IELTS Speaking Expert Tips - Proven Strategies for Band 7+

Band Score Breakdown & Strategies

Band Score	Fluency & Coherence	Lexical Resource	Grammar	Pronunciation
Band 9	Speaks fluently with natural hesitation	Wide range, natural usage	Full range, rare errors	Easy to understand
Band 8	Speaks fluently, occasional repetition	Wide range, occasional inappropriateness	Wide range, few errors	Easy to understand
Band 7	Speaks at length, some hesitation	Good range, some inappropriateness	Good range, some errors	Generally easy to understand
Band 6	Willing to speak, hesitation affects coherence	Adequate range, some inappropriateness	Mix of simple and complex	Generally understood

Part-Specific Expert Strategies

Part 1: Introduction (4-5 minutes)

✅ Do This:

• Give extended answers (2-3 sentences)
• Use present tense for current situations
• Add personal examples and reasons
• Show enthusiasm in your voice

❌ Avoid This:

• One-word or very short answers
• Memorized responses that sound robotic
• Going off-topic or talking too long
• Asking the examiner questions back

Part 2: Long Turn (3-4 minutes)

✅ Do This:

• Use the full 2 minutes
• Address all bullet points
• Use signposting language
• Include specific details and examples

❌ Avoid This:

• Stopping before 2 minutes
• Ignoring any bullet points
• Speaking without structure
• Being too general or vague

Part 3: Discussion (4-5 minutes)

✅ Do This:

• Give balanced, analytical answers
• Use complex grammar structures
• Express and justify opinions
• Consider different perspectives

❌ Avoid This:

• Simple yes/no answers
• Only personal experiences
• Extreme or controversial views
• Repeating Part 2 content

Advanced Techniques for High Scores

Discourse Markers & Signposting

Function	Phrases
Adding Information	Furthermore, Moreover, In addition to this
Contrasting	On the other hand, Nevertheless, However
Giving Examples	For instance, To illustrate, A case in point
Concluding	In conclusion, To sum up, All things considered

Buying Time Techniques

Natural Hesitation

• "That's an interesting question..."
• "Well, let me think about that..."
• "I'd say that..."

Clarification

• "When you say X, do you mean...?"
• "Are you asking about...?"
• "I'm not entirely sure, but I think..."

Reformulation

• "What I mean is..."
• "In other words..."
• "To put it another way..."

Top 10 Mistakes That Lower Your Score

1. Memorized Answers

Examiners can easily detect rehearsed responses. Be natural and spontaneous.

2. Not Answering the Question

Always address what's being asked. Listen carefully to the question.

3. Speaking Too Fast

Clarity is more important than speed. Speak at a natural pace.

4. Limited Vocabulary

Avoid repeating the same words. Use synonyms and varied expressions.

5. Grammar Avoidance

Don't stick to simple sentences. Show your range with complex structures.

6. Poor Time Management

Use the full time allocated, especially in Part 2.

7. Lack of Examples

Support your points with specific examples and personal experiences.

8. Inappropriate Register

Maintain a formal but friendly tone throughout the test.

9. Self-Correction Overuse

Minor mistakes are okay. Don't constantly correct yourself.

10. Nervousness Showing

Practice relaxation techniques. Confidence affects your performance.