Specific expectations from candidates

1. Fluency and Coherence:

• Examiners expect candidates to speak fluently with a natural flow of language. Fluency involves expressing ideas without hesitation or long pauses. Coherence refers to organizing your responses in a logical and well-structured manner. It's essential to connect your thoughts and ideas coherently, making it easy for the examiner to follow your train of thought.

• Example:

  • Expected: "Well, I really enjoy traveling. Whenever I get a chance, I try to explore new places and experience different cultures. Last year, I visited Japan, and it was an incredible experience. The food, the people, and the beautiful landscapes made it an unforgettable trip."

  • Not Meeting Expectations: "I, um, like traveling. It's, uh, nice. I went to Japan, and it was, um, good."

2. Lexical Resource (Vocabulary and Word Usage):

• Examiners expect candidates to use a wide range of vocabulary appropriately. You should be able to express yourself using both common and more advanced words, idiomatic expressions, and domain-specific terms if the topic requires it. Demonstrating an extensive vocabulary enhances the quality of your responses and showcases your language proficiency.

• Example:

  • Expected: "I am passionate about photography. I find joy in capturing captivating landscapes, stunning sunsets, and precious moments. Photography allows me to express my creativity and see the world from unique perspectives."

  • Not Meeting Expectations: "I like taking pictures. I take photos of nature and beautiful scenes."

3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy:

• Examiners look for a varied use of grammatical structures, including simple and complex sentences. They expect candidates to demonstrate accurate grammar with minimal errors. While occasional errors are acceptable, consistent and significant grammatical mistakes may impact your score negatively.

• Example:

  • Expected: "If I had the opportunity, I would definitely travel to Italy. Not only would I explore the historical landmarks, but I'd also immerse myself in the local culture by trying traditional dishes and interacting with the friendly locals."

  • Not Meeting Expectations: "I want go Italy. I see history and eat food."

4. Pronunciation:

• Clear and intelligible pronunciation is crucial in the IELTS Speaking test. Examiners expect candidates to articulate words accurately and use appropriate stress, intonation, and rhythm. While having a native-like accent is not necessary, it is essential to speak in a way that can be easily understood by the examiner.

• Example:

  • Expected: "I have always been fascinated by astronomy. The vastness of the universe and the beauty of celestial bodies amaze me."

  • Not Meeting Expectations: "I have alwaysss been fascinated by, uh, uh, asstronomy. The universe and the beau-ti-ful, uh, bodies."

5. Task Response:

• Examiners expect candidates to address the questions and tasks thoroughly and appropriately. They want to see relevant and well-developed answers that stay on topic and provide sufficient details and examples. Avoid giving yes/no answers and strive to provide explanations and elaborations to showcase your ability to express ideas effectively.

• Example: 

  • Expected: "In my opinion, the best way to combat climate change is by raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices. Governments should implement stricter policies to reduce carbon emissions, and individuals can make a difference by adopting eco-friendly habits like recycling and conserving energy."

  • Not Meeting Expectations: "Climate change is bad. We should do something about it."

6. Engagement and Interaction:

• Examiners appreciate candidates who actively engage in the conversation. Show your interest in the topics and demonstrate your ability to share opinions and experiences. Moreover, during Part 3, the two-way discussion, engage in an intellectual exchange of ideas with the examiner.

• Example:

  • Expected: During Part 3, engaging in a two-way discussion with the examiner: Examiner: "Do you think technology has improved communication?" Candidate: "Absolutely! Technology has revolutionized communication in so many ways. With social media platforms and instant messaging apps, we can connect with friends and family around the world effortlessly. However, there are also concerns about the impact of technology on face-to-face interactions."

  • Not Meeting Expectations: Providing brief responses without elaborating or engaging in the discussion.

7. Adaptability and Range of Topics:

• The IELTS Speaking test covers a wide range of topics, and examiners expect candidates to be adaptable and confident in discussing various subjects. Being well-prepared to talk about common themes like family, work, technology, environment, etc., and being open to tackling more challenging or abstract topics will work in your favor.

Remember that examiners are trained professionals who are focused on evaluating your language abilities fairly and impartially. Stay relaxed, confident, and showcase your English language skills to the best of your ability during the IELTS Speaking test. Practice regularly, be familiar with different question formats, and work on improving your language proficiency in all aspects to meet the expectations of the examiners. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!