IELTS Preparation: Listening and Speaking main image
In my previous post, I talked about IELTS preparation with a focus on the reading section of the exam. In this space, I will try to present some solutions to the challenges that students face in preparing their listening and speaking skills for those sections. You may doubt your own English language abilities, but it is possible to achieve a good IELTS score if you follow certain handy tips, and, needless to say, keep on practicing. Here are some ways to improve your listening and speaking skills as part of your IELTS preparation.
Use entertainment to hone your listening skills
I generally put a lot of emphasis on developing a good reading habit when someone asks me about ways to improve their writing skills. But when it comes to listening skills, you obviously need to go beyond books and think about ways of honing your grasp of the spoken language.
We all are fond of something on the TV. It could be a movie, a series (Game of Thrones?), cartoons, cooking shows – the list never ends. Try watching your favorite show in English to begin with. You may want to watch it with subtitles. Over time, you will notice a dramatic improvement in your listening skills. When you aren’t honing your listening skills with TV or movies, try listening to different radio shows in English. It could be an entertainment segment or a serious interview on current affairs – the choice is yours. These are the most practical tips that one can get when it comes to IELTS preparation for the listening and speaking test.
Caution: Don’t expect the best results in one or two days, even for native English speakers listening skills take time, but give it some time, and you will not regret it.
Improve your native speaking skills
Forget about IELTS preparation for now, and don’t worry about conversing in English. Take a moment to consider whether you are an eloquent communicator. Most people are not! Even in their native language, most people lack some speaking skills and are unable to effectively communicate their thoughts in words. They don’t realize this, because they never find the need to impress anyone or get a good score for speaking their native language. The prerequisite to speaking English to a high standard is to speak your native language fully and effectively. Once you strengthen your native speaking skills, move to next step.
Practice speaking to impress
Again, start with your native language. But this time keep in mind that you need to impress the listener. You could do that by using formal words and a confident style, both of which are very important during the IELTS exam. Never use slang while you are practicing your speaking skills, because you are not supposed to do that during your exam. Now try to talk in English in the same manner. Remember, you need to find someone who will not just listen to you, but who is able to talk to you in English. The best way to practice your listening and speaking skills is to find someone who is also preparing for the IELTS exam. In this way, your priorities will match and you will have a better chance of helping each other achieve a good score.
Learn some English expressions
Last but not the least, learn some expressions in English. Never try to simply translate your native language when you are talking to someone in English. Every language has its own way of expressing different attitudes and feelings. Instead of translating an expression from your own language, try to learn some expressions that are distinctive to English. This could again be a good excuse to watch movies, read books, newspapers or magazines, or just spend time talking to native English speakers – they will probably be very happy to share some of their favorite sayings with you and explain complex meanings. If you’re struggling to find anyone, reach out online; you could even offer classes in your own language in exchange.
This article was originally published in April 2014 . It was last updated in August 2015
M = male student F = female lecturer
M: Hello can I come in?
F: Oh yes, come in. How can I help you?
M: I was looking for the Economics office. I’ve been all over the Arts Faculty building looking for it but I could only find the School of Accounting and Economic History. Is this the right place?
F: Yes this is the School of Economics.
M: Oh good. Um, I’m a new student and I was wondering if someone could give me some information.
F: Well I might be able to help. I lecture on that program. What do you need to Know?
M: Quite a few things, actually. Firstly, how many lectures a week do I have to Attend?
F: Ah, well, the Economics I course is a double unit so there are two lectures a week and one tutorial. The lectures are scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday.
M: What time?
F: Let me see ... You know this information is all in the handout, which you should have received yesterday at. the orientation meeting.
M: Oh, was there a meeting yesterday? I didn’t know about that ... no one mentioned ...
F: Yes, there was, but never mind. Now lectures are at four m the afternoon.
M: Four’s a bit late. I’ve got a part time job that starts at four thirty.
F: Well, you can’t be in two places at once, can you, and attendance at lectures is necessary. We expect at least 90% attendance at this university you know.
M: 90%! That’s high. Do they enforce that rule?
F: Yes, we do. We’re pretty strict about it actually.
M: And what times have been set down for the tutorials — do you have that Information?
F: That’s a very well attended course so there’s a number of tutorial times. Monday. Wednesday and Friday, all at 9 o’clock. Yours will be allocated at the first lecture.
M: Can’t I choose the time?
F: Maybe. maybe not.. You’ll have to talk to the lecturer on the course. Dr. Roberts is his name.
M: Oh. OK.
F: Anything else I can help you with while you’re here?
M: Well. yes. actually. Do you know what the course requirements are? I mean, how much work is expected for this course?
F: Well. you have to complete a tutorial paper.
M: What does that involve?
F: Well. it’s a piece of work on a given topic based on some set reading texts. You’ll have to give a small talk to your tutorial group ...
M: How long does that have to be?
F: Oh. about 25 minutes usually.
M: I have to talk for 25 minutes?
F: Yes. that’s right. And then you have to write up your piece of work and give it to the lecturer to be marked.
M: Right. And is that all?
F: No. You also have to complete a 3.000 word essay on a topic.
M: Can I choose the topic?
F: Yes. usually you can.
M: Right. That shouldn’t be too bad.
F: And in addition to that there is an exam.
M: An exam! What sort of exam?
F: Well. it’s an open book exam.
M: Does that mean I can have the text book with me during the exam?
F: Yes. that’s right.
M: And can you give me any idea about the content of the first year of Economics so that I can get into some reading?
F: Well. you’ll be getting the reading list next week when lectures start. All the books are in the library.
M: Yes. but won’t everyone else take them out as soon as they get the reading list too?
F: Well. yes. they might. But most of the important ones are held in Closed Reserve ... that’s a part of the library where you can go to read books but you can’t take them out of the building.
M: What did you call that section of the library?
F: Closed Reserve. However. we do recommend that you buy the core books. You’ll find them useful and you’ll need them for the exam.
M: Yes. I suppose I will. But what is the focus of the course?
F: Well. the course at this university has a vocational focus. that is a focus on preparing its graduates for work. so we’re orientated very much towards employment.
M: So my chances of getting a job are good?
F: Well. provided you get good results.
M: Well look thanks for your time. You’ve been really helpful.
F: That’s fine. See you next week then.
Page 2