Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

Will I lose marks if my opinions differ to that of the examiner?

Accepted Answer

In your Writing and Speaking tests, there are no right or wrong opinions. The examiner is assessing how well you can use your English to report information and express ideas.

Question 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

What is the best way to learn native English words?

Accepted Answer

To show a sophisticated understanding of words, even simple ones, make a note of the ones you hear or see.  Take note of the context they are used in and how they are used.  Then use them as much as you can in your own speaking.

Question 10

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 11

Who will mark my Writing test? Is it the same examiner I meet in my Speaking test?

Accepted Answer

In the IELTS Speaking test, the person who examines you will give you a score as soon as you leave the room.  In the IELTS Writing test, one examiner will mark your Task 1 answer and a different examiner will mark your Task 2 answer.  They do not know each other and your identity at all. They also do not know the score given by the other examiner.

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

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 14

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 15

What should I do if I don't have a story to answer a Speaking test question?

Accepted Answer

You are  not expected to have an experience to answer the question.  Mention why you have not had that experience.  Try to talk around the topic.

Question 16

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 17

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 18

Will it affect my score if I am unable to speak for two minutes in Part 2 of my Speaking test?

Accepted Answer

No, because the examiner will ask you to speak more. Make sure you make good notes.  Just write about 10 key words and try to speak for about 15 seconds on each of the  key words.

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