Today you will learn strategies that help with both IELTS Writing and Speaking.
Much of what you need to learn and practice for Writing Task 2 also applies to Speaking Part 3.
Today you’ll learn four ways these two parts of the exam are similar.
Knowing these tips will help your preparation be more useful and efficient.
Kill two birds with one stone on IELTS
When’s the last time you killed two birds with one stone?
- kill two birds with one stone: accomplish two things at once
Today you’ll learn how to kill two birds with one stone when studying for IELTS.
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#1: Question topics
Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3 will ask about similar things.
For example, you may be asked about the environment, education, technology, or society.
Examples of questions you may see on both:
- What are the advantages of working online?
- What are the effects of social media?
- What can be done to improve crime rates?
#2: Vocabulary
IELTS Speaking Part 3 is not like daily conversation.
You cannot talk as if you were speaking to a friend and expect to score highly.
Part 1 will be questions that are much more informal.
However, IELTS Speaking Part 3 should be much more formal.
In both Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3, you need impressive, less common words.
- Instead of get, say or write obtain
- Instead of use, say or write utilize
- Instead of “pros and cons” or “pluses and minuses” say “benefits and drawbacks” or “advantages and disadvantages”
#3: Linking words
Linking words are needed to link ideas in both Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3.
Ideas must be linked in other parts of the speaking exam, but in a less formal way.
For these parts of the exam, you need less common, academic linking words.
Even native speakers don’t naturally use high-level linking words, but the examiner does listen for them.
Remember, all of our advice for Speaking and Writing is directly connected to the scoring system!
- Moreover, what is more
- Nevertheless, nonetheless
- Consequently, in consequence
#4: Required content
In both Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3, you need to provide strong opinions.
Instructions for the writing exam explicitly direct you to support a personal position.
Speaking part 3 questions will often directly ask your opinion about issues.
These ideas must be supported by clear and specific details and examples.
For both parts of the exam, you can use personal examples.
You should also use examples you have heard or read in the news, on podcasts, etc.
Today’s Spotify poll
Do you think there are more advantages or disadvantages to social media?
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Takeaway
Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3 have a lot in common.
Study for both at once with today’s tips!
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Which part of the IELTS exam do you find the most difficult?
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