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.

​
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.
​
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.

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. 

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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.”

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• 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..."

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​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.)

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​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?]
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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.
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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.​

Here are a few questions related to past struggles. Practice answering them first and then you can refer to the sample responses at the end of the article to see additional useful phrases and sentence structures. 
​

• Describe a challenging task you completed.
  • What was the task?
  • Why was it challenging?
  • How did you feel after completing it?

• Discuss a time when you failed at something.
  • What did you fail at?
  • What did you learn from the failure?
  • How did it impact your future actions?

 

• Talk about a time when you had to make a tough decision.
  • What was the decision?
  • Why was it tough?
  • What was the result of your decision?

​

Describing Actions Taken:

• I decided to... Ex: To cope, I decided to attend extra tutoring sessions a few times a week. 
• I took steps to... Ex: I took steps to network with former colleagues and find suitable positions.
• I managed to... Ex: I managed to secure a new job that I enjoyed even more than the previous one.
• I tried to... Ex: I tried to apply to numerous positions online.

​​
Discussing Emotions:

• I felt overwhelmed by... Ex: I felt overwhelmed by the sudden financial insecurity after losing my job.
• I was anxious about... Ex: I was anxious about what my family and friends would think. 
• It was frustrating because... Ex: It was frustrating because I thought I already had the necessary experience and yet I was not getting good job offers. 
• I felt relieved after... Ex: I felt relieved after receiving my test results showing that I passed with flying colors. 

​
​Reflecting on Outcomes:

• Eventually,... Ex:  Eventually, I improved and passed my exams with good grades.
• I learned that... Ex: I learned that there are no shortcuts to achieving something worthwhile.
• It taught me... Ex: It taught me the value of nurturing positive relationships in the workplace.
• As a result,... Ex: As a result, even though I had to wait for one more year to get promoted, I learned to be patient and to accept adversities as they come, especially in terms of my career. 
• In the end,... Ex: In the end, I didn't get the job I was aiming for but I got to start from a parallel position that taught me so much more than I expected. 

1. Describe a challenging task you completed:

• Sample answer: "Completing my final year project at university was a challenging task. It required extensive research and long hours of work. I found it difficult to balance the project with my other classes. I nearly stopped going out with friends and going home to my hometown to visit my parents, which I used to do every month.  However, I managed to create a schedule, set clear goals, and stay dedicated to the task. I tried to motivate myself by thinking about what it would be like when I finally got the project done. I was actually able to finish my project two weeks earlier than scheduled so I was one of the students who presented their projects early. The defense was quite difficult in itself but I was able to explain the rationale behind the decisions I made for the project. After the successful presentation and defense, I felt a great sense of accomplishment, and it was as if a great burden was lifted off my shoulders. I could finally breathe. Every time I think about those days, I get reminded that I am capable of undertaking long-term, grueling projects, and I get inspired. I know that the workplace may actually present even more challenging projects and I am prepared to take them on. "

2. Discuss a time when you failed at something:

• Sample answer: "I failed my driving test on my first attempt two years ago. It was disappointing because I had practiced a lot and I thought I was ready. However, on the day of the exam, I was so nervous that I actually failed to remember and follow some important rules. For example, the examiner told me that I had failed to observe both sides more thoroughly before emerging from an unmarked intersection.  I think what happened was, I was just so nervous that I just slowed down and then drove out onto the highway when I saw there were no cars approaching. I broke some other rules that were minor violations but everything added up and I failed the test. I understand now that, statistically, a lot of first attempts result in a fail rather than a pass, but I was just so disappointed in myself at the time. My driving instructor tried his best to encourage me and we discussed and reviewed what happened during the practical test. I also realized that I needed to remain calm and focused under pressure. I practiced more and really focused on the errors that the examiner had pointed out.  After a few weeks, I retook the test and I passed successfully. This experience taught me the importance of persistence and resilience."

3. Talk about a time when you had to make a tough decision:

• Sample answer: "Three years ago, I had to make a tough decision about whether to move to a new city for a job opportunity. It was difficult because it meant leaving my family and friends behind. After weighing the pros and cons, I decided to take the job. It was kind of lonely at first, and on the first few months, I went back to my hometown nearly every weekend to see my friends and family. However, I eventually made new friends from work and also with people around my neighborhood. I also met people at the gym and got interested in hiking and other outdoor activities. As a result, I was able to feel more comfortable, and perhaps even happier, in my new city. By moving to this new place, I could say that I grew both professionally and personally."

​Discussing past struggles in the IELTS Speaking test allows you to showcase your ability to reflect on personal experiences and use complex language structures. By practicing with these sample questions and using the provided expressions, you'll be better prepared to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Even though it may feel like a complex task, past and present struggles that you can share are an opportunity to demonstrate your resilience and language skills.

If you want to practice your own responses, feel free to leave them in the comments and we will try our best to give you feedback. 

Talking about the first time you did something is a common topic in the IELTS Speaking test. Many students struggle with this, often making grammatical errors, for example, "I first time see this movie in 2020." This article will help you understand how to correctly structure your sentences when describing your first experiences.

Basic sentence grammar
When describing the first time you did an activity, you typically use the past tense because you're talking about a completed action. Going back to the previous example, 
          "I first time see this movie in 2020."
the correct verb should then be "saw" instead of see.
          Correct: I saw the movie [for the first time] in 2020.

Word order when using "the first time" 
You probably noticed that we changed the word order of the corrected sentence above. The phrase "the first time" cannot be used directly before the verb like in "I first time see the movie..." Many students make errors by misplacing "first" or by structuring the sentence incorrectly. Here are some examples and corrections:

Incorrect: I first time went to a concert last year.
Correct: The first time I went to a concert was last year.
Correct: I went to a concert for the first time last year.

Incorrect: I first time tried sushi was when I was 15.
Correct: I first tried sushi when I was 15.
Correct: The first time I tried sushi was when I was 15. 

You could also use "the first time" as an introductory phrase followed by a clause that describes the action.
Examples:
The first time I visited Paris, I was amazed by the Eiffel Tower.
The first time I took the test, I didn't pass.
The first time I read the book, I had a hard time understanding it.

The above sentences could also be rewritten in a different word order where the time clause is at the end. Note that a comma is no longer needed in this structure: 

I was amazed by the Eiffel Tower the first time I visited Paris.
 I didn't pass the first time I took the test.
I had a hard time understanding it the first time I read the book.

Using "when" to describe the first time
You can also use the word "when" to introduce the time clause. This often comes after a main clause.

Example: I was excited when I first visited Bali. 
I was in sixth grade when I got my first mobile phone.
Or:  When I was in sixth grade, my parents gave me my first mobile phone. 

More Examples
Let’s practice with a few more examples to solidify your understanding:

• Talking about a travel experience:

Incorrect: I first time traveled alone in 2019.
Correct: The first time I traveled alone was in 2019.
Correct: I traveled alone for the first time in 2019.

• Talking about a new hobby:

Incorrect: I played this video game first time when I was ten.
Correct:  I played this video game for the first time when I was ten.
Correct: I was ten when I first played this video game.

• Talking about trying new food:

Incorrect: I first time ate blue cheese at an Italian restaurant.
Correct: The first time I ate blue cheese was at an Italian restaurant.
Correct: I ate blue cheese for the first time at an Italian restaurant. 

Think about various "firsts" in your life and how you would describe them. Regular practice will help you become more comfortable with the correct structures.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively talk about your first experiences while avoiding common errors.

A review of the IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors would show that repetition is something that would give a test-taker lower band scores of around 4 or 5 in fluency and coherence. This is because frequent repetitions demonstrate limited vocabulary and communication skills. Here are some strategies to minimize repetition in your responses:

1. Describe and specify.

• Instead of saying something is "good," describe why it's good and give a short list of its positive qualities. For example, if you're discussing a movie, talk about its plot, characters, acting, cinematography, and so on.
• Example, if you hear a question like, "Which movies do you think are good for children to watch?" you can't just say, "I think movies that teach a lesson are ideal for children." You could add specific details and say, "For example, I've seen the movie 'Inside Out', and it's  a great movie for kids to watch because not only is it entertaining,  but it also teaches children to become more aware of their emotions. The movie is really about what it’s like to grow up — dealing with changes, figuring out your feelings — issues that kids and teens totally get because they’re going through it themselves.​"

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2. Learn to paraphrase.

• Practice paraphrasing your statements. When you've made a point, rephrase it using different words. This is a valuable skill to express the same idea in various ways.
• Example: "I take great pleasure in gardening and tending to plants" could be restated as "My favorite way to relax is by spending time in my balcony/garden taking care of my plants." ​

3. Use pronouns and references.

• Rather than repeating the same noun, use pronouns and references. For example, if you're talking about your friend Bob, instead of saying "Bob" each time, use "he," "his," "they,"  or the appropriate pronoun when referring to that person.

4. Provide examples.

• Supporting your points with examples not only enriches your response but also reduces repetition. For instance, instead of saying "I enjoy outdoor activities," provide examples such as "I like hiking, cycling, and camping."

5. Avoid filler words.

• Minimize the use of filler words like "um," "uh," "well," and "you know." Overusing these can make you sound less confident and may lead to repetition. This may be one of the more difficult habits to change (I know this based on personal experience) so you'll need to be intentional and to consciously just pause instead of saying "um".

6. Expand your vocabulary.

• Continually work on expanding your vocabulary. Learn synonyms and antonyms for common words. For instance, instead of repeatedly using "good," you can say "excellent," "outstanding," "superb," or "great." Instead of using "important," consider using "crucial," "significant," or "vital."
• Learn to enjoy reading to acquire new words, or even if it's something that you don't typically enjoy, at least regard it as a useful exercise to expose yourself to new words and phrases.

 
7. Use transition words.

• Transition words can help you connect ideas and avoid repeating the same phrases. For example, use words like "also," "what's more,"  "moreover," "in addition," "besides," or "on the other hand" to transition between points.

Of course, some degree of repetition is normal in conversation, and examiners understand this. The key is to avoid excessive and unnecessary repetition by employing the strategies mentioned above while maintaining natural and fluent speech.