In the speaking test, some candidates try to involve the examiner in the conversation. For example:
Examiner: Do you like cooking?
Student: Not really, I prefer eating in restaurants. And you?
You should definitely not do this!
In fact, the only time that you might need to ask a question is if you don't hear what the examiner said. Just say: "Sorry, can you repeat that please?"
If someone accidently did this, how would the examiner react or how would it affect one's score sir?
Posted by: Norvin | February 17, 2019 at 12:18
useful advice.Thanks sir
Posted by: Pachu | February 17, 2019 at 14:06
@Norvin, the examiner would just give a minimal answer and move on to the next question, no big deal. But best to avoid it, the idea is to showcase your own speaking.
Posted by: Lisa | February 17, 2019 at 19:01
Hi Simon,
Thank you so much for your wonderful videos and website. I have a question about the speaking test of IELTS. Why is it that in the questions for part 3 some words are written in the parentheses? I have heard that these are function words for examiners, but my question is whether the examiner has to phrase the questions in their own words or do they read off the booklet? I asked this question because you said that examiners use different wordings for candidates at different levels. Questions such as:
(consider) whether children are born clever or learn to be clever
(assess) how important schools are in children become more clever
(agree/disagree) very clever children are usually happy
These are not complete questions, so is it at the examiner’s discretion how to phrase each question depending on the level of the candidate or are these words in parentheses to help the examiner know the focus of each question? I really appreciate your help.
Posted by: Carlos | February 19, 2019 at 06:14
The answer to both of your questions is yes. The examiner words the questions in a way that both expresses the function in the parentheses, and adjusts it to the level of the student.
Posted by: Lisa | February 20, 2019 at 21:09
Thanks Lisa for your help,
Can you tell me if this happens is both parts 1 and 3, or is this only about part 3?
Posted by: Carlos | February 23, 2019 at 15:12
Hey Carlos, it's only in part 3. The examiner has to stick to the exact wording of the question in part 1.
Posted by: Lisa | February 23, 2019 at 20:11
Thanks again Lisa.
Posted by: Carlos | February 24, 2019 at 14:40