Some Misunderstandings About IELTS Speaking Test

It is well said that ‘Negative thoughts about your performance will only harm your result’. After reading and going through many comments, it is clear that students make wrong notions about IELTS speaking test.

Here are some myths and the facts that will help you in IELTS speaking preparation.

1. Myth : ‘ If the examiner stops you , your English is bad’
One IELTS candidate had to say this after his or her recent exam:
“When I was answering an examiner, sometimes, he did not wait and interrupted before I finished my sentence. May be, he did not like what I was saying or my English was weak.”

Fact : The truth is that the examiner may need to interrupt you many a times in speaking module because they have to follow a time limit

2. Myth: “ If the test time is short your speaking is poor”
Another test taker made this comment after the exam:
“ I felt like the examiner did not spend more than 10 minutes with me. When he said the exam was over I was surprised and was about to say ‘Please ask more question’ I still want to speak. I feel like he did not understand my speaking or felt my speaking is poor.”

Fact : The speaking module only lasts for 11- 14 minutes. In the above case, the examiner gave minimum time to this candidate and that was allowed. It would simply because the examiner has already judged the candidate speaking level and it was not necessary to continue.

Also Read: How to Improve IELTS Speaking Skills?

3. Myth : “ If The examiner doesn’t look interested, your English is not good”
Candidate : “ The examiner did not look at me while I was talking. I think my answers were boring.”

Fact : The candidate wrongly interpreted the examiner’s body language. Lack of eye contact does not mean that your English is boring. While the candidate is talking, examiner is noticing everything including:

• Your speaking
• Glancing at papers
• Making brief notes
• Reading another question to be asked

To sum up, while preparing for IELTS speaking test, think positive and don’t let anxiety be a hurdle in scoring high IELTS bands. Practice is must and keep all these things in your mind when you are going for your test.

Good Luck!!