IELTS Speaking Test – 10 Expert Tips to Boost Your Score

Many IELTS test takers feel nervous about the Speaking section—but that anxiety can be eased with the right preparation. With these 10 expert-backed tips and plenty of practice, you’ll feel more confident walking into your test and be better equipped to secure your desired band score.

Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test Format

Whether you’re taking IELTS on paper or computer, the Speaking section is always conducted face-to-face with an examiner. It lasts between 11 and 14 minutes and is divided into three parts:

Part 1 – Introduction and Interview (4–5 minutes)
You’ll answer questions about familiar topics such as:

• Work or studies
• Hometown and family
• Daily routines or hobbies

This part is designed to ease you into the test with conversational questions.

Part 2 – Long Turn (3–4 minutes)
You’ll receive a task card with a specific topic and have one minute to prepare. During this time, you can take notes using the pen and paper provided. Then, you’ll speak for up to two minutes about the topic.

Part 3 – Discussion (4–5 minutes)
This section involves a deeper discussion based on the topic from Part 2. You’ll be asked more abstract or analytical questions and expected to express opinions and justify your ideas.

Now let’s dive into 10 tips that can help you ace this test.

1. Avoid Memorising Answers
It’s tempting to prepare and memorise model answers, especially for common questions in Part 1. But examiners can spot memorised responses easily—they often sound unnatural and rehearsed. Instead, focus on understanding how to build your own answers based on real communication.

2. Stick to Words You Know
Trying to sound advanced by using big or unfamiliar words can backfire. Mispronouncing a word or using it incorrectly can hurt your fluency and accuracy. Use vocabulary you’re comfortable with, and gradually expand it by building word lists around common IELTS topics.

3. Use a Mix of Grammar Structures
You’ll be scored partly on your ability to use grammar accurately and flexibly. Try incorporating:

• Simple and complex sentences
• Past, present, and future tenses
• Conditional sentences and comparisons

Record yourself or speak with friends to identify common errors and work on fixing them.

4. Don’t Stress About Your Accent
IELTS examiners are trained to understand a wide range of English accents. As long as you speak clearly and are easy to understand, your accent won’t be a problem. Instead, focus on pronunciation features like stress, intonation, and clarity.

5. Take Time to Think
Pausing briefly before answering is perfectly okay. Native speakers do it too. Use phrases to give yourself time, such as:

• “Let me think about that for a second.”
• “That’s an interesting question.”
• “I’ve never thought about that before, but…”

These expressions show natural conversation and give you a moment to collect your thoughts.

6. Limit Fillers Like ‘Umm’ or ‘Like’
Frequent use of fillers can make it seem like you’re struggling to find words or ideas. Instead of saying “umm” or “you know,” try the phrases mentioned above to buy time without sounding unsure or hesitant.

7. Extend Your Responses
Short, one-line answers won’t showcase your fluency. Even simple questions deserve thoughtful responses. If the examiner asks, “Do you like music?” don’t just say, “Yes.” Say why, describe your favorite genres, or share a personal story. The more naturally you expand, the better.

8. Smile to Improve Your Pronunciation
Believe it or not, smiling can help your pronunciation. It relaxes your facial muscles and encourages clearer enunciation. It also improves your tone and helps project a more confident, friendly voice.

9. Avoid a Monotone Voice
Speaking in the same tone throughout can make your answers sound flat and uninterested. Use variation in stress and intonation to show enthusiasm, emphasize key points, and keep your listener engaged. Using gestures can also help bring rhythm to your speaking.

10. Practice with Common IELTS Speaking Topics
Part 2 of the Speaking test requires you to speak continuously on a topic. Practice speaking about familiar themes such as:

• Travel and tourism
• Education and learning
• Transport and traffic
• Environmental issues
• Family and lifestyle
• Sports and fitness
• Crime and justice
• Internet and technology
• Retail and advertising

Create vocabulary mind maps or flashcards around these themes to help you express ideas more clearly and confidently.