IELTS Speaking: you can't get a high score in part 1

On a recent course, some of my students were surprised when I told them to give short, easy answers in part 1 of the speaking test.

One student asked: "But how can we get a band 7 with these answers?"

My answer is: you can't! Part 1 of the speaking test is supposed to be easy, and the best thing you can do in this part of the test is demonstrate fluency by answering without hesitation.

Comments

[HateGivingUp]

What if we can give a quality answer with complex sentence structure and at the same time perform good fluency? Are you suggesting that we give up doing our best?

[sjm]

HateGivingUp

When candidates try and speak with 'complex sentences', they almost always make more errors or sound unnatural. Part 1 of the speaking test is not the time to take risks - remember you want to make a native-like first impression.

[Simon]

Your 'best' in part 1 should be a demonstration of the ability to give short, direct, natural-sounding answers, and to answer without hesitating too much. This is not as easy as it sounds!

You should also do your best to answer appropriately. I could easily teach 'complex' structures, big words and quotations from Shakespeare, but then I wouldn't be doing my job properly - I would be preparing people in an inappropriate way.

[Fida]

Dear Simon, I was just wondering to know whether all the examiners especially from non speaking countries who's English also not first language are trained in such a keen and precise way to deal the examination?

I heard lots of fuss regarding 'writing' and 'speaking' that are subjective and varies widely.

If I answer a little bit short what would be their impression? And how to handle such situation?
Thanks in advance!

[blueberry]

Thank you simon for making it clear to us about part 1 speaking. I'm using your techniques in part 1 by answering the questions and giving reasons.

[Simon]

Fida,

I'm sure that all examiners treat task 1 as a simple warm-up, and their focus is on the candidates' fluency in this part. You can "show off" in parts 2 and 3.

[Xusniobod]

Hi Simon,
Now everything is clear for me about part 1. I adore your method.
Thanks a lot for your advice.

[Arslan Saeed]

Hi,

I'm looking for a speaking enthusiast whose requirement in speaking module should be at least 8 bands. Anyone befitting the criteria is requested to write me asap please.

[email protected]

[Sravya]

Really nice information, i want improve my speaking skills

[Mounika]

Can share some tips on how crack IELTS speaking test?

[ielts speaking]

I am glad that you clarified my query.

[preet]

i m interested in speaking arsean syeed.how would we do speaking?