How to Avoid Being Repetitive in the IELTS Speaking Test

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, "Let's take the movie 'Inside Out', for example. 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's themes of growing up, dealing with change, and coping with complex emotions are topics that resonate with both children and teenagers as they go through the challenges of adolescence."

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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.