IELTS Speaking Full Study Guide: Aim for Band 9 ("40/40" Performance)
📊 IELTS Speaking Overview
The IELTS Speaking Test is divided into 3 parts:
Part 1 (Introduction & Interview): 4-5 minutes
Part 2 (Long Turn): 1-minute preparation, 1-2 minutes speaking
Part 3 (Discussion): 4-5 minutes of deeper questions
It is scored using 4 criteria, each out of 9:
1. Fluency and Coherence
2. Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)
3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy
4. Pronunciation
Average of the 4 = your Band Score (e.g., 7.5, 8.0)
📊 Band 9 Descriptors (What "Perfect" Looks Like)
Criterion Band 9 Description
Fluency & Coherence Speaks effortlessly, naturally connected ideas, no hesitation
Vocabulary Wide range of precise words, topic-specific terms
Grammar Full range of structures, no noticeable errors
Pronunciation Very clear, natural rhythm, correct intonation
🎯 How to Improve Each Band
1. Fluency and Coherence
Speak every day (2-3 min per topic)
Practice linking ideas using: "Firstly", "In my opinion", "As a result"
Avoid fillers ("umm", "you know") and long pauses
2. Vocabulary (Lexical Resource)
Use synonyms: "good" → "beneficial", "essential"
Learn topic-wise vocabulary (health, education, technology, etc.)
Keep a personal word bank & review it daily
3. Grammar
Mix sentence types: simple, compound, complex
Use conditionals: "If I had more time..."
Avoid repeating the same sentence structures
4. Pronunciation
Record your speech and self-check clarity
Imitate native speakers (shadowing technique)
Practice sentence stress and intonation (rise/fall)
⏱ Daily Speaking Practice Plan (30 Days with Examples)
Day 1-5: Practice Part 1 Answers (Choose 5 per day)
1. Do you work or study?
2. What do you like about your hometown?
3. Do you prefer tea or coffee?
4. What is your favorite hobby?
5. Do you often use public transport?
6. What type of music do you enjoy?
7. How do you usually spend your weekends?
8. Do you prefer reading paper books or digital books?
9. Do you like going to parks?
10. Are you good at remembering names?
Day 6-10: Record Yourself on Part 2 Topics (2 mins each)
1. Describe a memorable journey you had.
2. Describe a teacher who made a difference in your life.
3. Describe a favorite restaurant you enjoy visiting.
4. Describe a time when you helped someone.
5. Describe a goal you achieved.
Day 11-15: Practice Linking Words & Transitions
Contrast: however, although, on the other hand, while, whereas
Addition: in addition, also, furthermore, moreover
Examples: for example, such as, for instance
Cause/Effect: because, so, as a result, therefore
Practice Task: Use each linking word in 2 spoken sentences:
o "I enjoy city life. However, it can be stressful."
o "I love Ethiopian coffee. For instance, buna is my favorite."
Day 16-20: Grammar Focus — Practice These Structures
1. Conditionals:
o "If I had more time, I would travel more."
o "If I study hard, I will get a good score."
2. Complex Sentences:
o "Although the exam was difficult, I managed to finish it."
o "Because I live near the hospital, I’m never late."
3. Passive Voice:
o "The building was designed by a famous architect."
4. Relative Clauses:
o "The book that I borrowed was very interesting."
5. Practice Task: Speak 3 sentences each day using each form above.
Day 21-25: Pronunciation Drills
Use BBC Learning English or E2 IELTS videos
Practice:
o Sentence stress: "I WANT to go THERE."
o Word stress: "eduCÁtion", "conVERsation"
o Intonation: rising for questions, falling for statements
Practice repeating:
o "The weather today is incredibly beautiful."
o "I’m not sure if I can come, but I’ll try."
o "Do you really think it’s a good idea?"
Day 26-30: Full Mock Speaking Tests (Self-Practice)
Part 1: Choose any 5 questions from above
Part 2: Pick a cue card, prepare 1 min, speak for 2 mins
Part 3: Deepen the Part 2 topic, ask yourself:
o "Why do some people like traveling alone?"
o "Do you think schools should teach practical life skills?"
o "How is communication different now compared to the past?"
Record & review: Check fluency, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation
🌟 Final Speaking Tips
Don’t memorize full answers — learn ideas and vocabulary
Speak confidently, even if you make small mistakes
Stay on topic, and support your ideas with examples
Practice, record, and improve daily
