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8 Essential speaking tips

8 Essential speaking tips

Date: Jan 05 2012

Topic: TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge

Author: RichardPH

Lesson

Hello and happy new year!

I thought I'd start the new year by offering some easy tips to follow - this time as requested for the IELTS exam (any speaking exam really)

Follow for success

1. You can learn from examples but you need to speak for yourself - don't memorise prepared answers you won't sound natural and the examiner will notice - they may even change the question and this could be a real problem for you.

2. The topics that come up in the IELTS speaking test can be prepared for - cover as many topic areas as you can and record yourself speaking - get feedback from friends and teachers if you can

3. Say a bit more - this doesn't mean repeat yourself but give as much detail and description as you can think of - more than you normally would when speaking.

4. The examiner may lead the conversation but when it's your turn to speak make sure that you are talking more than the examiner - easiest way to do this is to personalise as much as possible - talk about your own experiences

5. If you're not sure what's been asked ask for 'clarificiation'. The examiner will only repeat or skip the question if you just say 'sorry I don't understand' so try some thing like what do you mean by (topic of question) or 'do you mean (topic of question) is... This is much better than speaking on the wrong topic or answering the wrong question - do this and you will lose marks.

6. You don't have to know everything, and you don't have to be right - just offer your opinion, speculate when unsure - this means give an educated guess - you can do this by thinking of a few facts or experiences that 'back-up' your opinion.

7. IELTS tests your ability to communicate - don't worry about your accent or perfect grammar - if you do this it will slow you down - everyone makes mistakes and everyone has an accent - get your message across as best you can - speak as much as possible - correct yourself, the examiner won't.

8. Finally, much easier said than done - try to relax - even in your own language if you are uncomfortable you wont communicate well - so relax your shoulders and make frequent eye contact with the the examiner - they will relax, you will relax and you might even have a good conversation.

To keep posted follow on

 http://www.facebook.com/Richlingo

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