Techniques to crack Speaking Module with 9 Bands in the first attempt

What is needed to achieve a band 9 in Speaking Module in the IELTS test, which can be apprehensive for many, is confidence, fluency, and spontaneity.

Firstly, you need to make yourself comfortable with the test, by practicing different topics of the Cue Card which will be very challenging to many because it is a 2 minutes speaking task, when compared to Section 1 and Section 3, which requires just an answer to the questions asked, all you need to do is be confident of what you are saying, avoid hesitation and fumbling, because this can daunt your score. Familiarize yourself with the exam format and the examiner's expectation, which can boost your confidence to answer coherently.

To answer the questions, you must consider the following points:

1. Be confident with what you are solving, do not answer just because you have to do so, you need to align your ideas and thoughts in an appropriate way which will enable your speaking more relevant and thoughtful. Try to speak facts you know rather than memorizing answers because events will allow you to speak firmly, but if learned, you can run short of points and also can be confusing trying to recall points.

2. Avoid giving a one-word answer to any question, because that does not go well in the exam. Instead, provide a reason for your Yes or No, because that explanation will justify your answer. Stick to the facts and try not to impress the examiner by giving a piece of prepared information. Your response should be impressive to impact your thoughts and ideas in an organized way, e.g., -Do you listen to music? Yes, I do, because it refreshes me after a stressful work life / hectic day

 

Section 1 - This section is a warm-up/interview section, where you will be asked basic questions about you and what you do in your daily life, it is easy to answer and more like a chat with the examiner. This section is a conversation and tries to be simple in answering directly about your routine/regular activities, and so on. Give an authentic answer, do not give one-word answers, please specify you Yes or No with a brief explanation.

You could be asked some questions about your free time

1. What type of activities do you like to do in your free time?

2. How long have you been interested in these activities?

3. Do you want to do these activities alone or with other people? (Why)?

4. Do you think people have enough free time? 

 

 Now let's talk about mobile phones.

1. Do you have a mobile phone?

2. At what age did you first get a mobile?

3. What do you most use it for?

4. Is it a nuisance if people use mobiles in public places such as trains and buses?

 

Section 2 – Cue Card

You are given a topic to speak at length for 2 minutes or till the examiner tells you to stop talking, you are judged for speaking at length without hesitation and avoid repeating the same sentence several times in different versions, instead prepare your points while you are given one minute (preparation time) jot down the points you think you could speak on with spontaneity. As part of the cue card, you are asked specific questions related to current issues, experiences, or asked to describe scenarios in detail.

The Cue Card will have a question with few prompts, which will help you answer the topic consistently for 2 minutes.

Describe someone who has had an essential influence on your life.

You should say:

· Who the person is

· How long you have known him/her

· What qualities this person has

Explain why they have had such an influence on you.

You need to give the name of the person, it could be a person from your immediate family, friends or someone you know, because they are asking you "since how long you know that person", so please do not take a name of a person you really have not met, so analyze your thoughts and ideas entirely. 

 

Section 3 – Discussion Round

This section is a continuation of the previous article because, most likely, you are asked questions that are a more in-depth exploration of the second section. Here you have to answer with a brief explanation about what you know.

1. What type of people influence the young in your country?

2. Why is it important to have role models?

3. Do you think the education system in your country influences young people's behaviour?

4. What types of people (parents, teachers, friends, etc.) are best to influence young people's behaviour?

5. What do you think the future will most affect young people?

 

Try to practice with a friend or standing in front of a mirror, speak as much as possible to gain the confidence to execute your talk appropriately on the test day. 

Please focus on a few vocabulary to enhance your language.

There are a lot of topics you find on-line, please refer them to familiarize with the topics and questions you can expect on the test day.

Practice till you are perfect, as it is known, "Practice makes a man perfect," so everything is possible if you work with dedication to get a band 9 in speaking.

We wish you all the best to the students and candidates taking the test.