is the test like? – there’s ONE examiner who will ask you questions and record the entire exam session. THAT is very important: many candidates are often shocked by the fact that they are recorded during the exam and freak out, which leads to poorer scores.

* What should your general approach to the test be? – Follow the examiner’s instructions, listen carefully and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you don’t understand something. Speak clearly and answer only the questions that you are asked. Don’t add irrelevant, off-topic information! Don’t come with pre-memorized answers because the examiner will know it and you will lose marks.

* How is the IELTS Speaking test marked? – You answer will be assessed using a 9-band scale applied to 4 aspects of your language: fluency and coherence, vocabulary, grammar and accuracy and pronunciation. You get 4 marks for each of these criteria, which are then calculated into the final Speaking score.

Now more specifically IELTS Speaking Part 1 contains familiar information questions, which means that everything you will be asked deals with things about yourself – your background, origin, preferences, hobbies, etc.

This is done to assess if you can sustain conversation about yourself in trivial, everyday situations.

It is certainly the easiest part of the Speaking exam and works as a warm-up for the following Speaking sections – Part 2 (the long turn with cue cards) and Part 3 (more abstract analytical questions).

Now here is the complete list of our tips and rec...