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Avoid formal language

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In the IELTS speaking test, many candidates believe that they will impress the examiner by using very formal vocabulary. In fact, the speaking test is supposed to represent everyday 'educated' speech -- not highly formal, but at the same time you should not use language that is too informal, such as slang. In the table below, I include some examples of overly formal words and phrases that you should try to avoid in the speaking test.

Adjectives for Band 7-8

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To get a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, you must show that you can use a fairly wide variety of words, including 'less common' synonyms of everyday words. In this post I'm going to present a few synonyms for some common adjectives. Check their precise meaning in a dictionary and try to find examples of their use. I've only included synonyms that are appropriate for the speaking test -- not too formal and not too informal.

Don’t repeat the same words

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Many IELTS candidates tend to repeat the same simple words a lot when they speak. If you want to get a high band in the speaking test, you must try not to do this. The examiner wants to see that you have a wide vocabulary. Here are some words that I hear a lot: 'also', 'in addition', 'interesting', 'actually'. In this post I will show you how you can avoid repeating these words.

The impersonal ‘you’

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During the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner will ask you some general questions about your country, work or life, for example what people are allowed/not allowed to do in your country, what special skills are needed in your job, etc. In English, it is natural to use the pronoun 'you' when talking about people in general, including you and the examiner. Let's look at some examples.

Get to do something

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In the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner often asks questions about why you like a particular situation or activity, for example your work, the place where you live, your lifestyle, etc. You will probably want to discuss the advantages and opportunities that the situation gives you. In this post I’m going to teach you a simple and natural structure you can use: 'get to do something'.