Among the sections of the IELTS test, the IELTS Speaking test differs significantly from other skills as it depends somewhat on the candidate's psychological state. If you are too nervous, leading to a loss of composure, you may easily stumble and find it difficult to score high, especially in terms of Fluency & Coherence.
To help you complete the IELTS Speaking test as smoothly as possible, the following article will reveal introductory phrases that will help you start your test in a very engaging way. In particular, applying diverse introductory techniques will help you confidently complete your speech and score points in the eyes of the examiner.
Advantages of using lead-ins in IELTS Speaking
1. Make a good impression on the examiners
Usually, candidates often start their test with simple and "traditional" sentence structures like "I'm going to talk about ….". This structure is correct, however, it is quite formulaic and does not demonstrate your range of vocabulary and grammar.
With new lead-in techniques, you can present longer sentences and apply more diverse grammatical structures. This not only helps you score higher but also impresses the examiners.
2. Reduce time pressure
Presenting a continuous speech for 2 minutes and scoring high is a challenge for many candidates when you haven't equipped yourself with enough arguments and vocabulary to express your thoughts. By just preparing a thorough lead-in, you can shorten the time to present the main points, helping to reduce time pressure.
3. Flexibly handle different topics
In the IELTS Speaking test, you will encounter a myriad of topics revolving around aspects such as Hobbies, Books, Food, Social Media … Understanding how to lead-in will help you flexibly conquer any topic as well as confidently present the IELTS Speaking test Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.
How to start in the IELTS Speaking test - Part 1
In the first part, the test takes the form of a short interview between the candidate and the examiner on familiar topics related to everyday life such as hobbies, family, work ... However, most candidates often make the mistake of answering too briefly or not knowing how to start their speech appropriately.
Example: What do you do in your free time?
With the following example, you can develop your ideas as follows to make the introduction smoother.
1. Add a reason: briefly explain your answer, often accompanied by "because".
In my spare time, I am fond of playing board games with my friends, because it's the best way to connect with them and it helps develop my strategic thinking ability.
2. Give an example: this is an extremely easy way, you can totally apply your personal experience.
In my past time, I am keen on reading books of all kinds, such as novels, non-fiction or self-help books.
3. Contrasting information: provide opposing information through words like "but," "however".
I usually play video games when I'm free. However, it wastes a lot of time, so I'm thinking about taking up a new hobby.
4. Combine information: add some related peripheral information.
When I don't have to work or study, I like reading books in the coffee shop. You know, there're a lot of coffee shops where I can borrow books for free.
5. Talk about the future or the past: recall what you used to do or your future plans.
In my spare time, I used to watch Korean dramas a lot, but now, I spend more time on American TV shows to enhance my English skills.
How to start in the IELTS Speaking Part 2 test
Always remember, never memorize the essay parts and answers for the IELTS Speaking test. However, you can memorize opening phrases to apply flexibly to different topics:
Here are some easy-to-learn phrases that can help you start in a natural way:
The one I'd like to tell you about is…
My favourite was…
I'd like to talk about…
Let me tell you about…
Personally, I would have to say…
The one who/that stands out is…
I'm going to tell you about…
Even though I cannot speak for everyone, I suppose ..
From what I've experienced, it's safe to say that ..
How to start in the IELTS Speaking test - Part 3
When expressing opinions/views
In my opinion/ In my view…
My view is that/ My point of view is that…
I reckon/ I feel/ Personally speaking…
As far as I am concerned…
It seems to me that…
Well, I would say…
I would like to point out…
If you want my opinion…
The way I look at it…
As I see it…
The point I am trying to make is…
I think/believe that…
I suppose/ presume/ would say…
I think most people would agree that…
I believe it is hard to deny that…
I strongly believe that…
I think none would deny that…
Examples:
In my opinion, the government should pay for university.
The way I look at it is a waste of time and resources which could have been better utilized in academic fields.
The point I am trying to make is that it is not entirely our fault.
Making commands/rephrasing
What I actually meant was…
To express it another way…
Another way to say it…
Another way of saying it is…
Let me put it this/another way…
What I mean is…
To rephrase what I have just said…
What I want to say is…
What I am trying to say is…
Examples:
Let me put it another way and express my strong agreement in support of the year gap for university students.
To rephrase what I have just said, I believe that parents should spend more time with their children despite their busy schedule.
What I am trying to say is books are better than movies as they have a lasting impact on readers' minds.
Expressing agreement
I quite agree…
I completely agree with that…
Yes, Indeed…
I couldn't agree more…
I entirely/totally agree with you on that…
You are quite right about…
You have just read my mind…
Yes, that's obvious…
That's exactly how I see it…
That's exactly what I think/ believe…
Precisely/ Exactly/ Certainly/ Definitely…
I'd go along with that view to a point
Sure, that's one way of looking at it
Examples:
I quite agree that music choice by the young generation is often considered tasteless by the senior citizens.
Yes, indeed, it is our responsibility to save endangered species.
You are quite right about difficulties in adopting these changes but that's what the human race has always done.
Expressing disagreement
I possess a different view…
I must disagree with the view that…
I am afraid I believe/ see it otherwise…
This might be true in some context but…
I am inclined to oppose the view that…
I am afraid I disagree…
Yes, perhaps, but…
Well, it depends…
I see what you mean, but this is not the whole story…
Yes, but there is also another aspect to consider…
I don't quite agree with that…
Well, that's one way to look at that, but…
I am not quite so sure that…
Examples:
I am not quite so sure that I would contradict my parents on issues like that.
I am afraid I believe otherwise and feel that ordinary citizens like us have a much greater role here.
Well, it depends, and from my personal experience, I can say that such activities are really helpful.
Expressing neutral opinions
There are two sides to the question.
On the one hand …, on the other hand
An argument for/in favor of/against is
While admitting that … one should not forget that
Some people think that …, others say that
Although I must admit that
Examples:
On the one hand they'd love to have kids, but on the other, they don't want to give up their freedom.
I must admit that when you turned up drunk for the interview, I didn't think you would get the job, but congratulations.
When making conclusions
The obvious conclusion is
Last but not least
The only alternative (left) is
The only possible solution/conclusion is
Summing up, I'd like to say that
In conclusion we can say that
To cut a long story short
Just to give you the main points again
Examples:
Last but not least, I'd like to thank all the catering staff.
Could you go over the main points of your argument again, Professor?
I'd just like to sum up by saying that it's been a tremendous pleasure to work with you.
When complaining or expressing disappointment
Can't something be done to/about…
Forgive me for mentioning it, but…
It really is terrible/ridiculous that…
I wish someone would do something about it…
Something ought to be done about it…
Examples:
Forgive me for mentioning it, but people sometimes are careless enough to harm themselves.
It really is terrible that even after knowing the consequences, we are damaging the environment.
Something ought to be done about it and there could be no better time than right now!
Score confidently in IELTS Speaking with IDP!
IELTS Speaking is a test section that requires your focus and thorough preparation for all topics. Regardless of the topic you encounter, don't be overconfident and express your answers fluently. We hope the above article has provided you with tips for starting answers in the IELTS Speaking test.
If you want to practice more with IELTS tests at home, you can also check out IDP's complete IELTS resource library including useful study materials including IELTS Events Workshops, Test Preparation Courses suggested based on individual needs and levels.
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