Improving Pronunciation for IELTS Speaking: Tips for Test Takers in Singapore

For many Singaporeans, the Speaking section can be the most stressful part of IELTS. Like oral exams you may remember from school, this part is evaluated on:

• Fluency and coherence – how smoothly you speak and connect ideas.

• Lexical resource – the range and accuracy of your vocabulary.

• Grammatical range and accuracy – how well you use sentence structures.

• Pronunciation – clarity, stress, intonation, and sound accuracy.

The IELTS Speaking test is structured as a face-to-face interview consisting of three parts: an introduction with general questions about familiar topics, a long turn, and a discussion. All candidates, whether taking Academic or General Training, experience the same interview format. The introduction involves general questions about familiar topics such as home, family, work, or interests, allowing candidates to demonstrate their ability to communicate on everyday subjects.

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While vocabulary and grammar often get the most attention, pronunciation is equally important. A clear, natural delivery makes it easier for examiners (and AI-based listening tools in some prep platforms) to understand you—directly supporting a higher band score.

Understanding the test format is the first step to performing well in IELTS Speaking. Knowing what to expect in each part helps reduce anxiety and lets you focus on showcasing your language skills effectively

• Part 1: Introduction & Interview – General questions about home, work, family, or interests.

• Part 2: Long Turn – You speak on a given topic for up to two minutes.

• Part 3: Discussion – A deeper, analytical conversation with the examiner.

The biggest challenge Singaporeans face with pronunciation is the prevalent influence of Singlish. These influences often lead to specific pronunciation habits that can affect clarity, for example,

Improving pronunciation takes consistent, focused practice—but it doesn’t have to be complicated. These practical tips will help you build clearer, more confident speech for IELTS Speaking.

1. Use English Media Mindfully

• Listen to CNA news, BBC podcasts, or official IELTS sample recordings.

• Pay attention to pitch in questions vs statements.

2. Practice Shadowing

• Pick a 15–30 second video of a native speaker.

• Play, pause, and repeat with identical stress and intonation.

• Gradually increase speed to match natural rhythm.

3. Train With Minimal Pairs

• Pairs like ship/sheep or cap/cup sharpen your ear for subtle vowel differences.

4. Record and Review Yourself

• Use your phone or laptop to record answers to sample IELTS questions.

• Listen critically or ask a teacher or friend for specific feedback.

5. Use AI Tools for Feedback

• Elsa Speak – Real-time AI pronunciation scores.

• Speechling – Personalised coaching with recorded feedback.

A candidate with clear, natural pronunciation is easier to understand, which supports higher scores across all IELTS Speaking criteria. Clear pronunciation helps candidates express their ideas and opinions effectively, ensuring their answers are understood by the examiner.

Improved pronunciation:

• Increases fluency – you’ll pause less and sound confident.

• Supports vocabulary use – advanced words are understood when pronounced correctly.

• Highlights grammar – correct stress and tone can signal tense or emphasis.

• Ensures examiner comprehension – crucial in an interactive interview.

It’s key to note that IELTS speaking is assessed in-person with an examiner or via video call. This means that you’ll be having an interactive conversation with your examiner. Correct pronunciation allows your examiner to clearly understand what you are trying to convey, which supporxts the factors in your overall assessment criteria. Strong pronunciation also demonstrates your language proficiency and helps you deliver detailed answers, express your ideas, and justify your opinions clearly.

Both the IELTS test and PTE (Pearson Test of English) assess speaking skills, but the format of each test differs significantly.

When choosing between IELTS and PTE for assessing your speaking skills, it’s important to understand the key differences in format and evaluation. This comparison will help you decide which test aligns better with your strengths and preferences.

Improving your pronunciation is a crucial step in boosting your IELTS Speaking score. Fortunately, there are many helpful resources and tools available to support your practice and progress.

Apps

• Elsa Speak – AI feedback on pronunciation

• Speechling – Personalised coaching

• BBC Learning English – Pronunciation and listening videos

YouTube Channels

• English with Lucy

• Rachel’s English

• Speak English with Mr. Duncan

Local IELTS Prep

• IDP IELTS Prep Courses – in-person and online options

• Monthly IELTS Masterclasses – free webinars for test strategies

• Do mock interviews using past IELTS Speaking questions.

• Use a mirror or video recording to check mouth shape and intonation.

• Practice daily conversation in standard English, minimising Singlish fillers.

Improving your pronunciation isn’t about “sounding Western” – it’s about being clear, confident, and expressive. Small adjustments to stress, rhythm, and sound clarity can dramatically raise your IELTS Speaking band score. With regular practice, AI-powered tools, and expert feedback, you can communicate effectively and reach your target band.

For additional support, register for an IELTS test with IDP Singapore to access free preparation courses and upcoming IELTS Masterclasses.

Book your IELTS test now!