We look at a few useful techniques you can start to use in your next speaking exam.
They are quite easy to adopt and will make you sound more natural.
In this tutorial you will learn:
- Discourse markers
This will help you in your IELTS speaking exam because:
- You’ll be able to use discourse markers in part 3 of IELTS speaking.
If you are struggling with the Speaking exam, or just want to improve faster, have a look at the Speaking Confidence course (included in the Jump to Ban 7 or it’s Free writing course).
What are Discourse Markers?
When answering the speaking examiner’s questions, you’ll want to make use of discourse markers to show fluency and cohesion.
Discourse markers or signposts as they are sometimes called, are words or phrases that make it easier to identify attitudes or changes of direction and perspective in a conversation.
Most people who are at least at an intermediate level of English already know how to use basic signposting such as: ‘’in my opinion,’’ ‘’finally,’’ and ‘’next.’ However, here are some examples of less commonly used discourse markers for linking ideas and signposting ideas:
What are examples of Discourse markers?
Expressing agreement
- Absolutely….
- Certainly…..
- Definitely…..
- Well actually……
Expressing an attitude
- To tell you the truth…..
- I must admit…..
- To be honest…..
- Ideally…..
Because part one of the speaking exam is more informal, the above words and phrases are ideally suited for answering the examiner’s questions. Here are some example questions and possible ways that you can use them in your answers:
Does your name have a special meaning?
‘’Well actually, it does. Jamila is an Arabic word which means beautiful woman.’’
Do you like your hometown?
‘’Certainly! I love Huddersfield; it’s one of the best towns in the world!’’ By the way, any IELTS tutors familiar with England might be laughing at that last statement because Huddersfield doesn’t have the best branding – which is unfair!!!
How would “using them with flexibility” look like?
What are some places of interest in your town?
‘’To tell you the truth, my home town is quite small, as compared to other cities. There’re not many things to do or see there. I must admit, there is only one museum in the entire city.
So there you have it! As you can see, it’s not that hard to get a high score on the IELTS speaking exam. While most people are probably very nervous about it, the reality is that by following these easy tips, you’ll probably do better than you expect.
You can download or listen to the audio version here:
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I need help with IELTS speaking and writing task. I misspell words a lot and am not very fluent when speaking. My pronunciation sucks and my test is next week… I feel so drained and scared.
Hi Patience! Before you run out of time, I would suggest you try the fast essay correction we have here: https://www.ieltspodcast.com/essay-correction-service
We believe that unless you have solved your Writing problems, you will continue to fail IELTS.
Act now and pass IELTS soon!
On behalf of Ben,
Nadyne
Hi,
I need help with the listening module, especially multiple choice questions (with long sentence).
Also for writing part 2 essay. Usually fall short of ideas.
Hi Nisha,
“Falling short of ideas” or “Mind going blank is a VERY common problem in IELTS Writing Task 2. This tutorial will show you how I approach the problem.
For the listening part, check out this helpful tutorial.
On behalf of Ben,
Nadyne
I need reading tricks to solve the headings as well as, I want listening tricks to solve mcq.
To solve the question of “Matching Headings”, You should read the heading first carefully and underline or circle main points in them; then go to the text, read each paragraph, and after reading each paragraph, go back to the heading and read all of them again. Usually you will find a sentence in the paragraph that is synonymous to the heading; Or you will find that the whole paragraph focuses on one point or a dominating idea in the paragraph. Take care not to choose a title that is included in part of the paragraph. The idea in the heading must be the dominating idea in the paragraph.
After each paragraph you read, you have to go back to all the Headings and read them again to decide which one fits the best.
It will not take time as it might be, and it will make the rest of the questions easier.
hlo mam my exam is on 1 of june plzz help me how i can get good plzz anybody can do speaking practise
Hi Aman,
Try and do a mock speaking test in your city, in a language academy, the only way to overcome the fear is to do it.
Have you tried mimicking native speakers? You listen to what they say and repeat it, trying to copy exactly what they said. This will improve your vocab and your pronunciation. Tell me how the exam goes and the actions you take.
Good luck!
On behalf of Ben,
Nadyne
Hi, I have my test on the 1st of June and I still feel that I am not well prepared for writing. Gaining a band 7 in writing looks quite difficult for me. Could you suggest some last minute preps?
Hi Peenal,
Have you considered having your essay checked by an IELTS examiner? By knowing your mistakes and how to correct them, you’ll be able to improve your writing skills. Click here to learn more.
Good luck in your exam!
On behalf of Ben,
Nadyne
To be very honest this really helpful for me
Awesome, Love! We’ll be glad to help you further, just let us know what’s challenging you.
All the best,
Nadyne (on behalf of Ben)
Vry usefull
Glad you think so, Simran! For more IELTS Speaking tutorials, you may click here.
All the best,
Nadyne (on behalf of Ben)
This site is very help full for me to be honest
Thanks for your kind words, Navroop! Our goal is to help many students pass IELTS (even on the first time!). If you’d like more of these tutorials, I suggest you sign up to our mailing list so we can give you free IELTS tips and materials right in your inbox. Click here: https://www.ieltspodcast.com/sign/
On behalf of Ben,
Nadyne
Good
Thank you, Harpinder! Great to hear you liked the tutorial! Do you need help with the Speaking exam?
On behalf of Ben,
Nadyne
Please share me some tips for reading to do task within time and fast
Hi Syeda,
To improve your score in the Reading part, you should do some practice exams. If your goal is a Band 7, then you could spend a little bit more time in the earlier sections and less in the final stage (most difficult part). You can also try to identify the types of questions you make mistakes, it is better to focus on skills rather than scores.
Also check out the podcast about IELTS Reading, with Anna Walker:
https://www.ieltspodcast.com/reading/a-band-jumping-strategy-for-ielts-reading/
On behalf of Ben,
Nadyne
I want to do ilets preparetion
Hi Renu! Then you’ve come to the right place! What are you struggling with; do you need help in IELTS Speaking?
On behalf of Ben,
Nadyne
Incredible!!!
Thank you, Harleen! Are you preparing for IELTS soon?
On behalf of Ben,
Nadyne
Plz provide other clues for IELTS.
Sure thing, Hemington! Please check out the other tips on our blog page.
On behalf of Ben,
Nadyne
Thanks indeed 😊
You’re most welcome, Khin! Let me know if you need a hand in IELTS.
On behalf of Ben,
Nadyne