IELTS Speaking Tips for Nepalese Students: Ace All Parts!

The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. For many Nepalese students, this can be one of the more nerve-wracking parts of the exam. However, with proper preparation and an understanding of what examiners are looking for, you can significantly improve your score. This guide provides tips for all three parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

The test is a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner and lasts 11-14 minutes. For more on IELTS, see our English Test Guide.

General Tips for IELTS Speaking

• Fluency and Coherence: Speak smoothly and link your ideas logically. Avoid long pauses or hesitations. Use linking words (e.g., however, therefore, in addition).
• Lexical Resource (Vocabulary): Use a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Try to use synonyms and avoid overusing simple words.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Use a variety of grammatical structures correctly. Minimize errors.
• Pronunciation: Speak clearly so the examiner can understand you. Focus on individual sounds, stress, and intonation. Your accent is not a problem as long as you are intelligible.
• Be Confident: Maintain eye contact, smile, and be yourself.
• Elaborate Your Answers: Don't give short, one-word answers. Extend your responses with reasons and examples.
• Practice Regularly: Speak English as much as possible. Record yourself and listen back.
• Explore free IELTS practice resources.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)

The examiner will ask general questions about familiar topics like your home, family, work, studies, hobbies, and interests.

• Tip 1: Give Full Answers: Instead of "Yes," say "Yes, I do. I really enjoy [activity] because..."
• Tip 2: Be Natural and Conversational: Treat it like a polite conversation.
• Tip 3: Use a Range of Tenses: Questions might be about your past, present, or future.
  • Example Question: "What do you enjoy doing in your free time?"
  • Good Answer Approach: "In my free time, I really enjoy reading, especially historical novels. I find it fascinating to learn about different eras. Recently, I've also started learning to play the guitar, which is quite challenging but rewarding."
• Tip 4: Don't Memorize Answers: This sounds unnatural. Focus on expressing your own ideas.

Part 2: Individual Long Turn / Cue Card (3-4 minutes)

You'll be given a cue card with a topic and some points to cover. You have 1 minute to prepare and make notes, then you need to speak about the topic for 1-2 minutes.

• Tip 1: Use Your Preparation Time Wisely:
  • Quickly jot down keywords and ideas for each point on the cue card.
  • Think about a personal experience or story related to the topic.
  • Structure your talk: introduction, main points, conclusion.
• Tip 2: Speak for the Full Two Minutes (or close to it): The examiner will stop you if you go over. Aim to keep talking until then.
• Tip 3: Cover All Points on the Cue Card: Address each prompt, but don't feel restricted to only those points.
• Tip 4: Use a Storytelling Approach: Make it engaging. Use descriptive language.
  • Example Cue Card Topic: "Describe a memorable journey you have taken."
  • Note-Taking Strategy: Where? When? Who with? What happened? Why memorable? Feelings?
• Tip 5: Use Signposting Language: "I'd like to talk about...", "The reason it was memorable was...", "Another thing I remember is...", "Finally, I felt..."
• Tip 6: Don't Worry About Minor Mistakes: Focus on fluency. If you make a mistake, correct it briefly and continue.

Part 3: Two-Way Discussion (4-5 minutes)

The examiner will ask further questions related to the topic in Part 2. These questions are more abstract and analytical.

• Tip 1: Give Developed and Well-Reasoned Answers: This is where you showcase your ability to discuss topics in depth.
• Tip 2: Express and Justify Opinions: Use phrases like "In my opinion...", "I believe that...", "From my perspective..." and then explain why.
• Tip 3: Compare and Contrast: Questions might ask you to compare past and present, or different viewpoints.
• Tip 4: Speculate About the Future: Use conditional or future tenses.
  • Example Follow-up Question (if Part 2 was about a journey): "How do you think travel will change in the future?"
  • Good Answer Approach: "That's an interesting question. I believe travel in the future will likely be more sustainable, with a greater emphasis on eco-tourism. Perhaps technological advancements like hyperloop or more efficient aircraft will make long-distance travel faster. However, there might also be challenges related to over-tourism in popular destinations, which will need careful management."
• Tip 5: Ask for Clarification if Needed: If you don't understand a question, it's okay to politely ask, "Could you please rephrase that?" or "I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch the question."
• Tip 6: Don't Be Afraid to Disagree (Politely): If the examiner presents a viewpoint, you can offer an alternative perspective, but do so respectfully.

How PixarEdu Helps Nepalese Students with IELTS Speaking

PixarEdu's IELTS preparation classes in Nepal include:

• Dedicated Speaking Practice: Regular mock speaking tests with feedback.
• Pronunciation and Fluency Training: Helping you improve clarity and flow.
• Vocabulary and Grammar Enhancement: For expressing ideas effectively.
• Strategies for Each Part: Techniques to handle different question types.

Conclusion

Success in the IELTS Speaking test comes from understanding the requirements, consistent practice, and building confidence. By focusing on these tips and strategies, Nepalese students can significantly improve their performance and achieve their target band score.

Ready to master the IELTS Speaking test? Contact PixarEdu today to join our expert-led classes! Don't forget to check how long it might take you to [prepare for IELTS overall](/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-