How to Improve Your Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking
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​1. Expanding range for a variety of topics

• Read and listen to English content on common IELTS themes (news articles, YouTube explainers, podcasts).
• Make topic-based vocabulary lists (e.g., “environment” → pollution, renewable energy, conservation).
• Practice speaking about these topics with different words so you don’t always rely on the same few.

2. Adding less common and idiomatic vocabulary naturally

• Learn 2–3 idioms or phrasal verbs per topic and practice using them in your answers.
• Pay attention to collocations—don’t just learn the word improve, instead learn common phrases like to improve skills, improve health, improve efficiency, etc.
• Practice speaking with sample IELTS questions and record yourself—listen for repetition and add variety.

​3. Strengthening paraphrasing skills

• Use synonyms (big → large), definitions (a gadget you use to measure time), or examples (it’s like a bus, but smaller—oh yes, a van!).
• Play practice games: take a difficult word and explain it in three different ways without using the original word.
• Watch English shows or podcasts and notice how native speakers rephrase themselves when searching for the right expression.

Imagine this: you get a cue card that says, “Describe a time when you achieved something important.”  Your mind goes blank, and all you can think is, “How on earth am I going to talk for two minutes about this?”

​The problem isn’t that you don’t have stories. It’s that you don’t know how to tell them. The secret to handling this part of the test with confidence is exactly that: learning how to tell a story.

​Why Storytelling Matters in IELTS Speaking Part 2
In Part 2, you’ll usually get a cue card asking you to talk about a personal experience—something like “Describe a time when you helped someone” or “Talk about a memorable journey.” These aren’t questions you can answer with just one or two sentences. They’re designed to let you show your ability to speak at length in a clear and natural way.
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That’s where storytelling comes in. A good story:

• Gives you material to work with. Instead of struggling to fill the time, you can expand on what happened, how you felt, and what you learned.
• Keeps your answer organized. A beginning, middle, and end naturally create structure and coherence.
• Shows your language range. Talking about past events, emotions, and reflections allows you to demonstrate different tenses, connectors, and vocabulary.
• Engages the examiner. A personal, relatable story is far more interesting than a flat, memorized response.

How to Tell a Story Effectively
How to Tell a Story Effectively
Fortunately, you don’t need to be a professional storyteller. A simple structure works best:
 
1. Set the Scene (Beginning). Give the listener the basic background so they can understand your story. Include:

• When it happened – give a clear time reference (last year, during college, when I was a child)
• Who was involved – mention the key people (friends, family, classmates)
• Where it took place – provide the setting (at school, on a trip, at home)

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​Here’s an example IELTS Speaking Part 2 question:​

This is a sample response that sets the scene:

• “One of the most memorable meals I’ve had was last year on my mother’s birthday. There are four kids in my family but we all live far away from my parents now. That day, though, two of my siblings and I managed to travel back to our hometown to celebrate—my mom turned 70, by the way. I went with my son and husband, and my two siblings also brought their families. It felt like a reunion of sorts because we hadn’t all been together for a few years. Since we were quite a big group, we decided to go to a seafood restaurant with outdoor dining near the beach."

 

2. Describe the Main Event (Middle). This is the heart of your story. Share what actually happened. Make it detailed and engaging by:

• Explaining what happened – walk the listener through the main events
• Adding specific details – include sights, sounds, or actions that made it memorable
• Describing your emotions – say how you felt at the time
• Mentioning other people’s reactions – if it adds to the story
• Including background or cultural context – only if it helps show why the event was meaningful

All of these add depth and make your story more real and relatable

​Here’s the continuation or middle part of the sample response:

• “We ordered a huge spread—grilled fish, prawns, crabs, and even some dishes I had never tried before. The food was amazing, but what made it really special wasn’t just how good it tasted or how beautiful the setting was. It was the laughter around the table and the feeling of being together as a family. I was so excited to see my nieces again and to finally meet my baby nephew. I think my parents were clearly overjoyed to have their grandchildren together in one place.
• I should add that growing up, money was tight for our family, so we rarely ate out. Our parents didn’t usually celebrate their birthdays but my mom always tried her best to cook something special at home whenever one of us had a birthday. So celebrating by going to a nice restaurant wasn’t really something we did much as a family. That’s why this celebration felt extra meaningful.”

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In this part of the response, specific details are given (grilled fish, etc) as well as the emotions of the speaker  (excited) and the other people  on that occasion (grandparents overjoyed). 
The cultural/personal background (money was tight, rarely ate out) adds depth—it explains why this meal was meaningful.
 

3. Wrap It Up (End). Give your story a clear conclusion so it doesn’t feel unfinished. You can:

• Connect it to the present – explain how the experience affects you now
• Reflect on the experience – share what it meant to you or why it stood out
• Highlight a lesson learned – mention what the situation taught you
• Look to the future – say how it might influence what you’ll do next

 
Here’s the conclusion of our sample response:

• “Now that we’re older and doing a bit better in life, we can afford to treat our parents to a nice dinner from time to time, but this was the first time three of us children were able to visit at the same time. Our youngest sister is working abroad so this is why she couldn’t make it, but we were able to get her on a video call and it almost felt like she was there, too.
• We took lots of pictures that day because we weren’t sure we’d have the chance to do that again soon, but we promised to try to go home together more often, especially for our parents’ birthdays. I truly hope we keep that promise—because as our parents get older, these moments become even more valuable.”

 
The story concludes by looking to the future and reflecting on the experience. The speaker ties it to a promise to reunite more often for their parents’ birthdays, showing a future outlook, and also emphasizes how valuable family time has become as their parents get older. This gives the story both emotional reflection and a forward-looking closure.

What if the story does not have much emotional weight?
Sometimes your story might not carry strong emotions or deep personal meaning—and that’s perfectly fine. In these cases, you can still conclude smoothly by using lighter alternatives:

• Summarize the main event:
  “Overall, it was a fun day out and definitely one of the more enjoyable weekends I’ve had.”
• Highlight a small detail that stood out:
  “What I remember most was how friendly the staff were at the café—they accommodated our requests at such short notice without any complaints at all.”
• Simply state why you enjoyed it:
  “I really appreciated having that break because it gave me time to recharge before the next busy week.”​

Even if the story feels simple, giving it a brief summary or highlight at the end makes your answer sound complete and organized.

How NOT to Tell a Story
Not all storytelling helps your score—here are a few pitfalls to avoid:

• Listing facts like a robot. “I went there. I saw this. I did that.” Flat and forgettable.
• Going off-topic. Don’t spend two minutes talking about something unrelated to the cue card.
• Memorizing a script. Examiners know when you’ve memorized. It sounds unnatural and affects fluency.
• Aiming for perfection. Small mistakes are fine—it’s communication and flow that matter most.

This idea will not make IELTS candidates happy, but it needs to be said:
“You can’t create something from nothing.”

This principle is true in art, in cooking, and definitely in IELTS preparation. For example, if you’ve never read about artificial intelligence, how will you explain its impact on jobs in IELTS Speaking Part 3? If you know nothing about electric vehicles, how will you write a balanced essay on their benefits and drawbacks? The same goes for topics like social media, climate change, or education reform.

In IELTS, you’re not just tested on your English. You’re tested on your ability to express ideas clearly and logically. And for that, you need something to say. That “something” comes from input — reading, listening, and exposing yourself to a wide range of topics and viewpoints.

Why Input Matters for IELTS
Many test-takers focus on grammar drills or memorizing “model answers.” And while those have their place, the real challenge often comes when the examiner asks about a topic you barely know. That’s when hesitation sets in, sentences become short and vague, and your score starts dropping.

The IELTS exam draws from real-world topics: technology, the environment, health, culture, society. Without background knowledge, your answers risk sounding generic or repetitive. Input — consistent exposure to quality English materials — fills your mind with facts, examples, and vocabulary you can draw on during the test.

Ways to Boost Your Input
1. Read widely

• Make reading part of your daily routine. You don’t need to spend hours and hours buried in articles. Even 15–20 minutes a day can make a real difference over time. Of course, if you can manage an hour, that’s ideal — but the key is consistency. Short, regular reading sessions build steady progress and keep new ideas fresh in your mind.
• Use sources like reputable magazine and news websites, National Geographic, or even reputable blogs. Try to keep an open mind as you read. Mainstream media often receives criticism, but for IELTS preparation, these sources are valuable because they present a variety of perspectives. You don’t have to agree with everything you read — the goal is to expose yourself to different sides of an issue so you can build a balanced understanding and express ideas more confidently in the exam.
• Keep a topic journal where you summarize key points and record useful vocabulary.
• Read a mix of topics you enjoy and topics that are unfamiliar. It’s easier to stay motivated when you read about subjects you already like, but the IELTS exam may cover areas outside your comfort zone. Balancing both helps you build confidence with familiar ideas while also preparing you for new or unexpected topics.

2. Listen to quality content

• Explore podcasts like The BBC World Service, TED Talks, or Freakonomics Radio. These go hand in hand with reading because you also get to hear how difficult or academic words are pronounced. You’ll also pick up the rhythm and intonation of natural English speech.
• Watch YouTube channels that explain science, history, or current events in clear English. Choose creators who use clear English but still challenge you with new ideas and vocabulary.
• After listening, challenge yourself to explain the main idea in your own words.

3. Watch and observe

• Watch documentaries for deeper insight. Documentaries can give you background knowledge and rich vocabulary on specific topics like climate change, history, or technology. The combination of visuals and explanations makes it easier to understand complex issues.
• Follow English-language news channels. News reports are short and focused, so you’ll hear how ideas are expressed in a clear, concise way. This helps you notice useful phrases and sentence patterns that can also work in your IELTS answers.

4. Build your content bank
Think of your preparation as collecting building blocks. Keep a notebook or digital file with:

• Facts and examples you can reuse
• Topic-specific vocabulary
• Short sample sentences
• Organise them under IELTS themes like Education, Technology, Health, Environment, Society. Review regularly so you can retrieve ideas easily in the exam.

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Turn Your Input into Output
​Input alone isn’t enough. You also need to practice using what you’ve learned. Reading articles or listening to podcasts fills your mind with ideas and vocabulary, but if you don’t actively try to recall and apply them, they fade quickly. Output — speaking and writing — is what locks your learning in place.
Here are some ways to turn your input into output:

• Summarise in your own words
  After reading or listening, try explaining the main ideas without looking back at the text. This helps you recall vocabulary and structure your thoughts clearly.
• Talk it out
  Share what you learned with a friend, study partner, or even record yourself speaking. Imagine you’re answering an IELTS question: “What are the advantages of renewable energy?” and use the facts and phrases you just picked up.
• Write short reflections
  Keep a daily journal where you write 3–4 sentences about what you read or listened to. Don’t worry about making it perfect — the goal is to train your brain to produce language quickly.
• Mix and match ideas
  Take examples from one topic and see if you can apply them to another. For instance, something you learned about technology might also work in a question about education or the environment.
• Link vocabulary to IELTS topics
  It’s not enough to just learn new words — you need to connect them to the topics they belong to. For example, if you learn the phrase “renewable energy sources”, link it to IELTS themes like environment or technology. If you pick up a word like “peer pressure”, connect it to youth, education, or society. This way, when a question comes up in the exam, you’ll instantly know which vocabulary fits the topic.

In IELTS, strong ideas are just as important as correct grammar or clear pronunciation. Remember: you can’t create something from nothing. The more you feed your mind with information from quality sources, the more confidently you can speak and write when it matters most.
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Start small — even 15–20 minutes of focused reading or listening a day will add up. Over time, you’ll find that you don’t just have something to say — you have the right things to say, and in the right way.

Lastly, practice turning input into output. The more you do this, the easier it becomes to recall ideas under exam pressure. On test day, you’ll feel like you already have “ready-made” thoughts and phrases waiting to be used.

 If You’re Not Sure Where to Begin
If you’re preparing for IELTS and aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone. Many test-takers feel overwhelmed by the number of possible topics and struggle to organise their study time effectively. That’s where coaching can help.

In my IELTS coaching program, I can guide you through the most common exam themes, provide ready-made topic lists, and show you how to build your own “content bank” so you’re never stuck for ideas in Speaking or Writing. You’ll get a clear study plan, digital templates for keeping notes, personalized feedback, and practical strategies to make the most of your preparation time.

If this approach sounds like the kind of support you need, send me an email at [email protected] — I’d love to hear about your goals.

​Success is one of those big ideas that everyone talks about, but it means very different things to different people. For some, it’s climbing the career ladder and earning a high salary, while for others it’s about finding happiness, balance, or personal growth. In the IELTS Speaking Part 3, questions on success often push you to think critically about values, priorities, and how society shapes our definitions. To help you prepare, let’s look at some common questions on personal and career success—along with sample responses that show you how to give clear, thoughtful, and well-developed answers. Keep in mind that these are not the only answers and it's  especially a good chance for you practice stating your alternative points of view. 

​1. What do you think are the key factors that contribute to personal success?
Sample response: "I believe personal success depends on a mix of clear goals, self-discipline, and perseverance. Of course, external factors like family support and opportunities also matter, but in the end, a person’s mindset and ability to stay focused or motivated play the biggest role."

2. How do you define career success?
Sample response: "For me, career success isn’t just about promotions or a high salary. It’s more about feeling fulfilled in your job, being respected in your field, and knowing that your work makes a positive difference. That said, getting promoted and being paid well are also great rewards, of course."

3. Do you think personal success is more important than career success? Why or why not?
Sample response: "I’d say personal success is slightly more important, because career achievements lose their meaning if you don’t feel happy or content in your personal life. But at the same time, I don’t think they’re completely separate—career success often supports personal goals, especially financial stability and  self-confidence. So I'd say they're very closely intertwined."

4. What role do education and qualifications play in achieving career success?
Sample response: ​"I think it depends on the field or industry. In technical fields like medicine, engineering, or accounting, formal qualifications are essential just to get your foot in the door.  But there are also a lot of fields where experience and  adaptability may be more important, such as in sales and in the creative fields. So while education certainly provides a strong foundation, it doesn’t guarantee long-term success. In fact, soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and leadership are often just as important, especially for people who want to progress to higher positions.”

5. Can someone be successful without a formal education? Why or why not?
Sample response: "Yes, absolutely. Many entrepreneurs and artists have proven that success can come from creativity, practical skills, and determination rather than formal schooling. That being said, education usually makes the path smoother and opens more doors."

6. How important is hard work compared to talent in achieving success?
Sample response: "I think hard work outweighs talent in most cases. Talent might give someone a head start, but without consistent effort, it rarely leads to sustained success. Hard-working people often surpass naturally gifted ones who don’t put in the same effort."

7. What impact does family support have on a person's success?
Sample response: "I believe that family support can make a huge difference. Emotional encouragement, financial help, or simply having someone believe in you can boost confidence and persistence. Without that, some people still succeed, but the journey is often much more difficult."

8. Do you think people can achieve success on their own, or do they need help from others?
​Sample response: "I don’t think anyone achieves success completely alone. Even if someone works independently, they usually benefit from mentors, colleagues, or a supportive environment. Success is often the result of collaboration, directly or indirectly."

9. How has the definition of career success changed over time?
Sample response: ​"In the past, success was often measured by stability--like staying with one company for decades. People also tended to look at a person's pay grade and position in a company. But today, even though we still look at those factors, I think people have started to value flexibility, work-life balance, and opportunities for personal growth just as well. In that sense, the definition has become more individual and less rigid--less about financial success only."

10. In your opinion, what is more important: job satisfaction or a high salary?
Sample response: "This may be a difficult choice, and I think it depends on where a person is in life. If one is just  starting out and badly needs financial stability and independence, then the higher salary may be more important. Eventually, as people get older and presumably more financially secure, I think the priority would naturally shift more towards job satisfaction and finding fulfillment in one's career."

11. How do societal norms and expectations influence our views on success?
Sample response: "Society often sets standards, like owning a house, having a stable job, or starting a family by a certain age. These expectations can pressure people to pursue goals that may not actually align with their personal definition of success."

12. What challenges do people face in balancing personal and career success?
​Sample response: "Perhaps the biggest challenge is time. Many careers demand long hours, which can strain family relationships or limit personal growth. Another challenge is guilt--people often feel guilty prioritizing one over the other, and this is especially true for those who have children. I've been seeing articles from executives and entrepreneurs saying that the idea of having work-life balance is a myth, and I kind of believe them. In a sense, you can't have your cake and eat it, too."

13. How do you think technology has influenced career success in recent years?
Sample response: "Technology has opened up countless opportunities—remote work, online businesses, and global networking are all possible now. At the same time, it creates competition on a global scale, which means people need to continuously upgrade their skills, or their products, to stay relevant."

14. Is it possible to be successful in both personal and professional life simultaneously? How?
Sample response: “This is something many working parents struggle with. I think it’s possible, but it requires good organizational skills and conscious choices. For instance, choosing a flexible job can make it easier to spend time with family while still advancing professionally. If that’s not an option, then being super intentional about how you use free time is essential—you have to deliberately divide your time between family, hobbies, or personal growth. You may especially have to avoid wasting time on distractions such as endless scrolling on social media. It’s not easy, but with strong time management, I believe people can succeed in both areas.”

​At the end of the day, success isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. Some people measure it through career achievements, while others value personal happiness or strong relationships more highly. For the IELTS Speaking Part 3, what matters is being able to explain your ideas clearly, supporting them with reasons or examples, and showing that you can think critically about different perspectives. By practicing questions on personal and career success, you’ll not only be preparing for the test—you’ll also gain a deeper understanding of what success means to you.

Have-you-ever questions

• Have you ever had to change your habits to improve your health?

Sample answer:
“Yes, I have. I used to eat a lot of junk food and hardly did any exercise, but a couple of years ago, I realized it wasn’t doing me any good. I had also gained about five or six kilos, so I decided to start cooking more at home and going for runs a few times a week. It was tough at first, but now it’s just part of my routine. As a result, I’ve lost some of that weight, although I still need to keep working on it to get a bit fitter.”

• Have you ever forgotten to pay a bill? [Why/Why not?]

Sample answer:
“I have, actually. I sometimes forget to pay our water bill, but I usually remember  a day or two after the due date. One time, though, I'd completely forgotten about it, until the meter reader came knocking and warned us that we'd be disconnected. That was really embarrassing, so now I try to pay the bill as early as possible."

Questions about the future

• How useful will English be to you in your future?

Sample answer:
“It will definitely be very useful for me, especially for my career. Right now, I work for an international company where I need to use English every day, in emails and also in video calls. In the future, I’d like to continue working for international companies and hopefully move to a bigger organization. That’s why I think having strong English communication skills is absolutely crucial.”

​To sum up, IELTS Speaking Part 1 may seem simple, but it covers a wide range of everyday topics. The best way to prepare is to practice talking about different areas—your home, studies, hobbies, routines, and even less common topics like food, fashion, or technology. Don’t try to memorize answers; instead, focus on building flexible vocabulary and practicing natural expressions so you can respond comfortably to any question. The more you expose yourself to a variety of topics, the more confident and fluent you’ll be on test day.

Saying "yes" is not just about agreeing; it's also about showing how strongly or weakly you agree, and how enthusiastic or certain you feel. Here’s a guide to different ways of saying "yes" in varying degrees, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, and very much applicable to many  "yes/no" questions in the IELTS Speaking test. 

1. Enthusiastic agreement
When you want to show excitement or strong agreement, you can use:

• Absolutely!: This word conveys total agreement with emphasis.
  • Example: “Do you think this is a positive change?” --> “Absolutely!”
• Definitely!: Use this to indicate certainty.
  • Example: “Would you recommend this restaurant to friends?” -->“Definitely!”
• For sure!: An informal way to agree with enthusiasm.
  • Example: “Are you happy with your current role at work?” --> “For sure!”

2. Formal or polite agreement
In more formal settings, such as a job interview or a formal conversation, these are appropriate:

• Certainly: A polite way to agree, especially when offering assistance.
  • Example (IELTS): “Would you say that this  technology is beneficial to children?” -->“Certainly, although of course parents should always be aware of what their children are doing online.”
  • Example (work conversation): “Could you send me that report by tomorrow?” -->“Certainly.”
• (Yes,) of course: Expresses agreement with an implication that it’s obvious or expected.
  • Example (IELTS): “Are there any disadvantages to working from home?” -->“Yes, of course. There'd be disadvantages especially for new workers who may need mentoring from experienced colleagues and more training in how things are done in the workplace.”
• Indeed: A slightly old-fashioned but formal way to agree, often used to confirm something.
  • Example (IELTS): “Some people say that social media may be more harmful than helpful.”  --> “Indeed. I can see how people and even some experts would say that. However...”

3. Casual agreement
In informal situations, especially with friends, these phrases work well:

• Yeah: A very casual and common way to say yes.
  • Example (IELTS): “Do you remember a lot from your science classes?" -->“Yeah, I do, because I actually liked science--it was certainly easier to comprehend than math and I can say that I've been lucky to have had mostly great science teachers."
  • Example (daily conversation): “Do you want to grab coffee later?” -->“Yeah.”
• You bet!: Informal and slightly playful, implying confidence. This expression is usually used with peers or people you're familiar with. Note that there may be fewer scenarios where a candidate can use this in the IELTS exam, for example, when the speaking test is well underway and the discussion has warmed up enough to show an enthusiastic and quick positive response to a question. If in doubt though, it might be better to stick to expressions of polite agreement. 
  • Example (IELTS): "Have those books influenced you in some ways?"  --> "You bet! Reading all those sci-fi books as a teenager has shaped my taste in entertainment, from movies to all sorts of other creative work like music and visual art."
  • Example (daily conversation): “Can you help me with this task?” -->“You bet! What do you want me to do exactly?”

 
4. Mild or reluctant agreement
When you agree but with some hesitation or reservation:

• I suppose so: Indicates agreement, but with some doubt or reluctance.
  • Example (IELTS): "Do you feel that enough is being done to control these kinds of crimes in your country?" --> "I suppose so but... /I suppose authorities are trying but I feel like it's not really their top priority."
  • Example (daily conversation): “Do you think we should go ahead with this plan?” --> “I suppose so.”
• Alright: Often used to agree to something you’re not fully enthusiastic about. This is more applicable to daily conversation than on the IELTS. 
  • Example: “Can we start the meeting early?” --> “Alright.”
• Fine: Used to agree, but with a tone that might suggest indifference or resignation. As indifference is NOT the tone you should be going for in the IELTS exam, this would also be more applicable to casual chats than in the IELTS. 
  • Example: “Let’s go to the restaurant that Amy recommended.” --> “Fine.”

5. Agreement with conditions
When you agree, but only under certain conditions:

• As long as…: Indicates that you agree if a specific condition is met.
  • Example (IELTS): "Is working in an office still something you'd consider doing?" -->"As long as I wouldn't work there five or even six days a week, I would consider it. I think three to four days a week in the office would be reasonable."
  • Example (work conversation): “Can we work together on this project?” --> “As long as we divide the tasks equally.”
• On the condition that… More formal, often used in agreements or negotiations. 
  • Example (work conversation): “I’ll approve your request on the condition that you submit the report by Friday.”
  • Example (IELTS):  "Do you think people should be allowed to work from home?" --> "Yes, I believe people should be allowed to work from home on the condition that they remain productive and meet their work deadlines."

Whether you’re just having a friendly chat, in a meeting, or getting ready for the IELTS Speaking test — it really helps to change up how you respond. Matching your tone to the topic and showing some energy can make you sound more natural and confident.

Test-takers of the IELTS Speaking test often face several common challenges. Here are some of the greatest ones:
​1. Nervousness and anxiety

• Challenge: Feeling nervous or anxious can affect fluency and overall performance.
• Solution: Acknowledging your anxiety instead of pretending it's not there may be a useful first step in finding ways to function alongside it. What is the source of your anxiety? What is the worst thing that could happen if you don't get the band score you're aiming for? One thing is for sure: it won't be the end of the world. You can certainly try again, and countless test takers have retaken the test--with more insight from having fallen short previously. The act of recognizing your fears and accepting the worst case scenario may clear the way for you to give your full effort without your inner voice distracting you so much. 
• Practice speaking English regularly and try relaxation techniques like deep breathing to calm nerves before the test. It may also help to remember that the examiner is another human being who, most of the time, will actually want you to do well, and will do what they can to help you get comfortable with the exam.

2. Limited vocabulary

• Challenge: Struggling to find the right words to express ideas can lead to pauses and reduced clarity.
• Solution: Expand your vocabulary by reading, listening to English media, and testing out new words in conversations. Remember that this kind of preparation takes time--think long term, like months or even years.  Most importantly, you can't expect to just read word lists and be able to use them correctly and immediately--what we need to do is to encounter words repeatedly in different contexts and in their different forms (noun, verb, adjective, etc.) before we can fully understand when and how to use them. And this is why reading and listening to 'authentic' materials are critical for you to see words in their natural environment. 'Authentic' materials are texts, audio and video materials that are made for native English speakers, compared to ESL materials, or those designed for an English learner. ESL materials are of course useful to begin with, but an English learner has to eventually move on to authentic materials in order to understand English in the wider world, especially in casual, everyday settings. 
• The tricky part about vocabulary is that we have to learn both their written form and their spoken form and it's highly recommended to always listen to what a word sounds like, instead of guessing its pronunciation based on its spelling, which often leads to pronunciation errors. These days we can do this easily through dictionary apps and websites. There's  also the popular website Youglish.com where you can enter a word and it will look up videos for you so that you can listen to this word used in context. With the availability of apps to help people learn vocabulary, it is highly recommended to find what works for you and maximize the benefits of these tools. 

3. Pronunciation issues

• Challenge: Mispronunciation or unclear speech can make it difficult for the examiner to understand your responses or ideas.
• Solution: Practice speaking slowly and clearly first before trying to speed up, and consider working with a language coach to improve your pronunciation. Pronunciation also goes beyond just making correct individual sounds but also involves how you stress words (rhythm) and the rise and fall of your tone (intonation). One way to improve your rhythm and intonation is to listen to and imitate native speakers. There are many helpful channels on YouTube such as Ted-Ed, SciShow, Nat Geo Kids, Khan Academy and other educational and general interest channels that you can use as practice materials. 

​4. Fluency and coherence

• Challenge: Speaking smoothly without long pauses and organizing thoughts logically can be difficult.
• Solution: Practice speaking about various IELTS topics, which you can find on the websites of Cambridge, IDP and the British Council. Can you speak fluently about environmental issues, education, social media, technology and all sorts of topics involving your personal experiences and general society as a whole? Besides familiarity with common topics, coherence also requires the use of linking words to connect ideas, so that your response is easy to follow. Practice speaking in complete sentences with clear signal words to tell the listener whether you are explaining something, giving examples, adding more points or wrapping up your response. 

​5. Grammatical accuracy

• Challenge: Making frequent grammatical errors can lower scores. Examples of grammatical errors include forgetting to use the correct verb tense, and subject-verb agreement or using a singular verb with a singular subject or a plural verb after a plural subject.
• Solution: Review grammar rules, especially the most basic ones. Get feedback from a teacher about what your habitual grammar mistakes are and dedicate a certain amount of time working on them. If your typical mistake, for example, is about forgetting to use the past tense, read aloud stories written in the past tense so that you can internalize using the past tense in a natural way. Look at your own photos in the past and describe where you were, what you were doing in the photo, who you were with, etc, all while being mindful of using the past tense.
• Grammar is a contentious issue with people on one side telling you that you don't need to study it specifically and another side advocating explicit study. I'd say adopt a balanced approach--do language immersion as much as you can, AND consult a grammar book when you're confused about a grammar rule, or do sentence drills if you are told that you often make a mistake with a certain grammar structure. It doesn't have to be just one way or the other. Maximizing all the advantages from multiple approaches would certainly make studying more efficient, wouldn't it? Start by being able to know what your common mistakes are and then look for both drills and materials that will help you internalize the correct structures. 

6. Misunderstanding questions

• Challenge: Misunderstanding the examiner’s questions can lead to off-topic responses. This would signal low comprehension or low listening skills on your part. 
• Solution: Listen carefully, and if necessary, ask the examiner to repeat or clarify the question.   
• Examples of ways to ask for repetition or clarification:
  "Could you please repeat the question?"
  "Could you please explain what you mean by...?"
  "Are you asking about...?"
  "Just to make sure I understand, are you asking if...?"
  "Could you rephrase the question, please?"
  "Could you ask the question in a different way?"
  "Could you clarify the last part of the question, please?"

​7. Developing Ideas

• Challenge: Coming up with ideas quickly, especially for abstract topics.
• Solution: Cambridge has said that all IELTS topics and questions are widely tested before they are included in the actual tests. This is to make sure that most test takers, despite coming from different cultures, have come across such  themes, experiences or scenarios, if not personally, then from various types of media such as from movies, stories, TV series, books, etc. Reassure yourself that you have ideas about the world from your own experiences, no matter how limited those may be. Speak from your own viewpoint and develop responses using examples from personal experiences or even from that of your family, friends and acquaintances. You can use expressions like "I'm not sure how it would be like in other places/countries/families/etc, but from my own experience, I would say that..." 
• In Part 3 of the Speaking Test, which deals with abstract topics, you may get asked about a social issue that's not a common problem in your country, for example. Or you might get asked about your opinion on nuclear power plants, artificial intelligence or a topic you never think about. What you can do in such cases would then be to explain why this issue or topic is alien to you. Why do you never come across this topic or why is your experience about it limited? Is it too technical, not something you are interested in, or something you never got around to reading or doing? Additionally, you can speculate or try to come up with possible answers as best as you can, using expressions like, "I don't have a lot of in depth knowledge/experience about this but if I were to come up with an answer, I'd say..." or "This is not familiar ground for me, but based on what I've heard/read/seen on TV, I'd say..."

8. Lack of Practice

• Challenge: Not practicing speaking enough can lead to a lack of confidence and fluency.
• Solution: Engage in regular speaking practice with friends, language partners, or through language exchange platforms. If you have nobody to practice with, compile a list of questions for Part 1, 2 and 3 and then use a mobile phone to record your responses. Find our list of Speaking Part 1 Questions here.
• Prepare to be disappointed in your first recordings and prime yourself to get over this disappointment fast. Remember that even the most well-known eloquent speakers our there have had to hone their speaking skills behind the curtain, way before their fame. Speaking is a skill, much like a sport or playing a musical instrument, and depending on where you are now, it may need huge inputs of time and continuous practice to see some improvement. Watch or listen to your recorded responses and see if you can spot grammar errors and unclear pronunciation. Perhaps your response could be organized better, conveyed with more descriptive language or you might even come up with ideas you haven't thought of in your previous response. 

​All of these challenges usually intersect, that is, they may all affect each other. Lack of practice worsens your anxiety and inability to think under pressure, and a lack of vocabulary will certainly affect your fluency if you're struggling to think of the correct word to describe your ideas. On the upside, lots of practice and getting to know the ins and outs of the test will also make you more confident and comfortable on test day.

Start somewhere, perhaps on getting to know common topics and seeing if you can answer typical IELTS questions on those topics. Keep track of the questions that stump you--the questions you can't answer--and find useful materials about them. Then go back and try again. As they say, rinse and repeat, which is a good way to say repeat a process that works for you.  Through knowing your weaknesses, and doing targeted practice and preparation, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test.

In the IELTS Speaking test, you'll be asked to give your opinion on a variety of topics, such as the following:

• What kinds of jobs do you think require the most patience?
• Why has convenience food become so popular in the past few years?
• Do you think it is true that in today's society money cannot buy happiness?

When answering such questions, using varied expressions can show a higher level of language proficiency and also make your responses more engaging. Additionally, you'll want to use expressions that convey how strongly or how cautiously you want to sound like when stating your ideas. Here are some alternatives to "I think" that can give variety to your speech as well as add nuance to your sentences in terms of your tone or attitude.

1. I believe... "I believe" is a strong alternative that implies conviction--you firmly believe that something is true. It suggests that you are confident in your opinion.

• Example: "I believe that world peace is the most pressing issue that world leaders should address." 

2. In my opinion... This phrase is a direct substitute for "I think" if you want to sound a bit more formal. It is commonly used to introduce personal viewpoints yet it is appropriate for different contexts.

• Example: "In my opinion, self-education is the key to personal and professional growth."

3. I’m convinced that... Unlike the word "seems," the expression "I’m convinced that" is a strong phrase to imply a firm belief. It’s useful when you want to emphasize the strength of your opinion.

• Example: "After listening to some experts who have done lots of research, I'm convinced that exercise is essential for maintaining mental health."

4. From my perspective...This phrase emphasizes that what you're about to say is subjective and based on your personal viewpoint. 

• Example: "From my perspective, younger generations will likely have a harder time achieving financial independence compared to previous generations.

5.To my mind...Though it may be slightly less common, this expression is very similar to "in my opinion"  and is equally effective. It suggests that you have considered or thought about the topic more deeply. 

• Example: "To my mind, investing in renewable energy is crucial for our future."

6. As far as I’m concerned... This is a great phrase to use when you want to state your personal stance on an issue. It’s useful when you want to underscore that others may likely have different opinions.

• Example: "As far as I’m concerned, working from home has more advantages than disadvantages for the employee."

7. I feel that / I feel like... "I feel that" or "I feel like" can be used to express a more emotional response. It’s suitable for discussing topics that involve personal or emotional elements.

• Example: "I feel that these human rights issues are not being given enough attention."

8. I reckon..."I reckon" is a more common expression in British English that's used more informally and suggests that you have thought about the topic and come to a conclusion.

• Example: "I reckon that it's really up to parents to figure out what kind of art and creative activities their child can participate in. 

9. In my view... This is similar to "in my opinion" but it can add variety to your language use.

• Example: "In my view, governments should prioritize healthcare and education in their budgets."

10. It seems to me that...This phrase suggests that your opinion is based on your observations or experiences. The word "seems" is useful for softening your statement because it makes it sound less assertive or less pushy when you're talking about controversial topics.

• Example: "It seems to me that people are becoming more and more insensitive, even cruel, when leaving comments on social media."

11. I guess that / I'm guessing that... These are useful phrases to use when you are making a tentative statement or assumption. It implies a moderate level of uncertainty and has a more conversational tone.

• Example: I'm guessing that some people are just tired of the unending grind of city life and they just want to get away from that. 

12. Perhaps... Similar to "I guess that," using "Perhaps..." in your response allows you to offer ideas without asserting them too strongly. "Perhaps" is a really versatile word to make suggestions, give opinions, and introduce alternatives in a tentative and polite manner.

• Example: Perhaps future generations will embrace diversity more quickly since they are more exposed  to and even get to interact with people from different countries through the internet.

Using a variety of expressions can make your speech more dynamic and interesting.  Choose the phrase that best fits the context of the question and especially the tone you want to convey. For example, "I reckon" is more suitable for informal topics and a casual tone, while "From my perspective" or "In my opinion" works well in a formal discussion.
Practice using these alternatives early on in your study sessions to help you become more comfortable using them during the actual test.

In the IELTS Speaking test, you will often get asked about your preferences, and expressing what you like and don't like clearly yet flexibly is part of the scoring criteria. At the same time, being polite is  a great way to demonstrate higher level vocabulary and grammar. Directly saying "No" or "I don't like..." can sometimes come across as too blunt, impolite and even too basic. It can also become repetitive if you don't know other ways to say something in the negative sense. Here are some alternative phrases and expressions that can help you convey the same meaning in a more nuanced and sophisticated way, along with examples to illustrate their use.

The words and phrases in italics  are useful vocabulary that you can use to talk about such topics. 

Alternative Ways to Say "No"
1. Not really

• Example: "Do you think it is very expensive to make a home look nice?
• Sample negative response: "Not really. I think there are many other ways to make a home look nice without spending too much money on décor.  The most important thing, I think, is to keep a home clutter-free and organized. In my mind, just keeping a house clean makes it look great.  Another affordable way would be to have a plant or two inside the house. For me, having a bit of greenery, even just small ones in a pot, really make a space look refreshing and relaxing."

2. I'm afraid not.

• Example: "Do you know your neighbors well?"
• Sample negative response: "I'm afraid not.  Ever since I moved to my current apartment, I haven't had many chances to chat or get to know my neighbors. We almost never see each other. I think they're also as busy as I am. We all get out of our apartments early in the morning and come home late at night. I don't even know most of their names, to tell you the truth. 

3. Unfortunately, no...

• Question: "Do you enjoy cooking?"
•  Sample negative response: "Unfortunately, no.   I know that cooking is such an important part of our health and that it's cheaper to cook food at home but at this point in my life, I'm not yet that interested in cooking to spend time learning how to cook more than the usual fried egg and boiled noodles. I live in a city where takeout is available everywhere and food delivery service is quite fast and saves me a lot of time."

4. I wish I could ________ but...

• Example: "Did you enjoy doing music lessons as a child?"
•  Sample negative response: "I wish I could say yes, but I really didn't. It was my parents who had wanted me to learn how to play the piano. I had no interest in it. Don't get me wrong, now that I'm all grown up, I do appreciate the fact that I know how to play the piano and especially that my parents had paid for expensive lessons, but at the time, I would rather have been spending all that time playing at the park with my friends. 

5. Not at This Time

• Example: "Do you have any plans to buy your own car?"
• Sample negative response: "Not at this time, no, since public transport in my city is reliable enough. However, if I ever move to the suburbs where it becomes harder to commute to work, maybe I will consider buying my own car. 

Alternative Ways to Say "I Don’t Like..."
1.  I'm not really interested in...

• Example: "Do you like classical music?"
• Sample negative response: "I'm not really interested in classical music, although of course I don't mind listening to it. I have a friend who once took me to a classical music concert, and even though I appreciated the different performances, I kind of found it strange how formal it was. I prefer modern music, especially electronic dance music or EDM, which I guess is on the opposite side of the spectrum to classical music."

2. I'm not a fan of...

• Example: "Do you like spicy food?"
• Sample negative response: "I'm not really a fan of spicy food. In fact, I've only started to learn to eat mildly spicy food in the last few years because most of my friends like it. However, I can't usually eat what they eat, I mean, if they order something spicy, I usually ask the restaurant if they could prepare a portion that is mildly spicy just for me."

3. It's/they're not my cup of tea.

• Example: "How do you feel about horror movies?"
• Sample negative response: "Oh, they're not my cup of tea. When I was young, I always avoided horror movies because after watching one, I couldn't go to the bathroom by myself at night. Now that I'm older, I still avoid watching horror movies because they just become a distraction. I mean, my mind would keep going back to scary scenes even when I'm working and doing chores, and I think it just affects my mood negatively."

4. I prefer something else...

• Example: "Do you enjoy camping?"
• Sample negative response: "I prefer something else, like staying in a cozy cabin. I like the recent outdoors trend that people call "glamping" which is a word blend of "glamorous" and "camping." There are campsites that offer luxury tents already set up for you. I mean, if you can enjoy the outdoors in style, why not? Right?"

5. I'm not keen on...

• Example: "How do you feel about extreme sports like bungee jumping?"
• Sample negative response: "I'm not keen on doing any extreme sport, especially bungee jumping, because I have a fear of heights.  I prefer to just watch other people do it. The only extreme sport that I've ever done was whitewater rafting with my friends and I was only able to do that because I was part of a group and it felt safer."

6. ​​I'm not into...

• Example: "Do you play video games?"
• Sample negative response: "I'm not into video games even though many of my friends are kind of addicted to them. I have played a few games in the past--again mostly because my friends ask me to try a new game out, but I really try not to spend too much time on them. Video games are a huge time-suck and I already have too much to do at home and at work. 

7. I don't (really) care for...

• Example: "Do you care about looking fashionable?"
• Sample negative response: "These days, I don't really care for fashion as much as I care about comfort and quality in what I wear. I must admit that when I was younger, like in high school and university, I did care a lot about looking trendy and stylish,  but as I've gotten older, I've realized that what I wear has become less and less of what I am, or more importantly, what I can do.  I think it is more important to just look neat and to be dressed appropriately for the occasion, rather than caring too much about being fashionable. 

By using these alternative phrases, you can not only improve your conversational English in general but also demonstrate a higher level of language in your speaking exam. Remember that practicing these expressions way before your test will help you to sound more natural during the interview as well as in various social situations outside of the IELTS test. Find questions where you can practice these expressions, and you can even put them in the comments if you want feedback. Happy learning!

One of the most common grammar mistakes in English--not just in the IELTS Speaking test--is forgetting to use the past tense. For many IELTS learners, especially those whose native languages do not have the same tense structure as English, remembering to switch to the past tense can be difficult.  However, this can significantly affect your score, as the correct use of tenses is crucial for demonstrating your proficiency in English. 

Why does using the correct tense matter?
Using the correct tense shows the examiner that you can accurately convey when events occurred. This is not only about grammar; it also affects the clarity of your ideas. If you use the wrong tense, your listener might be confused about when the events happened, which can disrupt communication.

Let's look at some typical mistakes that learners make:

• Incorrect Sentence: When I was a child, I often play with my cousins in a river near our home.
  • Correct Sentence: When I was a child, I often played with my cousins in a river near our home.

 

• Incorrect Sentence: I get the violin as a present from my grandparents.
  • Correct Sentence: I got the violin as a present from my grandparents. 

In both examples, the verbs "play" and "get" should be in the past tense ("played" and "got") to accurately reflect actions that happened in the past.

Tips to Avoid This Mistake

1. Refresh your memory. You may or may not remember the past tense forms of some verbs, especially the irregular verbs--the verbs which don't simply add -d or -ed to make the past tense, such as speak → spoke, teach → taught, and draw → drew.  The irregular verbs seem to be a common stumbling block because they need to be memorized as they don't follow a set pattern. There are no shortcuts for this step. You'll need to learn and remember the correct past tense forms of verbs. Reading stories is a good way to pick up on the past tense because a lot of stories are written in this way. 
2. Practice regularly. Make it a habit to practice speaking about past events. Describe your day, talk about your childhood, or narrate a story from your past. The more you practice, the more natural it will become to use the past tense correctly. Below you'll find a list of typical IELTS questions asking about the past.
3. Practice with photos. When practicing, use pictures or timelines to help you remember to use the past tense. For example, look at your old photos and describe what was happening in each picture. Where was the photo taken? Who were the people there? What were you doing? 
4. Listen, notice and shadow. Listen to native speakers and pay attention to how they use past tenses. This could be through movies, TV shows, podcasts, or conversations. Notice the verbs they use and how they change forms based on the tense. After listening and noting the verbs in past tense, imitate the speakers out loud, phrase by phrase or sentence by sentence. Doing this regularly will get you used to the structure and the actual sounds of these words at the same time. 
5. Record yourself. Record your speaking practice and listen to it critically. Identify any mistakes you make with tenses and make a conscious effort to correct them in future practices.
6. Get feedback: Practice speaking with a tutor or a study partner who can give you feedback on your use of tenses. Sometimes, others can spot mistakes that you might miss.

Here are some exercises with typical IELTS questions to help you practice using the past tense. Try to record your own responses, then play it back and listen if you used the past tense correctly before looking at the sample answers.

​IELTS Speaking PART 1
1. What do you remember about learning languages at school?

• Sample answer:  Well actually, I don't think it was a very pleasant experience. We had English classes every year where we learned grammar endlessly and had a lot of spelling quizzes. Most of my teachers were nice at least, but they often got upset at the class when we scored low in exams. I'm sure there were lots of interesting activities, but I tend to remember more of the negative experiences. 

​
2. Did you enjoy playing sports when you were at school?

• Sample answer: No, I'm afraid I didn't. Honestly, I wasn't very good at sports. In high school and even in university, the only sport I could play decently was badminton. I did quite poorly in basketball and volleyball, which were both part of the curriculum. Needless to say, I didn't get high grades in my PE classes. 

​IELTS Speaking PART 2
1. Describe a past event: Talk about a memorable event from your past. 

• Sample answer 1: "Two years ago, I visited my sister who had immigrated with her family to Hawaii. It was my first trip abroad as well as my first time to see her since they moved, so I was really excited to go on that trip. Hawaii was such a wonderful place to visit and my sister and nephews showed me around the island. We went to the beach nearly every afternoon and enjoyed swimming and snorkeling. I didn't know how to snorkel so they had to teach me at first. I was introduced to some local cuisine and I totally enjoyed trying out new dishes such as their poke bowls and the loco moco. Poke is essentially chunks of raw fish marinated in some sauce, while loco moco is like a burger except it is made with rice as the base, and it's topped with an egg. Sampling new flavors was definitely one of the highlights of my trip. I’ll never forget all the new experiences I had, but what made it really special was spending it with my sister and her family, who I’m very close to.”

​

• Sample answer 2:  "When I was in high school, I participated in a student exchange program with our sister school in Japan. I travelled with two of my classmates and we spent two weeks learning  and interacting with students in a school in Kyoto. My host family was really welcoming and their daughter, her name is Yuki, was in the class I attended. Yuki is a really  lively and somewhat wacky girl who tried her best to teach me about Japanese culture as well as some common Japanese words and greetings. She taught me some swear words, of course, which her parents really frowned upon, but overall she's such a wholesome and funny person to hang out with... I couldn't have asked for a better host family and I really wish I could give back to them in return for all their hospitality. I still keep in touch with Yuki through social media and I hope to be able to travel back to Japan sometime in the future..."

​
​IELTS Speaking PART 3
1. Why do you think children today might be better at science than their parents?

• Sample answer: "I think previous generations had fewer science resources compared to what today's children have, both in school and on the internet. For example, older generations likely had science books with fewer pictures and those pictures were probably just in black and white or were simplified illustrations. On the other hand, children today often have better access to videos, animations and other visual learning tools. I think having these tools deeply affects how interested learners can be, and at the same time it also affects how much they can learn about subjects like science, so it makes sense that children these days would have better science skills and know-how."

2. Some people say that it is more important to be able to learn new things now than it was
in the past. Do you agree or disagree with that? Why?

• Sample answer: “I completely agree that learning new things is more important now than in the past, especially if someone wants to do well in today’s modern, fast-paced world. In the past, people could often rely on only one skill set or one profession for their entire lives, but these days technology and industries are changing so quickly that we constantly need to update our knowledge. For example, even in jobs that didn’t use much technology before, workers now need to learn how to use computers or digital tools such as mobile apps. On top of that, society is becoming more globalized, so learning new languages, cultural skills, or even just adapting to new ways of working has become essential. In my view, lifelong learning is no longer optional; it’s really necessary to keep up.”

Suggested Exercises
Here are some practice questions for you. Sample answers are given for the first one. 
1. What did you do last weekend?

• Sample answer 1: "Last weekend, I went hiking with my friends. We explored a new trail and then we had lunch at a restaurant with great mountain views. The food was expensive though."
• Sample answer 2: "Well actually, it rained heavily all day on Saturday, so my family and I just stayed home and watched some videos on YouTube. We also made pancakes and cleaned the kitchen counters afterwards. We kind of repeated the same things on Sunday  because the weather was still awful. It sounds like we always *lollygag on the weekends but actually we usually try to go out for walks and get lots of exercise." (*vocabulary: to lollygag means to waste time or to just be idle.)

​
​2. Did you like studying science when you were at school? [Why/Why not?]
3. What was the last thing you bought online?
4. Did you learn to swim when you were a child?  [Why/Why not?]
5. Did you enjoy singing when you were younger?  [Why/Why not?]
​​
6. [Speaking Part 2] Describe a journey [e.g. by car, plane, boat] that you remember well.
You should say:
where you went
how you travelled
why you went on the journey
and explain why you remember this journey well.

How did that go? Were you able to use the past tense correctly? Reflecting on your answers is a great way to notice whether you’re still making mistakes or if you’ve improved. The more aware you are of your own usage, the easier it will be to correct yourself in real time during the IELTS Speaking test.
​
Forgetting to use the past tense is a common but easily fixable mistake in the IELTS Speaking test. By understanding why this mistake happens and using the above strategies to avoid it, you can improve your grammatical accuracy and enhance your overall speaking performance. As you keep practicing, the past tense will start to come automatically, boosting both your accuracy and confidence.​