Mistakes Frequently Made in the IELTS Speaking Test

Mistakes Frequently Made in the IELTS Speaking Test

Below, we have addressed some mistakes made in IELTS Speaking Test. Candidates should avoid these mistakes to score well in the exam.

Trying to Memorise Answers

One of the most prevalent mistakes in the IELTS Speaking Test is attempting to memorise responses. Although it is essential to prepare and practice, if you try to recite memorised answers, then it can hinder your performance as examiners are trained to spot rehearsed responses.

Therefore, instead of memorising answers, candidates should focus on understanding the question, brainstorming ideas, and providing natural, relevant responses. Examiners appreciate authenticity and spontaneity, and it can positively improve your score.

Not Speaking Loudly and Confidently

Speaking with clarity and confidence is essential as it plays a crucial role in the IELTS Speaking Test. Many candidates speak softly or mumble, making it difficult for examiners to assess their language skills accurately.

You should practice speaking loudly and regularly to overcome this mistake in the IELTS Speaking Test. For this, you can record yourself and listen to identify areas for improvement. You can also take the IELTS speaking practice test free from Prepare IELTS (PI). These sample papers are designed in line with the actual exam to help aspirants.

Additionally, you can engage in conversations with native speakers or fellow test-takers to build confidence in your speaking abilities.

Deviating from the Subject

Staying on topic or subject is a fundamental requirement in the IELTS Speaking Test. Deviating from the subject can result in a lower score. Some candidates tend to wander off-topic, providing irrelevant information, stories, or narratives that do not address the question.

It is essential to listen carefully to the question and respond directly to what is asked to avoid this mistake in IELTS Speaking Test. Practising answering questions concisely is important to get a good band score in IELTS Speaking. As a whole, you can focus on the core theme of the question and provide relevant details and examples.

Giving Only Yes/ No Answers without Good Elaboration

Providing one-word answers without elaboration is a common mistake, especially in the first part of the IELTS Speaking Test. Although it's acceptable to start with a "yes" or "no," still, if you expand your response, then it will be beneficial for you.

To improve marks and avoid this type of mistake in IELTS Speaking, you should practice answering questions with the "3S" approach: State, Support, and Summarize. State your answer, support it with reasons or examples, and summarise your point. This method ensures that you provide detailed and well-rounded responses.

Repeating the Exact Words or Phrases

Repetition of words or phrases can be a distracting habit. Some candidates tend to overuse certain vocabulary, which can affect the overall fluency and lexical resource score. To avoid this mistake in IELTS Speaking, you should work on expanding your vocabulary while learning synonyms and practice using them in context.

Overuse of Transition Words

Transition words, such as "uh," "um," "well," and "you know" are often overused in the IELTS Speaking Test. Excessive use of these filler words can disrupt the flow of your speech and lower your fluency score.

You should practice speaking fluently without relying on filler words to address this issue. For this, you can record yourself speaking and pay attention to where you tend to insert fillers. Further, you can replace them with brief pauses to collect your thoughts if necessary.

Repeating the Question and Poor Pronunciation

Repeating the question in the response is the major mistake that candidates make. Although some repetition is natural, excessive parroting can be seen as a lack of language proficiency. Additionally, poor pronunciation can hinder understanding.

To address these issues, practice paraphrasing the question in your response. In addition, you should work on your pronunciation by listening to native speakers, using pronunciation guides, and seeking feedback from language tutors or teachers.

Conclusion

The IELTS Speaking Test is a crucial component of the overall IELTS exam, and avoiding common mistakes is essential for achieving a high score. You can significantly improve your performance by steering clear of the frequent errors outlined in this blog.

Remember that consistent practice through the IELTS Speaking Mock test, self-assessment, and seeking feedback from professionals can help you refine your speaking skills and approach the test with confidence.

We hope you got a clear idea about what mistakes are made in IELTS Speaking Test by test takers. Now, you should try to avoid these mistakes to score better on the test. You can practice IELTS Speaking test papers by Registering on the PI Website.

If you need further guidance, please contact Prepare IELTS (PI) expert counsellors. Our team of education experts is dedicated to providing you with the best advice in the IELTS exam.

You can get a one-on-one counselling session online via our platform. Contact us at info@prepareieltsexam.com or call us at +91 9773398388.