Are you gearing up to conquer the IELTS Speaking Test and aiming for that elusive Band 9 score? Look no further! In this blog, we’ve gathered invaluable advice from someone who has successfully secured a Band 9 in the IELTS Speaking Test. Read on to discover insightful strategies and tips that can help elevate your performance and boost your chances of achieving a remarkable score.
The IELTS Speaking Test is a crucial component of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination, designed to assess your spoken English skills. Achieving a Band 9 in this test requires not only proficiency in language but also a strategic approach that showcases your ability to communicate effectively.
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Are you aiming for a Band 9 in your IELTS Speaking test?
It might seem like a daunting task, especially for non-native English speakers, but I am here to assure you—it’s entirely achievable!
Today, I am going to dissect a unique case study—an interview with a teacher named Diyorbek from Uzbekistan, who triumphantly attained Band 9 in the IELTS Speaking exam.
Diyorbek’s journey demonstrates that obtaining a Band 9 in IELTS Speaking, while challenging, is indeed possible. It requires a blend of commitment, the right IELTS speaking techniques, and years of honing your English skills.
I should emphasise that you don’t need to set Band 9 as your goal unless specifically required. It’s not a necessary or a helpful goal for most students.
Instead, you should focus on the level you need for your own goals and aim to incrementally improve your language proficiency over time. This is especially true for learners who want to enhance their IELTS speaking vocabulary and build confidence in their spoken English.
The first part of the IELTS Speaking test comprises introduction questions and topics, such as ‘Happiness’ and ‘Sports‘. The goal here is to deliver short, articulate responses using a range of vocabulary and expressions. Here are some examples of how Diyorbek handled this section:
“People with different backgrounds”
“Affluent parts of the city”
“It is growing by leaps and bounds”
“I don’t know the exact statistics”
Affluent = wealthy
By leaps and bounds = a lot and quickly
Statistics = numbers
“The tourist season”
“Incredible architecture”
“I am happy when I spend quality time with my friends”
“Anything under the sun”
“A carefree childhood”
“I derive a lot of pleasure from what I do”
Quality time = time spent with someone giving them full attention
Anything under the sun = anything at all
A carefree childhood = a childhood without worries
I deride pleasure from ___ = I get pleasure from _____
“I am quite into fitness”
“I was a natural (at football)”
“I can dribble easily”
To be a natural (at something) = to be naturally gifted (at something)
To dribble = to run with a ball at your feet
“Not to toot my own horn”
“To blow my own trumpet”
Both these idioms mean to ‘boast’ or say you are the best at something.
The third part of the IELTS Speaking test focuses on more complex subjects such as traditional festivals or celebrations. Here, you need to demonstrate not only your IELTS speaking vocabulary but also effective language techniques and correct grammar usage. Here’s how Diyorbek aced this part:
“It marks the beginning of Spring”
“Improve unity and solidarity”
“Feel a sense of belonging”
“It gives them a lot of pride”
“An obscene amount of money is spent”
An obscene amount = far too much
“Globalisation sweept…I mean, globalisation has had a sweeping effect”
He uses pauses and phrasing: “They seem to be – what is the word? – ‘in tune with’ their own culture.”
Finally, if you’re aiming for IELTS Speaking Band 9, consider these essential tips:
I hope Diyorbek’s journey to IELTS speaking success inspires you to achieve your own English language goals.
Remember, don’t just focus on exam technique, focus mainly on developing your speaking skills over time so you can become a confident speaker of English and reach your IELTS goals and beyond.
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