5 Best Tips for your IELTS Writing and Speaking Tests

If you’re preparing for IELTS, we’ve prepared some tips to help you ace the writing and speaking tests.

For those who are taking IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for the first time, it could be a nervous experience if you’re unsure of what the format looks like and how to properly prepare.

In fact, IELTS is a high-stakes test that enables test takers to pursue not only study abroad dreams, but also provide migration and work opportunities. It is designed to assess the language ability of people who need to study or work where English is the language of communication.

For a start, there are many different types of IELTS and each conforms to the highest international standards of language assessment. The test covers four language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking.

If you’re wondering why it’s so important, IELTS is recognised by more than 10,000 universities and employers in countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the United States.

Below, we’ve curated a list of tips to help you prepare for the writing and speaking components. Also, you might want to check out our tips for listening and reading tests.

Writing Tips

• Perform a thorough analysis of assigned tasks and quickly prepare the answers mentally

• Divide your time smartly, 20 minutes for task 1, and 40 minutes for task (as it is lengthier and carries more marks)

• Try to write over 150 words for task 1 and over 250 for task 2

• Avoid repetition of ideas, phrases and words

• Ensure that you write a conclusion for task 2

• Write precise, relevant answers. Avoid writing long paragraphs and sentences

• Use active voice. Avoid writing in passive voice

• Do not submit without a thorough revision and proofreading

Speaking Tips

• Speak clearly (slow and fluently)

• Listen to the questions asked carefully, and answer directly

• You can add more information to the answers, ensure the answers remain relevant

• If required, ask the examiner to repeat the question

• Be confident as you speak

• Don’t take long pauses

• Focus on vocabulary, range of tenses, grammar and sentence structure equally

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