IELTS test tip videos

Speak with a person, not a computer.

Some other English tests used computers for the speaking section. Here’s why the IELTS speaking test is with the real person. Last time I checked, I was in the machine and I’m pretty sure you are not a robot either. The good thing is neither IELTS. The all speaking test has always been one-on-one and face to face. Unlike some other English test, where you have to speak into a computer the IELTS test is structured more like a conversation between the examiner and the test taker.

English is a spoken language

English is a spoken language between two or more people and exchange of words and ideas. The most accurate way to judge a person’s ability to speak in English is to allow them to talk naturally and listen to them. As we do in our natural environments. Speaking to a computer doesn’t mimic the real-life experience of speaking English to a person. A person doesn’t timeout if you take too long to respond. If you don’t understand or don’t hear a question a person can clarify for you. It’s totally natural not to be able to understand some of the questions the examiner might ask you. Think about how many times a day you have to ask someone to repeat or explain something in your own language.

The benefits of a person

In the IELTS speaking test you can ask he examiner to repeat a question if you don’t understand. Just make sure you ask politely. You could say something like, I’m sorry I didn’t quite catch that, could you say that again please? You can also ask the examiner to explain the meaning of a word if you don’t know it. By using a person not computer the IELTS speaking test more closely reflects the everyday environment of speaking English. Giving you a better chance to do your best.

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