IELTS Speaking Part 2 is more difficult than Part 1. Candidates need to answer questions throughout the test instead of asking and answering questions with the examiner. That is why Part 2 often makes many people worry even when they have a certain level. The following article will provide you with a formula that can help you achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking Part 2. There is also a set of prediction questions and sample answers for you to practice.
Overview of IELTS Speaking Part 2 test
In IELTS Speaking Part 2, you are asked to describe a topic. Each topic will have 3 to 4 sub-questions. Before starting, the examiner will give you paper and pencil to prepare your ideas. You will have 1 minute. After that, you will speak continuously for 2 minutes. You may finish early and will be asked one final question to summarize the story.
Regarding the content of the exam, each exam session will have different sets of questions. However, the questions all belong to a certain topic. Below are 6 common types of questions that you should pay attention to:
- Describe a person
- Describe an object
- Describe an event
- Describe an activity
- Describe a place
- Describe your favourite
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Formula to answer Speaking Part 2
Speaking Part 2 requires you to speak continuously for 1 to 2 minutes. You should make the most of this time by speaking in a complete structure as follows:
Part 1: Introduction
First, you will introduce the place/thing/person you are going to talk about, who and what they are. Next, you will answer the questions such as where, why, what,… given in the topic.
Suggested structure for you:
- I’m going to talk about + somebody who + clause
- I’m going to talk about + something which + clause
Part 2: Body 1
After the initial introduction, you need to add more information to describe the person/thing/place in detail. You can follow the suggestions given in the question or speak from your own experience. The overall length of the speech should be 5 to 7 sentences.
If you have to describe someone , go from their physical appearance to their personality. It could be their job scope, age, or a deeper description of your relationship with them.
Sample question example:
Describe a person that you enjoy spending time with
You should say:
Who this person is
How you knew him/her
What you usually do together
And explain why you like to spend time with him/her
When talking about a topic, go from the general to the most specific.
For the question of describing a place , you talk about the location, the surrounding landscape and the people there.
Sample question example:
Describe a place you visited on vacation
You should say:
Where it is
When you went there
What you did there
And explain why you went there
In which, suggestions like When you went there, What you did there need to be answered in body 1.
Part 3: Body 2
Usually, in the Speaking Part 2 test, there will be a final suggested question: Why… or How do you feel… Put this part in body 2 to answer.
For example:
- Explain why you like to spend time with him/her
- Explain why you went there
Part 4: Conclusion
And finally, wrap up your speech with a statement. You can state your future wishes regarding the issue you mentioned.
This is not absolutely mandatory. However, in some cases, the examiner will be flexible based on the story you tell to ask one final question.
For example: What do you want to do in the future?
Answer: I wish I can become a responsible and knowledgeable person like my father in the future.
Secrets to get high score in IELTS Speaking Part 2
IELTS Speaking Part 2
The answer formula is available. So how to perform well in the test? It should be noted that Part 2 takes longer than Part 1. This can make many of you feel confused. Because in reality, we often communicate with each other continuously. Rarely do we speak for many minutes. Please refer to the following tips to answer IELTS Speaking Part 2 confidently.
Rephrase the question
You can start your test with an introduction to what you are going to talk about using the structure:
I am going to talk about + the question has been paraphrased.
This is better than reusing the question. The examiner will appreciate your ability to use language.
Get to the point
Don’t be complacent about this. Sometimes you might start off with a great answer but end up talking about something else. You should follow the order of the prompts in the question. This will ensure that you stay on track and don’t get sidetracked.
Consider the suggestions in the question as a guideline
When you receive an IELTS Speaking Part 2 question, you can completely speak from your own experience without relying on suggestions. However, there are many cases where you have no idea what to say, so answer according to the suggestions. It is not natural that the Speaking Part 1 test has suggestions. Take advantage of it to be able to control your speaking within the safe zone. You will complete the test in accordance with the required time.
Use grammar flexibly
Read the question carefully before answering. The examiner may ask you about past events or future plans. Be prepared to use English tenses flexibly.
Examples of some Speaking Part 2 questions:
- Describe a book you have recently read. This question is about the past.
- Describe an interesting hobby you like to do. You use the present tense to speak.
- Describe a language you would like to learn. (Please describe a language you would like to learn.) Use the future tense to develop the question.
For questions that are about the present, you can develop your answer by telling details about how the past has affected the present. Or talk further about your plans for the future. The same goes for questions in other tenses. Don’t just talk about one event, tell more.
Only use vocabulary that you know well.
In addition to grammar, you should also pay attention to using vocabulary appropriate to the context of the question. Do not overuse “big words” to show your level. The clarity and coherence of your speech is what needs to be focused on.
The speaking test has a vocabulary criterion to assess your score. Therefore, you also need to equip yourself with synonyms, phrases and idioms if you aim for a high band score. However, you need to make sure you understand how to use these words so that your speech becomes natural.
Apply storytelling tactics instead of talking
IELTS Speaking Part 2 is as simple as “telling a story”
Think of the speaking test as a normal discussion or conversation. You are the storyteller and the examiner is the listener. This is very effective because it can reduce the tension in the exam room. And it will be even better if you know how to take advantage of the given suggestions to create a story. The speaking part has a beginning, development and end like this, which will leave an impression on the examiner.
Continue talking until time is up.
Sometimes, “telling a story” in IELTS Speaking Part 2 can take a while. The examiner may interrupt you to move on to Part 3. But rest assured, the questions in Part 3 will be related to Part 2. The way the examiner interrupts you will be by asking another question, for example.
If you finish speaking too early, this may not be enough for the examiner to evaluate. So practice speaking at home with the same time as the real exam to get used to it.
Collection of the latest topics and sample essays
Thus, an answer formula and tips to get a high score will be the luggage to help you prepare your IELTS Speaking Part 2 exam preparation plan. But it will be even more advantageous if you actively refer to more sample questions and answers . Because the exam will often be repeated in the quarter. You should thoroughly grasp every opportunity to conquer high scores!
☛ Summary of the latest IELTS Speaking real test corrections
☛ IELTS Speaking prediction questions are constantly updated
