Using the correct grammar in IELTS Speaking is really important, if you want to get a high score.
Did you know 90% of students make a grammar mistake in their initial responses during the test?
This post will guide you through the main grammatical tenses you can use to ace your IELTS Speaking test.
The truth is, there’s no ‘correct tense’ you should use for any particular answer. The tense you should use depends on what you want to convey. However, you can generally categorise your responses into three situations:
Let’s look at each of these situations and explore the tenses you can use.
When discussing the present, you have a variety of tenses at your disposal. These include:
Suppose you’re asked in IELTS Speaking Part 1, “Where do you live now?” Here’s how you can answer using different tenses:
All these tenses are correct and can be used in various combinations to answer the question effectively.
I am living in Spain now, I actually moved here for work reasons. I have been living here for 5 years and I really enjoy it, it’s a great place to live.
When it comes to discussing the past, you can use:
If you’re asked about your childhood, last job, or a previous holiday, you can use the following tenses:
I met my very first girlfriend about 10 years ago. I was living in London when I met her in a museum. It was pure luck, because I had never been to that museum before. In fact, I never used to go to museums, but I went to that one to see a Van Gogh exposition someone had recommended.
For future scenarios, you can use:
You may be asked about the future in IELTS Speaking Part 3 questions, but it may also come up in part 1. For example, If asked, “Will you change your job in the future?” you can respond with:
I don’t think I will change my job just yet. It’s not great, but I think it will get better. In fact, I am going to ask to take on more responsibilities so I can gain more experience. That might help me get a promotion in the future.
Remember, these tenses are not ones you must use, but ones you can use. The key is to be flexible and adapt your language to what you want to express.
For a more in-depth guide, check out the online course English Grammar for Competitive Exams. Good luck!
Achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test requires more than just fluency and vocabulary. You also need to use correct grammar. Proper grammar usage is crucial for clarity and coherence in your responses. In this blog post, we’ll provide tips and strategies to help you use the correct grammar in your IELTS Speaking test.
Understand the Basics
Before you begin, it’s essential to have a good grasp of basic English grammar rules. This includes understanding sentence structure, verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, and word order. You can use grammar guides, textbooks, or online resources to review these fundamentals.
Practice Speaking Regularly
Practice is the key to improvement. Engage in regular speaking practice to familiarize yourself with correct grammar usage. You can do this by speaking with native speakers, joining English conversation groups, or even practicing on your own. The more you practice, the more naturally correct grammar will come to you.
Focus on Verb Tenses
In IELTS Speaking, you’ll need to use a variety of verb tenses to talk about past experiences, present situations, and future plans. Make sure to use the correct tense for each context:
Past: Use past simple for completed actions in the past.
Present: Use present simple for general truths or routines and present continuous for current activities.
Future: Employ future tenses like “will” or “going to” for future plans and predictions.
Use Complex Sentences
While it’s essential to keep your sentences clear and concise, IELTS examiners also look for your ability to construct complex sentences. This demonstrates a higher level of language proficiency. Incorporate sentence connectors like “although,” “because,” “while,” and “however” to link ideas together and showcase your grammar skills.
IELTS Speaking Band 9 Conversation and Tips
Avoid Run-On Sentences
Conversely, be cautious about using overly long sentences. If your sentences become too convoluted, it can lead to grammar mistakes. Break down your thoughts into clear, concise sentences, and avoid run-on sentences that may confuse the examiner.
Pay Attention to Subject-Verb Agreement
One common grammar mistake is subject-verb disagreement. Make sure that the subject and verb in your sentence agree in number. For example, “The team is” (not “The team are”).
Correct Pronoun Usage
Use pronouns (he, she, it, they, etc.) correctly, and ensure they agree in gender and number with their antecedents. Be especially mindful of gender-neutral language when referring to people.
Practice Conditional Sentences
Conditional sentences (e.g., first, second, third conditionals) are often used in the IELTS Speaking test. These express hypothetical situations, possibilities, or cause-and-effect relationships. Practice these to enhance your grammatical accuracy.
Seek Feedback
If possible, record your speaking practice and ask for feedback from English teachers or proficient speakers. Constructive feedback can help you identify and correct specific grammar issues in your speech.
Relax and Speak Naturally
Lastly, while correct grammar is essential, don’t become too preoccupied with perfection. It’s okay to make minor mistakes during the IELTS Speaking test. The key is to speak confidently and naturally while still demonstrating a good command of grammar.
Conclusion
Using correct grammar in the IELTS Speaking test is crucial for earning a high score. By understanding and practicing essential grammar rules, you can present your thoughts clearly and coherently. Remember to focus on verb tenses, use complex sentences, and pay attention to subject-verb agreement. With dedication and practice, you can improve your grammar skills and ace the IELTS Speaking test. Good luck!
