Seek good speaking test advice

In order to work as a doctor in the UK, a Thai candidate who sat for IELTS (the International English Language Testing System) needed a minimum score of 7.0 in each skill area.

Though the doctor got an overall band score of 7.5, he only got 6 for speaking. This meant he had to take the exam again. His outstanding band scores in the other skill areas (two 8s and a 7.5) suggested he should have done better than 6 in speaking.

The doctor was puzzled as to why his speaking test result was so low. I was, too, as his spoken English seemed better than average. His grammar was excellent, he could express his ideas and feelings well, he appeared to have a wide vocabulary, and he spoke fluently.

While he was talking about the preparation he'd done for the test, the doctor's problem became clear. He mentioned that a friend in the USA had told him the following: "In the speaking test, speak slowly to be understood by the examiner. Pay careful attention to your pronunciation. To help your ideas be understood, you should also keep your language simple by using simple words. Finally, keep your sentences short, and don't give long answers." Unfortunately, his friend gave him poor advice. It was also similar to incorrect advice I've often seen on the Internet.

Don't speak too slowly

One Internet website gives the following advice: "You are not running a race, you are attempting to communicate clearly... Don't confuse the listener [the examiner] by running sentences together! Slow down! You need to reduce your rate of speech so that you are understood clearly!"

Like the advice given to the doctor by his friend, this website suggests that speaking slowly is a good way of being understood and getting a good score. The reality is you'll get a low mark for fluency if you speak slowly in the Ielts speaking test.

To get a fluency mark good enough for entry to university courses, you're required to speak at a normal talking rate, not at either an unnaturally slow or fast speed.

Don't worry too much about pronunciation

Many candidates believe that their Thai accent will get them a poor mark in the test.

In fact, having an accent is not a problem. It's possible for you to speak with a foreign accent and still get a high mark for pronunciation. Even if you occasionally pronounce a word incorrectly, you can still get a band score that's good enough for entry to most university courses or for migration to another country.

The problem with being careful with your pronunciation is that you'll probably start speaking slower than normal. If you do, you'll get a lower mark for fluency - yet it's very unlikely that your pronunciation mark will increase.

Don't use simple words only

The purpose of the speaking test is to assess your ability to communicate effectively in spoken English.

One thing the examiner looks for is whether you have the words to talk about familiar and unfamiliar topics. The examiner also assesses whether your vocabulary is good enough to talk at length on topics without using the same words all the time. Consequently, you're given a separate mark for your vocabulary. You'll get a high mark if you show you have a wide range of vocabulary which you can use appropriately.

This means you should be trying hard to show off your English. Show the examiner you have many words to express ideas. You should also be trying to use less commonly used words, phrases and idioms - but make sure you use them correctly. The more successfully you do that, the higher your mark for vocabulary will be.

In contrast, using simple words will only guarantee a lower mark for vocabulary.

Don't use short sentences only

The Internet website I referred to above gives this advice: "No compound sentences! Make your sentences and your thoughts simple. Don't confuse trying to be clever with trying to be clearly understood."

This is similar to the advice the doctor's friend gives. You could talk for the full 14 minutes of your speaking test using only simple or compound sentences. However, your speaking will seem childish or immature, as these simpler sentence types are often used by English-speaking children at first.

Keeping your sentences simple and short by overusing simple and compound sentences is a sure way to get a lower grammar score. If you need band 6 or higher, use complex and compound-complex sentence structures by combining ideas from several, short sentences to make single, longer and more complex sentences.

Don't use short answers only

Make the length of your answers appropriate for the question. In Part 1, when you're asked simple questions on familiar topics, answers can be brief. However, avoid giving a short phrase or simply saying "Yes" or "No." Answer all Part 1 questions directly, but give extra detail and information so that you speak for 20 to 40 seconds. A two-sentence answer is a good goal.

However, take the opportunity to speak for as long as you can in Parts 2 and 3. Use the full two minutes for your Part 2 talk, and try to take at least a minute to answer each Part 3 question. This shows you're willing to talk at length: one of the factors assessed in fluency and coherence. As well, use lengthy sentences with as much detail as you can. The longer and more detailed your answers are during the speaking test, the higher your possible scores for grammar and fluency.

Summary

Here's the advice the doctor should have followed:

- speak at a normal speed;

- don't worry about pronunciation;

- use some high-level vocabulary;

- use lengthy sentences; and

- give full answers when appropriate.

David Park teaches IELTS courses and is involved with IELTS testing at IDP English Language Center. To ask about IELTS, write to david.park@idp.com. Contact www.thailand.idp.com to register for IELTS. IELTS is owned by Cambridge Esol, the British Council and IDP: IELTS Australia .