How do IELTS examiners evaluate your Speaking?

Do you know the four criteria that examiners use for the IELTS Speaking Test?

They are Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy and Pronunciation.

For more details, go to
http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/find-out-about-results/ielts-assessment-criteria
or ask your IELTS preparation teacher to explain.



With thanks to The British Council

Painting by Édouard Manet

Learn English / Prepare for IELTS with me online by Skype or Zoom

Here is my web page, for anyone interested in learning English or preparing for IELTS with me online with Skype or Zoom:

http://www.englishteachinglive.com/index.html

20 Misused English Words

Even native speakers can make mistakes! Check this list of 20 misused English words to make sure you don't slip up: https://qz.com/432285/20-misused-words-that-make-smart-people-look-dumb/

What happens in the IELTS Speaking Test?

The official IELTS website, http://www.ielts.org/ , has published recordings and transcripts of a sample IELTS speaking test at http://www.ielts.org/test_takers_information/test_sample/speaking_sample.aspx .

Checking the information on this page is highly recommended if you're planning to take the IELTS test. The series of interviews published by IELTS Official is also extremely helpful. Here's a link to an interview with a speaaker at Band 7 level: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T6zglM1Onc

Painting: L"Art de la Conversation by Rene Magritte

How long does it take to become fluent in English?

Many, many students have asked their teachers how long it will take to master English. Many, many teachers have answered, "It depends on several factors...". A new BBC Channel 4 documentary - Why Don't You Speak English? - explores this topic, looking at four immigrants who have struggled with English since arriving in the UK a year ago. "Age is the most important factor in language acquisition, says Mila Vulchanova, professor of linguistics at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. "There is a sensitive period in language learning, which is biologically determined, with an onset at birth and a decline around puberty. So the younger the immigrant, the better. Since this decline is only gradual, teenagers are at an advantage over adults." Would you like more details? Read the rest of the article at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23407265">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23407265 .

What NOT to do before or after the IELTS Speaking test

What you should NOT do before or after the IELTS Speaking Test Don’t give information about yourself before the test starts. The examiner will ask for your name and ID when ready. Don’t try to “chat” with the examiner before or after the test starts. Don’t compliment the examiner on the way they look (or the clarity of their speech, or anything else). Don’t tell the examiner about previous test attempts or results. Don’t ask the examiner your result after the test. Doing any of the above will not have a negative effect on your result but it won’t affect it positively, either!

Painting, "The Scream" by Edvard Munch #IELTS #speaking #test #tips