Do’s and don’ts in IELTS Speaking

In this lesson, you will know the most important things to Do’s and don’ts in IELTS Speaking

Do’s

1. Use a range of uncommon vocabulary correctly
2. Use a range of complex sentences
3. Use a range of linking words
4. Use the correct verb tense, particularly, past simple for past actions.
5. If you don’t understand a question or word, immediately ask the examiner to
   clarify, and do so very simply and quickly:
   • Sorry, what was that?
   • What does “X” mean?
   • Could you paraphrase the question?

Don’ts

1. Don’t repeat the question or key words in it

You get no points for repeating the question. Give a short direct answer, using pronouns, and then explain it as clearly as you can.

Example: “Do you come from a small or large family?”

Poor answer: “I come from a small family.”
(Why poor? It repeats all the key words in the question.)

Good answer: “I’d say, it’s probably an average-sized one, comprised of my parents, two siblings, and our dog, Fifi, which is a fox terrier with the most adorable eyes.”
(Why good? Short answer, using pronouns, and an explanation using a complex sentence and uncommon vocabulary.)

2. Don’t overuse linking words

Don’t use lots of linking words or phrases to introduce your answer. You only have on average around 20 seconds to answer each question, so the majority of time should be spent giving a short clear answer and explaining it.

Example: Why do young ones like to play games on smartphones?

Poor answer: “That’s an interesting question. I guess there are a number of possible reasons, and if I had to give one off the top of my head, I would probably say…”
(Why poor? After nearly 10 seconds, there is still no answer, and, unless you are a politician, it’s not a natural way of speaking.)

3. Don’t give a list of answers

A list usually has no complex structures and shows no ability to explain something clearly in detail.

Example: “What do you like about the area you live in?”

Poor answer: “It has some nice parks and swimming pools, a great shopping mall and markets, and a nice neighborhood.
(Why poor? No complex sentences or detailed explanation.)

Good answer: “What I really enjoy is Central Park given it’s terrific for doing exercise, like jogging or walking the dog, as it has an enormous walking track, and huge trees and beautiful flower beds, which make it a pleasant place to relax and enjoy nature.”
(Why good? Short answer, well explained, using complex sentences and uncommon vocabulary.)

4. Don’t repeat keywords or phrases

Repetition shows a lack of vocabulary. Use pronouns or synonyms where possible.

Example: “What are some problems in your city?”

Poor answer: “The biggest problem is air pollution, as the increasing number of cars on the road are worsening the air pollution in my city, and more and more factories are adding to the air pollution.
(Why poor? Should use pronouns to avoid repetition of “problem” and “air pollution.”)

Good answer: The main one is air pollution due to the increasing number of factories and cars on the road and the lack of an effective public transport system, which are causing dangerously high levels of toxins in the air.”
(Why good? Used the pronoun “one” for “problem” and the synonym “high levels of toxins in the air” for “air pollution.”)

5. Try to avoid memorized answers

Answers that are obviously memorized get a band score of 1. Answer each question as clearly and accurately as you can without giving memorized ones.

6. Don’t overuse idioms

Using idioms inappropriately or unnaturally will negatively affect your lexical resource score. There is no need to artificially insert idiomatic expressions like “knee high to a grasshopper,” or “escape the hustle and bustle of city life,” unless they are clearly suitable as there are over 10,000 phrasal verbs in English, most of which are idiomatic expressions, such as “grow up,” “take off,” and “look after.”’

Example: “What was the best holiday you ever had in your country?”

Poor answer: “I remember when I was knee high to a grasshopper, to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and let our hair down, we went to Ocean Beach, which had a picture perfect white sandy beach with crystal clear waters.”
(Why poor? Unnatural and inappropriate use of idioms.)

7. Don’t give short answers

To get a band score 7 in fluency, you need to be able to give well explained answers easily.

Example: “What is the area like that you live in?”

Poor answer: “It’s quite nice and peaceful, with nice neighbors.
(Why poor? Too short, no complex sentences and explanation.)

Good answer: “Probably the best way to describe it is suburban middle-class since it essentially a working-class residential area, with two main shopping malls and a few sports facilities.”
(Why good? Short answer, well explained, with a complex sentence and uncommon vocabulary.)