Today you’ll learn about a common Speaking Part 3 error.
We’ll tell you how to avoid this mistake to boost vocabulary scores.
The Speaking exam requires a range of vocabulary.
You need formal vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Part 3.
We’ll share informal and formal sample answers so you can see the difference.
Insider advice
Jessica met with a current IELTS Examiner friend.
They shared some of the biggest reasons students aren’t scoring 7+.
One mistake is that students are too casual on Part 3.
In Part 1, you do need to be informal and casual.
However, Part 3 is totally different!
You need topic-specific academic English.
#1: Leading role (informal)
First, Aubrey shares an informal answer.
Question: In a typical family, who plays the leading role?
Oh, man, I mean what’s typical anymore?
Some families have two moms and some have two dads!
My best friend – she’s amazing! She’s super fun.
She’s a single mom and she’s the leading role.
Notice how the vocabulary in this answer is common and informal and repetitive
- dad, mom, role, super, typical, role
#2: Leading role (formal)
Question: In a typical family, who plays the leading role?
This is a loaded and stereotypical question!
It is making misogynistic assumptions that I do not agree with.
I equate “typical” with “traditional” which others associate with “normal.”
I don’t think families should be put in these boxes.
Family leaders undertake roles that are outside of typical norms.
There is a wide swath of possible leading roles in families.
Notice the band 9 academic vocabulary: loaded, stereotypical, misogynistic, undertake, swath
Strategies Created By a Former Examiner
100% Score Increase Guarantee with our Insider Method
Are you ready to move past IELTS and move forward with your life vision?
Find out why our strategies are the most powerful in the IELTS world.
When you use our Insider Method you avoid the BIGGEST MISTAKES that most students make on IELTS.
#3: Art and science in schools (informal)
Question: Should schools teach both arts and science?
The first answer is extremely informal.
It lacks impressive academic vocabulary that is topic-specific.
Teaching art is school because students can paint and make stuff.
But science is also cool! Kids need science.
Notice the common, repetitive vocabulary: art, science
This answer is lacking in any academic or less common vocabulary.
#3: Art and science in schools (formal)
This answer has more formal, academic vocabulary.
The crux of the issue is people thing arts should be removed from schools entirely.
My father is an artist – an oil painter. It’s his lifeblood and without it my family would’ve been destitute.
We need kids in engineering. The aerospace field is exciting.
Notice the impressive, academic vocabulary: crux, removed entirely, oil painter, lifeblood, destitute, engineering, aerospace
Takeaway
The vocabulary you use on IELTS Speaking may keep your answers from scoring 7+.
You must show a range of vocabulary.
Informal slang, phrasal verbs and idioms are perfect for Part 1.
For Part 3, you need more formal academic vocabulary.
For all the strategies you need on IELTS, sign up for 3 Keys IELTS today!
What questions do you have from today’s episode?
Please leave a comment below.
