IELTS Speaking: Handling Nervousness and Anxiety: Building Confidence

Overview of the IELTS Speaking Exam and Marking Criteria

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) speaking exam is an essential part of the overall IELTS test, designed to evaluate the spoken English skills of non-native speakers. This section of the exam lasts between 11 to 14 minutes and is divided into three parts:

1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)
   • The examiner introduces themselves and verifies the candidate’s identity.
   • Candidates are asked general questions about themselves and a range of familiar topics such as home, family, work, studies, and interests.
2. Part 2: Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
   • Candidates are given a task card with a particular topic and have one minute to prepare.
   • They must speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic, covering the points mentioned on the card.
   • The examiner may ask one or two follow-up questions after the candidate’s monologue.
3. Part 3: Discussion (4-5 minutes)
   • This part involves a more in-depth discussion of the topic from Part 2.
   • The examiner will ask questions to explore the candidate’s ability to express and justify opinions, analyze, discuss issues, and speculate about future scenarios.

Marking Criteria

The IELTS speaking test is assessed on four key criteria:

1. Fluency and Coherence
   • The ability to speak without long pauses or repetition.
   • The logical organization and linking of ideas.
2. Lexical Resource
   • The range and accuracy of vocabulary used.
   • The ability to paraphrase and express ideas effectively.
3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy
   • The variety and accuracy of grammatical structures.
   • The correct use of tenses, clauses, and sentence structures.
4. Pronunciation
   • The clarity and naturalness of pronunciation.
   • The ability to use stress, rhythm, and intonation effectively.

Preparation Strategies for Each Section of the Exam

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Preparation Tips

1. Familiarize Yourself with Common Topics
   • Practice speaking about everyday subjects such as your hobbies, family, hometown, and work or studies.
   • Prepare short answers and practice expanding them with relevant details.
2. Use sophisticated vocabulary
   • Focus on trying to saying things in a more sophisticated manner, so use a more elegant or sophisticated equivalent of a particular word. For instance rather than saying ‘The good things about this are…’, instead say ‘The positive aspects of this are…’
   • Practice forming complete sentences and try to vary your vocabulary as mentioned above.
3. Practice Small Talk
   • Engage in conversations with friends or language partners to simulate the interview scenario.
   • This helps build comfort and reduces anxiety about speaking to strangers.

Part 2: Long Turn

Preparation Tips

1. Practice with Cue Cards
   • Use sample cue cards to practice speaking for 1-2 minutes without stopping.
   • Focus on covering all the points on the card within the given time.
2. Develop a Structured Approach
   • Use the one minute of preparation to quickly jot down key points.
   • Organize your speech with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
3. Expand Your Ideas
   • Practice expanding your responses with examples, reasons, and personal anecdotes.
   • This helps to fill the speaking time and makes your response more engaging.

Part 3: Discussion

Preparation Tips

1. Engage in Deep Conversations
   • Practice discussing abstract and complex topics with friends or tutors.
   • Focus on expressing and justifying your opinions.
2. Develop Critical Thinking
   • Read articles and watch videos on various topics to build your knowledge base.
   • Practice forming opinions and discussing them critically.
3. Use Advanced Vocabulary and Grammar
   • Incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures in your practice discussions.
   • This helps to demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency.
   • You can acquire more advanced vocabulary and grammar by reading model sample answers and/or texts or videos which discuss these topics.

Handling Nervousness and Anxiety

Understanding Nervousness and Anxiety

Feeling nervous before or during the IELTS speaking test is natural. Nervousness can stem from fear of making mistakes, fear of being judged, or simply from being in an unfamiliar situation. While some degree of nervousness can be beneficial in keeping you alert and focused, excessive anxiety can negatively impact your performance.

Strategies to Overcome Nervousness and Build Confidence

1. Preparation and Practice

Familiarity Breeds Confidence

• Regular practice helps you become familiar with the format and types of questions asked in the IELTS speaking test.
• Use practice tests and mock interviews to simulate the exam environment.

Record Yourself

• Recording your practice sessions allows you to review your performance and identify areas for improvement.
• It helps you become more aware of your speaking habits and build confidence in your abilities.

2. Relaxation Techniques

Deep Breathing

• Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your nerves. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth.
• Deep breathing can help reduce anxiety and improve your focus.

Visualization

• Visualize yourself successfully completing the speaking test. Imagine speaking confidently and fluently.
• Positive visualization can boost your confidence and reduce anxiety.

3. Mindfulness and Focus

Stay Present

• Focus on the current question and your response rather than worrying about past mistakes or future questions.
• Mindfulness techniques, such as focusing on your breath or the sensations in your body, can help you stay grounded.

Listen Carefully

• Pay close attention to the examiner’s questions and prompts. This helps you respond accurately and reduces the likelihood of misunderstanding.
• Active listening also helps you stay engaged and reduces anxiety.

4. Build a Routine

Establish a Pre-Test Routine

• Develop a routine that you follow before the test, such as having a healthy breakfast, doing light exercise, or listening to calming music.
• A consistent routine can help you feel more in control and reduce pre-test jitters.

Practice Under Exam Conditions

• Simulate exam conditions during your practice sessions. This includes timing yourself and practicing in a quiet environment.
• Familiarity with the test conditions can help reduce anxiety on the actual test day.

5. Positive Self-Talk

Encourage Yourself

• Use positive affirmations to boost your confidence. Remind yourself of your preparation and abilities.
• Replace negative thoughts with positive ones, such as “I am well-prepared” or “I can do this.”

Avoid Negative Comparisons

• Focus on your own progress rather than comparing yourself to others.
• Everyone has their own pace of learning and improvement.

Remind yourself you always have another chance.

• Though it may not be ideal to retake your IELTS exam, you are not going to die and it is not like you can never retake the exam again. Some students have failed several times before they pass. Once they have passed they may have access to the university course or job they want and usually never have to do an English competency test ever again.

6. Seek Support

Language Partners and Study Groups

• Join a study group or find language partners to practice speaking with regularly.
• Support from peers can provide motivation and reduce feelings of isolation.

Professional Guidance

• Consider taking IELTS preparation courses or working with a tutor.
• Professional guidance can provide structured learning and personalized feedback.

Practical Exercises to Reduce Nervousness

1. Mock Interviews

Simulate the Exam

• Conduct mock interviews with friends, tutors, or language partners.
• Treat the mock interview as if it were the real exam to build familiarity and confidence.

Vary the Topics

• Practice a wide range of topics to ensure you are prepared for any question.
• Include both familiar and abstract topics in your practice sessions.

3. Feedback and Reflection

Regular Feedback

• Seek regular feedback from tutors, language partners, or study groups.
• Constructive feedback helps you identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Reflect on Progress

• Keep a journal to track your progress and reflect on your practice sessions.
• Celebrate small achievements to boost your confidence and motivation.
• Keep a list of all of your errors and also not just your mistakes but better ways of saying things including better vocabulary or sentence structures. Keep on seeking to improve, improve and improve after each practice session. Remember, practice makes perfect!

Read sample answers

What is also of great importance and very useful is to do both of the following.

1. Read lots of sample answers wherever you find them available and we will be uploading lots of sample answers in the future. In these sample answers pay attention the subject-specific vocabulary, the grammar including the tenses and constructions used as well as the correct collocations. Read them out loud. Read them repeatedly until they are engrained into your mind and you yourself can use them spontaneously.
2. In conjunction with the above, watch lots of videos online where IELT candidates get anything from 7-9. Watch the same video a couple of times. At least once or twice watch one of these videos in stages meaning watch each section (part 1, 2 and 3) and make notes focusing on the vocabulary and grammar being used by the candidate.

Conclusion

Handling nervousness and anxiety in the IELTS speaking test is crucial for achieving a high score. By understanding the structure of the test and the marking criteria, candidates can better prepare themselves for each section. Effective preparation involves practicing with various topics, developing structured responses, and engaging in deep conversations to enhance critical thinking and language skills.

Overcoming nervousness requires a combination of strategies, including thorough preparation, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, positive self-talk, and seeking support. Practical exercises such as mock interviews, public speaking, relaxation practices, and regular feedback can help build confidence and reduce anxiety.

Ultimately, the key to success in the IELTS speaking test lies in consistent practice, self-awareness, and a positive mindset. With dedication and the right strategies, candidates can improve their spoken English, handle nervousness effectively, and perform confidently on the test day.

We wish you good luck in your IELTS exam and please check our website for more advice and information.