The IELTS Academic exam is a challenge for candidates who hope to attend their favorite university, get a promotion at the office, win a scholarship, or get a high score for their visa.
Two Common Mistakes
Unfortunately, candidates often commit two avoidable mistakes.
First, in the speaking and writing sections, full responses are not given.
Second, sometimes test takers speak too much in Speaking Part 2.
Let's look at each of these now.
Lack of Full Response
A "full response" on the IELTS exam includes a reason and example.
It is not sufficient to say (or write):
Children should learn a second language.
WHY should children learn a foreign language?
Children should learn a second language because bilinguals are smarter.
IELTS graders need to know "the why" - always.
Now, let's go a step further.
A second way to give a complete response is to remember the formula - Reason + Example.
Children should learn a second language because bilinguals are smarter. For example, research shows youngsters are better able to think and read in their own language after studying another.
Speaking Too Much
Much advice from many corners around the Internet is to "keep talking" during the IELTS Speaking test.
That is true - to a point. A very fine point.
Fluency is not just a steady stream of words without stopping.
For example, you do not want any long hesitations in your speech or the IELTS grader may believe you are "stuck" - a loss for words, for whatever reason.
In Part One, the "Interview," you should limit your responses to two (2) sentences. The IELTS grader has only 4 minutes and 20 seconds to complete that section of eight or more questions!
In Part Two, the "Long Turn," you know the fixed time limit of speaking is two (2) minutes. The "keep talking" advice could be dangerous here!
I grade students who "keep talking" and I find they do not use discourse markers, forget about structuring their responses, and rarely use collocations, idioms, phrasal verbs, or less common vocabulary.
In Part Three, the "Discussion," the "keep talking" advice more valid. You have more time to speak! It is important to modify and measure your speech on the IELTS Speaking exam.
Conclusion
Show the IELTS grader how well you can use the English language to express yourself.
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