IELTS Speaking: correct the mistakes

Before I write my own sample answer to last week's question, let's look at some sentences
written by students. Can you suggest corrections or improvements?
1. Each of us helped organised this event.
2. I promised myself to try and spend more time with them henceforth.
3. We were all happy that we had a chance to be next to each other.
4. Hundred of people came to her party to gave her special gift.
5. As for me, a celebration that I never forget is...
6. We arranged many things for enjoying.
7. Last month, my family hold a birthday party for my daddy.
8. We conduct party on our own house.
9. For celebrating this especial event all the family gathering together.
10. Going on my next point which is who was present and what I need to emphasize here
is that there were quite a lot of people.
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Friday, June 27, 2014
IELTS Speaking Part 2: family celebration
Try preparing some ideas for this recent exam question:
Describe a family celebration that you remember. You should say
- what you were celebrating
- who was present
- what you and your family did to make the celebration special
- and why you enjoyed the occasion.
I'll share my ideas next week.
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Friday, June 20, 2014
IELTS Speaking Part 3: 'paragraph' answers
Here are my answers to the questions in last week's lesson.
1) Do you think that it's important for people to go on holiday?
Answer using 'idea, explain, example'
Yes, I think we all need to go on holiday at least once or twice a year. It isnt healthy to work all
year round without some time off to relax; we all need to take a break and recharge our
batteries from time to time. Last summer, for example, I went on holiday to France for a couple
of weeks, and it was great to leave all of my usual responsibilities behind me. I came home
feeling really refreshed and reinvigorated.
2) Why do you think some people prefer not to go abroad on holiday?
Answer using 'firstly, secondly, finally'
I suppose there are different reasons why some people choose not to go abroad on holidays.
Firstly, its usually more expensive to travel abroad than it is to stay at home. A second reason
could be that some people find it stressful to spend time in a foreign country where they dont
speak the language, or where they feel that they cant easily integrate with the locals. Finally,
many people just love where they live, and dont feel the need to travel abroad.
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Friday, June 13, 2014
IELTS Speaking Part 3: think 'paragraph'
In part 3 of the speaking test, you should try to give longer, detailed answers. A good way to do
this is to imagine that you are making a paragraph.
Remember the 'paragraph building' techniques that we use in writing task 2:
Idea, explain, example
Start with a direct answer to the question, like the 'topic sentence' in a written paragraph. Then
explain your answer in more detail, and support your explanation with an example.
Try answering this question: Do you think that it's important for people to go on holiday?
Firstly, secondly, finally
Start with the direct answer, then explain it by giving two or three reasons, and maybe an
example too.
Try answering this question: Why do you think some people prefer not to go abroad on
holiday?
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Sunday, June 08, 2014
IELTS Grammar: easy sentences
Here are my suggestions for the sentences in Friday's lesson. Remember, the aim was to make
the sentences as easy as possible.
1. I like learning languages because they help me to communicate with people from
other countries.
2. I do lots of reading in my spare time.
3. If you can speak the local language, it's easier to make friends.
4. Knowing a foreign language can help you to get a better job.
5. The best time to learn another language is when you are young.
6. Learning a foreign language opens your mind and expands your horizons.
7. The more you practise, the easier it becomes to communicate in a new language.
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Friday, June 06, 2014
IELTS Speaking Part 1: keep it simple
Instead of correcting the grammar mistakes in the sentences below, try rewriting the sentences
in an easier way.
1. I admire learning languages as communication bridges.
2. I also do general readings in my spare time.
3. Moreover, learning foreign languages helps us talk friendly.
4. It open more avenues for getting a better job.
5. Young age is the right time to learn multiple languages.
6. You can break many hurdles and expand your horizons.
7. As our knowledge in language expands, the better we can communicate.
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Friday, May 30, 2014
IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'language learning' topic
Try answering the following 'part 1' questions. Remember to follow the rules in last
week's lesson.
1. Do you like learning languages?
2. How did you learn the languages that you know?
3. Why do people learn more than one language?
4. Do you think that all children should learn foreign languages at school?
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Friday, May 23, 2014
IELTS Speaking Part 1: five simple rules
Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test is supposed to be easy. You don't need to give 'difficult'
answers, and you should try to avoid making mistakes.
Here are five simple rules for Speaking Part 1:
1. Keep your answers short, then stop with confidence.
2. Answer the questions using full sentences.
3. Use words from the examiner's question in your answer.
4. If possible, give a reason for your answer.
5. Don't forget to say "yes" or "no" when necessary.
Here's an example to illustrate these points:
Do you like parks?
Yes, I like parks because they are great places to relax. If you live in a city, a park is often the
only place where you can escape from the noise and the traffic.
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Saturday, May 17, 2014
IELTS Vocabulary: band 7-9 phrases
There was some good vocabulary in yesterday's speaking lesson. Here's a list of the phrases
that I think would impress an examiner:
it was great to share that experience
The positive experience wasnt confined to one particular place
As far as I remember
visits to various tourist attractions
one of my first memories was
a group of close friends
which made the experience more enjoyable
What really struck me about London was
historic but modern and thriving at the same time
a lively, fashionable and cosmopolitan place
Coming from a relatively small town
the experience made me keen to visit more capital cities
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Friday, May 16, 2014
IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'positive experience' answer
Describe a positive experience that you had as a teenager. You should say
- what the positive experience was
- where you were
- who you were with
- and explain why you found the experience positive.
Here's my sample answer, taking some of the ideas from this lesson.
Im going to describe the first time I visited Englands capital city, London, on a school
trip when I was a teenager. I had never been to London before, and it was great to
share that experience with my school friends.
The positive experience wasnt confined to one particular place in London. As far as I
remember, I enjoyed the whole trip, from the coach journey to the visits to various
tourist attractions. We got off the coach near the Houses of Parliament, and so one
of my first memories was seeing the famous Big Ben clock tower. We also visited
the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square.
As I said earlier, it was a school trip, and I think there were around thirty of us,
including two teachers. I was with a group of close friends, which made the
experience more enjoyable.
What really struck me about London was that it was historic but modern and thriving
at the same time. It seemed to me to be a lively, fashionable and cosmopolitan place.
Coming from a relatively small town, the experience made me keen to visit more
capital cities in the future.
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Friday, May 09, 2014
IELTS Speaking Part 2: memorise and adapt
Memorising can be a good strategy for speaking part 2 because the same topics are often
repeated. Click here to see the six main topic areas that I tell my students to prepare first.
But memorising can be a risky strategy unless you are able to adapt your answers to the
specific question. For example, if you prepared a description of a holiday, would you be able to
adapt it for this question about a positive experience you had as a teenager?
The smart way to study for part 2 is to prepare a few key topics, then spend lots of time
practising ways to adapt what you prepared to other questions.
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Friday, May 02, 2014
IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'teenager' topic
Describe a positive experience that you had as a teenager. You should say
- what the positive experience was
- where you were
- who you were with
- and explain why you found the experience positive
Try practising in the following way: First, note some ideas. Then record yourself speaking for
two minutes. Next, listen to the recording and write down what you said. Finally, try to improve
the written description.
Tip: choose an easy topic, like a new hobby or a holiday.
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Friday, April 25, 2014
IELTS Speaking Part 1: home town
Here are some part 1 questions and answers on the topic of 'home town'. Try changing the
answers to similar ones about your own town or city. Keep your answers short, simple and
direct.
1. Where are you from?
I'm from Manchester, which is a city in the north west of England.
2. Do you like your home town? (Why?)
Yes, I like living in Manchester because it's where most of my friends live, and because there
are plenty of things to do there. The only thing I don't like is the weather.
3. Would you prefer to live somewhere else? (Why?)
For the moment I'm happy living here, but at some point I'd like to live in a country with a
warmer climate, and I'd like to live near a beach!
4. Do you think your home town is a good place for young people? (Why?)
Yes, Manchester has lots of things for young people, such as sports facilities, music and
cinemas.
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Friday, April 18, 2014
IELTS Speaking: if you don't know what to say
In Sunday's lesson I suggested answering in the following way if you don't know what to say:
"Well, I don't really know much about... because..., but I suppose..."
In other words, you admit that you don't really know what to say, you explain why, then you
invent an answer anyway. Let's try using the formula above with an example.
Question:
What kinds of jobs might stop when the season changes?
Answer:
Well, I don't really know much about seasonal jobs because everyone works all year round
where I live, but I suppose that some jobs related to tourism must stop at the end of the
summer holiday period.
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Friday, April 11, 2014
IELTS Speaking: if you don't understand
What should you do if you don't understand a question in the speaking test? Here are my tips:
Part 1
In part 1, the examiner is not allowed to help you, but he/she can repeat the question. Just say:
"Sorry, can you repeat the question please?" If you still don't understand the second time, try
to say something related to the topic or any of the words that you heard. Try your best, then
focus on the next question.
Part 2
You are given a task card with the question written on it, so you shouldn't have any problems in
this part. If there is a word that you don't understand on the task card, don't ask the examiner -
he/she is not allowed to help.
Part 3
In this part of the test, the examiner is allowed to rephrase the question. If you don't
understand, just say something like: "Sorry, can you explain that question in a different way
please?"
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Friday, April 04, 2014
IELTS Speaking: a tip for each part
Here are three tips, one for each part of the speaking test.
Part 1: stop and smile
For part 1 of the speaking test, you need to get used to giving short answers. Many students
find it difficult to stop speaking, and the examiner is forced to interrupt. My tip is to give your
answer then stop and smile, showing the examiner that you are ready for the next question.
Part 2: tell a story
In the context of speaking part 2, a story is simply a long example to illustrate a point that you
have made. If youre describing a person, for example, you could tell a story to illustrate why
you like him/her. People find it easy to keep speaking for longer when they have a story to tell.
Part 3: include an if... sentence
Look at technique number 2 in this lesson. The 'alternatives' technique helps you to say more,
and it also encourages you to add a conditional 'if...' sentence, which might help your grammar
score.
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Friday, March 28, 2014
IELTS Speaking: 'hospitality' topic
1. In your country, how do people treat visitors from abroad?
I think we treat visitors well. People in the UK are very open-minded and welcoming, and we
enjoy the mix of cultures that immigration and tourism bring. Most UK cities, for example, are
really cosmopolitan, and you can meet visitors from every part of the world.
2. Do you think hospitality towards visitors is less important than it was in the past?
In my city, maybe its true that hospitality is less important nowadays, but thats only because
we are so used to seeing visitors from different countries, so we treat it as a normal part of life
and nothing too special.
3. What are the advantages of staying with a friend compared to staying in a hotel when
visiting a foreign country?
If you stay with a friend, you benefit from someone with local knowledge of the best places to
visit. You can also get to know the character and customs of the local people, and for me, this is
one of the most interesting aspects of a visit to another country. On the other hand, if you stay
in a hotel, you are forced to discover the new place on your own, so its more of an adventure.
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Friday, March 21, 2014
IELTS Speaking Part 3: 'hospitality' topic
As I'm currently on a work trip in another country (China), I thought it would be appropriate to
look at the following 'part 3' questions:
1. In your country, how do people treat visitors from abroad?
2. Do you think hospitality towards visitors is less important than it was in the past?
3. What are the advantages of staying with a friend compared to staying in a hotel when
visiting a foreign country?
The advice in this lesson will help to make longer, better answers. I'll show you my example
answers next week.
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Friday, March 14, 2014
IELTS Speaking: 3 simple tips
Here are three simple tips that could make a difference to your score:
1. Be confident
Although you might be nervous, try to speak clearly and confidently. Smile and be friendly*
with the examiner. As you go into the exam, tell yourself that you have prepared well and that
you're going to enjoy the challenge.
2. Know that you are prepared
You will feel much more confident if you know that you have prepared and practised for the
test. You should know exactly what to expect. For example, have you prepared some common
topics (e.g. describe a place, a person, a hobby) for the short presentation? Are you ready for a
past and a future question in part 3?
3. Speak naturally
Try to enjoy a normal conversation with the examiner. Instead of worrying about your
grammar, listen carefully to the questions and try to give natural answers. Most of the
questions are about you, your life and your opinions, so it's best to be open. I used to be an
examiner, and I always found the job more interesting when students spoke openly about their
opinions and experiences.
*Note: You are not marked on body language, but I'd still recommend that you try to act in a
friendly, confident manner.
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Friday, March 07, 2014
IELTS Speaking Part 2: sample answer
Here's the question we've been looking at in recent weeks:
Describe a subject that you think should be removed from school education programmes. You
should say
- what the subject is
- why you think it is unnecessary for children to study it
- and explain what you would replace it with.
Here's my sample answer with band 7-9 vocabulary underlined:
Im going to suggest that art could be taken out of the school curriculum. In my
experience, art lessons at school tend to include drawing, painting, and the making of
collages using paper, fabric and other household materials.
There are a few reasons why I think that school art lessons are unnecessary. Firstly, I
dont believe that drawing and painting areessential skills that children will need
when they leave school. Children might find these activities enjoyable, but its
unlikely that they will need them in the working world. Secondly, children can draw,
paint and make collages in their own time at home; parents can encourage this, and
they can even join in. Finally, remembering my own art lessons at school, I dont
think we learnt any real art skills; the teachers left us to draw or create things, but
they didnt provide much technical instruction.
Instead of art lessons, children could do more work on core subjectslike maths, science
or language. These subjects are more likely tohelp children in later life when
they enter the job market, and I think both children and their teachers would
benefit if more time were devoted to them.
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Saturday, March 01, 2014
IELTS Speaking Advice: how to practise part 2
Here's this week's video lesson:
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Friday, February 28, 2014
IELTS Speaking Part 2: at home and in the test
Is there a difference between the way you practise at home and what you do in the test? Take
this question for example:
Describe a subject that you think should be removed from school education programmes. You
should say
- what the subject is
- why you think it is unnecessary for children to study it
- and explain what you would replace it with.
How would you plan and answer this question in the exam? What would you do to prepare and
practise your answer at home?
I'll give you my suggestions in tomorrow's lesson.
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Friday, February 21, 2014
IELTS Speaking Part 3: add more detail
In this lesson I mentioned 3 techniques to help you give longer answers: ask yourself why,
explain the alternatives, give an example.
Most students have no problem with the first step (explaining why), but they aren't so good at
giving alternatives or examples. Take the following question from last week's lesson for
example.
Question:
In your opinion, are newspapers important?
Example student answer:
Yes, in my opinion newspapers are very important (why?) because they give us information
about what is happening around the world. (why?) They are a vital source of knowledge about
education, technology, medicine and many other fields.
This is a good start, but let's try to raise the answer to band 9 level.
Example answer with 'alternative' and 'example':
Yes, in my opinion newspapers are very important (why?) because they give us information
about what is happening around the world. (why?) They are a vital source of knowledge about
education, technology, medicine and many other fields. (alternative?) If newspapers didnt
exist, I think the quality of news coverage would suffer because there would be fewer
professional journalists.(example?) We would have to rely, for example, on unpaid bloggers
who do not have the budgets to carry out detailed research before they write an article.
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Friday, February 14, 2014
IELTS Speaking Part 3: long answers
Try using the advice in this lesson to give long answers (3 to 5 sentences) to the following
questions.
1) In your opinion, are newspapers important?
2) Do you think that newspapers will disappear as a result of the Internet?
3) What negative consequences might there be if newspapers did disappear?
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Friday, February 07, 2014
IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'cooking' topic
Here are some recent part 1 questions, with my example answers.
1. Do you like cooking? Why / why not?
Sometimes. I like preparing a special meal for family or friends who visit, but everyday cooking
is a bit boring; it's something that has to be done, but it's not really fun.
2. Who did the cooking in your family when you were a child?
My mother almost always did the cooking when I was young. I don't think she trusted my father
to make a nice meal.
3. Do you think that it's important to know how to cook well?
I'm not sure whether it's important to cook well, but I do think that everyone should know the
basics. It definitely isn't healthy to rely on pre-prepared meals or fast food.
4. Do you think that children should be taught cookery at school?
Yes, that's probably a good idea. If all children knew how to cook a few basic, healthy meals,
that would surely be a good thing.
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Friday, January 31, 2014
IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'old object' example
Here's my example description for the old object question. You'll hear me speak for exactly 2
minutes until my alarm stops me.
Click here to listen
Notice that it doesn't sound like a perfect scripted presentation: you'll hear hesitations and
moments where I seem unsure of what to say. This is normal for an unprepared speech; the
examiner is not expecting perfection.
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Saturday, January 25, 2014
IELTS Vocabulary: band 7-9 descriptions
Here are some suggestions for ways to improve the sentences in yesterday'sexercise:
1. The clock is very old.
= The clock is an antique; it's probably a collector's item.
2. It is big and made of wood.
= It is housed in a large wooden cabinet that stands nearly two metres tall.

(The kind of clock I'm describing)
3. It has been in my family for a long time.
= It has been in my family for several generations.
4. Everyone in my family likes the clock.
= We've all become quite attached to the clock; it's like part of the family.
5. I hope my parents will give it to me one day.
= The clock is a real family heirloom, so hopefully I'll inherit it one day.
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Friday, January 24, 2014
IELTS Speaking Part 2: band 7-9 descriptions
Today I'm going to reuse a video lesson that I made 3 years ago. Watch the video, then try the
exercise below it.
If you can't see the video, listen to the recording below.
Click here to listen
The following sentences describing an 'old object' (last week's topic) are too simple. Use the
technique described in the video to improve them.
1. The clock is very old.
2. It is big and made of wood.
3. It has been in my family for a long time.
4. Everyone in my family likes the clock.
5. I hope my parents will give it to me one day.
I'll share my examples of improved sentences in tomorrow's lesson.
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Friday, January 17, 2014
IELTS Speaking: correct the mistakes
The following sentences were written by students about the describe an old object question
from last week's lesson. Try to correct and improve them.
1. It has been kept since since the day of my parents got married.
2. Whenever my friend came to visit me I feel proud to explain the history of this sword.
3. In that time did not available any colour television.
4. About the how long time it was held in my family I have to say, it was almost forgotten
for a while.
5. This old piece of item has been kept in my home for a long time.
PS. There are some really interesting descriptions in the comments below last week's lesson.
Thanks to those of you who shared them!
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Friday, January 10, 2014
IELTS Speaking Part 2: describe an old object
We've prepared for the describe an object question already, but it seems that the IELTS people
have introduced a variation on this question:
Describe an old object which your family has kept for a long time.
You should say
- what the object is
- where it came from
- how long it has been in your family
- and why your family has kept it.
Unfortunately we can't use our 'mobile phone' description! I'll share my answer next week, but
feel free to share your own ideas in the comments below.
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Friday, January 03, 2014
IELTS Speaking Part 2: using 'old' ideas
You can often use 'old' ideas from a topic that you have already prepared to answer a new
question. Take this question for example:

We haven't prepared for this question before, but I can think of a few previous topics that
might help us. Maybe you could describe a visit from a family member during a festival, or you
could talk about a visit from a friend who is interested in the same hobby as you. Can you think
of any other previous topics that we could use for ideas?