Question 1

Am I allowed to ask my Speaking examiner for an alternative topic?

Accepted Answer

No, but it is okay if you do not have any personal experience about the question.  Just mention why you do not have this experience and speculate.

Question 2

Can I ask the examiner to repeat a question if I don't understand it the first time?

Accepted Answer

Yes,  you can ask the examiner to repeat the question in the IELTS Speaking test.  You can also ask for clarification if you don't understand a word or what they are trying to ask.

Question 3

Can I do all parts of the IELTS test on computer?

Accepted Answer

If you take an IELTS on Computer test, the Reading, Writing and Listening parts of the IELTS test are completed on a computer, but the Speaking test is completed face-to-face with an IELTS examiner.

Question 4

Can I do all parts of the test on the same day?

Accepted Answer

The Listening, Reading, and Writing parts of the test are completed immediately after each other on the same day. In some test centres, you will sit the Speaking test on the same day, or up to 7 days before or after your test date.

If you take IELTS on computer, the Speaking test will be taken on the same day, either before, or after the other three parts of the test.

Question 5

Can I make the examiner laugh in my Speaking test and get a higher mark?

Accepted Answer

Smiling can help you feel relaxed which in turn might help you perform better. However, if you smile or laugh too much, it might not be appropriate for the topic you are discussing. Every examiner is trained and monitored closely to be fair to every candidate and to assess your level of English. The examiners will not give you more or fewer marks if you are smiling and laughing. It is best to try and relax as much as you can and communicate in a natural way.

Question 6

Does an examiner know which country I am from? Does the examiner mark me based on my accent?

Accepted Answer

In the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner knows where you are from because they ask for your passport.  They may also ask you about where you are from, but it will not affect your score.  Accent is not a problem unless you do not have some natural features of English, such as the sounds or rhythm.

Question 7

Do I have to speak with a particular accent in my IELTS Speaking test?

Accepted Answer

Everyone speaks with an accent and you are not expected to change your accent for the IELTS test. Instead, focus on speaking clearly and at a natural pace so that the examiner can understand you. Practising your English every day and listening to different native speaker accents will help you to more clearly pronounce difficult words.

Question 8

Do I have to use the full two minutes in IELTS Speaking, Part 2?

Accepted Answer

In Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner will stop you at 2 minutes.  This is a good thing because you have shown a lot of language.  If you only speak for a minute or a minute and a half for example, the examiner might say "Can you tell me anything more about that?" to encourage you to keep speaking.

Question 9

How do I improve my fluency? Should I ever try to use a different accent to my own?

Accepted Answer

To improve your fluency, try to practice as much as you can.  The more words you know, the less you have to search for words.  Also, use connecting words to help you keep going.  The only problem with accents is if it stops people from understanding you.  Just try to make the sounds of English so you can be understood.

Question 10

I am a native speaker. Why do I need to take the IELTS test?

Accepted Answer

IELTS may be a requirement for entering your desired course in an educational institution. It is also used in many countries as a part of their migration assessment. If you are not sure as to why you might need to sit the IELTS test or about the score you need, contact the organisation you are applying to.

They will be able to provide further information, including whether native speakers need to complete the IELTS test. Even if English is your primary language, you will still need to prepare for the test.

Question 11

If I use more idioms in my Speaking test, will it increase my Speaking score?

Accepted Answer

Using idioms in the IELTS Speaking test can be helpful, but be careful because idioms are difficult to use and do not always sound natural.  Make sure you are sure how to use them correctly.

Question 12

Is the Speaking test recorded? Is it useful to record yourself while practising Speaking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is. The recording can be used to apply for a remark. It is also used to monitor the examiners to make sure they are doing their job well. It can be a good idea to record yourself and share it with someone you know. They may be able to notice something about your speaking that you do not.

Question 13

Should we expect topics related to COVID-19 in the Speaking and Writing tests?

Accepted Answer

No, not as part of the question.  However, topics in the IELTS Speaking and Writing tests could be related to health, so you can use COVID-19 as an example if you want to.

Question 14

What accents can be heard in the Listening and Speaking tests?

Accepted Answer

As IELTS is an international test, a variety of voices and native-speaker accents are used in both the General Training and Academic tests.

Question 15

What does it mean when my Speaking examiner interrupts me during the Speaking test?

Accepted Answer

The examiner has to keep to the time and make sure they move to the next topic. This is a good sign because it means you are giving a lot of language. This is good for your fluency score.

Question 16

What do I need to bring to my Speaking test?

Accepted Answer

You must bring the same passport or national identity card that you used to book your IELTS test. Your ID will be checked before you enter the interview room and again during the interview.

Question 17

What happens in the IELTS Speaking test?

Accepted Answer

The Speaking test is a discussion with a highly qualified IELTS examiner who assesses your ability to talk about a range of topics. The Speaking test has three parts and is recorded. A description of the three parts of the interview is found in the Information for Candidates booklet.

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