10 Tips to Improve Your IELTS Speaking Score

Your IELTS Speaking test evaluates your ability to communicate fluently and accurately in English. Whether you want to get band 7 or higher, these 10 practical tips will help you prepare and perform confidently on test day. The face-to-face Speaking test is made up of three parts. By understanding what happens in these three parts of the Speaking test, you will be better prepared.

Part 1

In Part 1, you will have a 4 to 5 minute conversation with an IELTS examiner about yourself. Topics might include:

• Work

• Family

• Home life

• Personal interests

Part 2

In Part 2 of the Speaking test, you will be given a card with a topic. You will be given one minute to take notes on the topic and will be given a pencil and paper to prepare your response, you will then speak on the topic for two minutes.

Part 3

In Part 3, you will have a conversation with the IELTS examiner around the topic given in part 2, discussing it in more detail. Part 3 should take approximately 4 to 5 minutes to complete.

Your Speaking test is assessed on four criteria:

• Fluency and Coherence: How well you can speak without unnecessary pauses and organize your ideas.

• Lexical Resource: The range of vocabulary you use.

• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Correct and varied sentence structures.

• Pronunciation: Clarity and naturalness of your speech.

1. Practice speaking English every day

Consistency is key to building your fluency and confidence. Make speaking English a daily habit—whether it’s chatting with friends, joining conversation groups, or practicing with a tutor. Even talking to yourself or recording your answers can help you identify pronunciation or grammar mistakes. The more you practice, the more natural and comfortable you will sound on test day.

2. Expand your vocabulary

A rich vocabulary allows you to express ideas clearly and impress examiners. Focus on learning synonyms and phrases that relate to common IELTS topics such as family, work, education, travel, and hobbies. Incorporate idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs naturally into your speech to show your language range. Reading articles, watching videos, or listening to podcasts on these topics can help you pick up useful vocabulary.

3. Use full sentences, not just short answers

Avoid one-word or very short responses. Expand your answers by adding explanations, giving reasons, or sharing examples. For instance, if asked about your favorite hobby, don’t just say “I like reading.” Instead, say “I enjoy reading because it helps me relax and learn new things.” This shows the examiner your ability to organize thoughts and communicate in English clearly.

4. Speak clearly and at a natural pace

Pronunciation matters in the speaking test. Try to speak clearly and at a pace that is easy to understand—not too fast that your words get jumbled, and not too slow that it sounds unnatural. Practicing with a tutor or using language apps can help you improve your clarity. Record yourself to check your pace and identify any words you struggle with.

5. Answer the question directly

Make sure to listen carefully and respond to exactly what the examiner asks. If a question has multiple parts, address each one. Avoid going off-topic or giving unrelated information. Clear and relevant answers demonstrate that you understand the question and can communicate effectively.

6. Use a range of grammar structures

Mix simple sentences with more complex ones to show your grammatical ability. For example, instead of just saying “I like traveling,” you could say, “I like traveling because it allows me to experience different cultures and meet new people.” Using a variety of sentence types helps increase your band score in grammatical range and accuracy.

7. Practice with sample questions

Familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions you’ll face in the test. Practice answering questions from all three parts of the speaking test: the introduction, the long turn (where you speak for 1-2 minutes), and the discussion. Use official IELTS sample questions or apps to simulate the real test environment.

8. Manage your time wisely

Each part of the speaking test is timed. Don’t spend too long answering one question or part. Keep your answers focused, relevant, and concise. This will allow you enough time to cover all questions and show your full ability without rushing or running out of time.

9. Stay calm and confident

Nerves can affect your performance, so it’s important to stay calm. Take a deep breath before speaking and remind yourself that it’s okay to pause briefly to gather your thoughts. Confidence helps you speak more fluently and naturally, which can positively impact your band score.

10. Listen carefully to the examiner

Make sure you fully understand each question before answering. If you don’t understand, it’s okay to ask the examiner to repeat or clarify. Listening carefully ensures that you respond accurately and stay on topic, which is crucial for scoring well.

✅ How can I improve my IELTS Speaking score quickly?

Practice speaking English daily, use a variety of vocabulary, and record yourself to identify areas for improvement.

✅ What is a good band score in IELTS Speaking?

A band score of 7 or above is generally considered good and shows you can communicate effectively in most situations.

✅ How long is the IELTS Speaking test?

The IELTS Speaking test lasts 11-14 minutes and consists of three parts: introduction & interview, long turn, and discussion.

✅ Can I use idioms in IELTS Speaking?

Yes! Using idioms and phrasal verbs appropriately can boost your band score, but make sure you understand their meaning and use them naturally.

✅ Is fluency or grammar more important in IELTS Speaking?

Both are important. Fluency shows your ability to communicate smoothly, while grammar demonstrates accuracy. Balance both for the best score.

Use official IELTS practice materials and consider taking mock speaking tests with a qualified tutor.

Ready to boost your IELTS Speaking score? Download the free IDP IELTS App for practice tests, speaking tips, and personalized study plans.