IELTS Speaking Problems: Reasons and Solutions

Many candidates have been facing the problem in IELTS Speaking Test. This article is about all the reasons of the problems as well as their solutions. They are briefly discussed here.

Introduction

IELTS is the abbreviation of International English Language Testing System which is similar to CAE, PTE, TOFEL and many more. IELTS is administered by British Council and IDP Australia. Before talking in detail, it is necessary to clearly understand what is speaking and how to improve it. I simply deal with the basic description of speaking skill of language and the reasons and solution of the many candidates who take this test as one of the most difficult and complex to improve.

Discussion

As it is crystal clear that IELTS, the test of English Language, requires the correctness, appropriateness and fluency over it, however all these three aspects are relative concepts. If so, let’s begin from English language. English Language has four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) and two aspects (vocabulary and grammar) which are very essential and function integrative way to enhance the use and understanding of English Language.

The listening and speaking skills are primary whereas reading and writing are known as secondary skills. In another perspective, listening and reading are receptive skills and rests of two are productive skills. Speaking is primary and productive skill. It requires more activeness from the side of speaker. In IELTS, the pattern of Speaking Test is as follows:

There are 3 sections. The entire time for the speaking test is 11-15 Minutes. The first section (4-5) is all about the candidate’s basic information like introduction and interview. Here in this section, the name, family, current job, future plan, hobbies etc are the question in the interview. Similarly second section has some topic related to current issue/public concern or the everyday life. The candidate has 1 minute time for the preparation after that the candidate has to deliver the speech 2-3 minutes about it. For example, The recent birthday of your relative. At last there is third section where the interviewer asks some very critical and creative question near about the subject matter of second section.

Now the question is why many candidates receive this test as complex and difficult? First of all most of the candidates speak English containing the heavy accent from their mother tongue. So it becomes difficult not only the candidate but it equally creates challenges to the interviewer also. It means many candidates speak that dialect of English which requires some extra effort for the Native English Speakers. For example the Chinese English and Indian English are different with each other in one side on the other they are quite different with British English as well. In this way, pronunciation plays vital role in creating problem and complexity in speaking test of IELTS.

Similar to the lacking of accurate pronunciation, there is another aspect that has significant negative effect in speaking test. This problem is the byproduct of slow speaking. Fluency is a must for better performance in speaking. Many languages in comparison to English are spoken in a slower speed than English. For example, Hindi, Urdu and Chinese as in my observation. So, if you want to score high in IELTS, you need to practice to develop the fluency.

Another important aspect is content of your talk. The content/subject matter of you talk/interview should be relevant and grammatically correct. However it is often said that there is no practice of grammar and vocabulary in IELTS preparation, you should have better speaking skill along with more appropriate diction as well as structure.

Last but not the least, IELTS speaking equally poetize body language and facial expression along with the content and subject matter. You should be competent and confident while the test goes on. All your talk should maintain the required minimum nonverbal behavior and gestures.

I have seen many candidates who actually teach English Language and Literature are also unable to score 7.0 easily in Speaking Test. The main reason is as like the issues/points raised above. For the improvement, the following tips/strategies are suggested.

Listen Native Speaker to improve Speaking. As it is already said listening is receptive skill whereas speaking is productive. Thus first gain more useful vocabulary, structure, fluency etc through listening practice.

Practice British English. It is not obligatory but all the candidates are encouraged and recommended to go through British English. Once you are habitual for this then there will not be any problem on the test date with the native speaker as interviewer.

Speak natural and fluent English. Various languages are spoken in their own pattern. The speed, pitch and intonation also matters a lot in leaning speaking of Language which is equally applicable in case of IELTS Speaking.

You should expose your confidence in terms of your language use as well as your body language. Jester matters a lot in speaking.

Conclusion

Any candidate who feels the IELTS Speaking Test as difficult and challenging has to practice British and American accents more than other dialects. The appropriate use of words and grammar along with the relevant subject matter is the basic requirement. Appropriate and fluent speaking finally moves ahead by joining with gestures and body language certainly contributes to promote your speaking skill of English.