On your Speaking Exam, should you speak to the examiner like a friend?
This is a great question, and a tricky one.
Firstly, you must behave respectfully and politely toward the examiner at all times.
This means:
- Sitting up straight
- Being presentable (not wearing old, dirty clothes)
- Not asking the examiner personal or conversational questions
- Not asking the examiner what your score was
However, if it helps you to relax and feel confident, you should pretend that you are speaking to a friend to improve your fluency and ease.
So, when should you speak as if to a friend on your IELTS Exam?
Grammar structures
No.
When we speak to friends, we tend to use informal grammar, and incomplete sentences.
On your exam, you should always use complete sentences, and a variety of sentence structures.
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Vocabulary
Yes and no.
In Speaking Part 1 and 2, you should try to use slang and idioms– informal language.
Nevertheless, in Speaking Part 3, you must use higher-level, academic vocabulary.
Pronunciation
Yes.
This is where you must not be formal!
You have to show expressive pronunciation in order to be awarded a 7 or higher in this category.
Linking words
No.
In Speaking Part 2 and 3, you need to show your ability to use a wide range of transition phrases. We usually don’t employ such a range in daily conversation.
Ideas
Yes.
Support your observations and opinions with very specific examples, even personal ones.
What do you think of today’s advice?
Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
