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How to Achieve Your Target Score in IELTS Speaking

Date
2025/08/23
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Hi, I’m June, a licensed teacher and the creator of the page Flupen. Although I hold a formal teaching license, I’ve discovered that my true passion lies in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). With nearly a decade of experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with students from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Among the many subjects I’ve taught, IELTS preparation is by far the most rewarding. This is because nothing makes me happier than seeing my students reach their target band scores. One of the most common questions I hear is: "How can I achieve my target score in IELTS Speaking?" This is a concern shared by many students who are planning to study abroad, especially since most top universities require a strong IELTS score as proof of English proficiency. Based on my experience as both an IELTS instructor and a former test taker, I’d like to share some useful tips. Let’s start by focusing on Part 1 of the Speaking test. TIP #1: Keep Part 1 Answers Short and Confident To begin with, responses in Part 1 should generally be 2 to 3 sentences long. This section deals with everyday topics, such as your hobbies, hometown, or work, and there’s no need to give long, detailed answers. It’s best to: • Answer the question clearly • Give a brief reason or example • Finish your response confidently In my experience, examiners often interrupt test takers who speak too slowly or provide overly long answers. Therefore, a concise 3-sentence response delivered with confidence is ideal. TIP #2: Always Use Full Sentences Another important tip is to avoid one-word answers. Simply saying “Yes” or “No” doesn’t demonstrate your speaking ability. Since the examiner is assessing your ability to communicate clearly, full sentences are essential. For example: “Yes.” “Yes, I enjoy reading, especially historical fiction.” This not only answers the question but also shows your ability to expand on your thoughts. TIP #3: Paraphrase the Examiner’s Questions In addition, try not to repeat the exact words the examiner uses. This habit, known as parroting, can negatively impact your score for lexical resource. To improve, try to: • Use synonyms or related phrases • Rephrase the question naturally in your answer For example: Q: Do you enjoy watching movies? Yes, I enjoy watching movies. Absolutely — I love films, especially thrillers. Paraphrasing shows a wider range of vocabulary, which is necessary for a higher band score. TIP #4: Always Give a Reason Moreover, it’s important to give a reason for your answer. Just stating your opinion is not enough. The examiner wants to see how well you can explain and develop your ideas. Use connectors like: • Because... • That’s mainly due to... • The reason is... This not only extends your response but also boosts your fluency and coherence score. TIP #5: Use Natural Expressions for Yes/No Answers Lastly, while it’s okay to say “yes” or “no,” using more natural expressions can make your speech sound more fluent and authentic. For example: • Absolutely • Of course • Definitely • Not really / I don’t think so Using these expressions flexibly will help you sound more natural and confident, which is exactly what examiners are looking for. Final Thoughts To sum up, these tips can help you build a strong foundation for Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test. Starting the interview with confidence sets a positive tone for the rest of the exam. I hope you find these strategies helpful as you prepare for IELTS. If you'd like more tips and guidance, feel free to follow my page, Flupen, where I regularly share useful advice for IELTS success.