101Helpful Hints for IELTS

101 Helpful Hints for IELTS
PART 2. INDIVIDUAL LONG TURN (3-4 minutes)
Requirements
You will know that Part 2 has begun when the examiner asks you to talk in some detail about a
particular topic - a topic which is usually easy for you to find things to talk about. Note that you are
only asked to talk about one topic.
The requirements for effective performance in Part 2 are that you:
• talk in some detail about the topic referred to on the card you are given
• try give an organised answer by following the instructions written on the card
• keep talking about the topic - with no help from the examiner - for at least one
minute and up to 2 minutes
Remember, Part 2 is concerned with your ability to speak with little or no hesitation
and in some detail about a simple topic
What To Do and What Not To Do
1 Use your preparation time to think about
your answer - think only about what is
written on the card.
2 Organise your reply by following the order
of the instructions given on the card. (See
Speaking Hint 94.)
3 Be aware of how long you have been talking
by practising with a wristwatch before
you do the test. (See Speaking Hint 94.)
4 Make sure you have answered all that is
required on the card, and be prepared to
answer a couple of questions at the end.
1 Do not digress; that is, do not talk of things
which are not directly related to the topic on
the card.
2 Do not hesitate for too long in your answer. It
is better to speak about anything than not to
speak at all!
3 Do not be afraid to correct a grammatical
mistake, but fluency is just as important as
grammar, and too much correction will make it
hard for you to be understood.
4 Do not expect the examiner to give you feedback
on how well you performed in your talk.
Part 2 - What To Do in the Minute of Silence
When the examiner hands you the card your one minute's preparation time has begun. Read the card
carefully, noting what the topic is. Since there is no title on the card*, the topic might not be
immediately clear, but the topic is given in the very first sentence.
You will see that there are a number of instructions to follow, and all the items of information
required are expected to be referred to in your answer. You can certainly add extra information if
you think it is appropriate, and you are wise to do so - if you have time - provided that you do not
digress (speak "off or away from the topic).
The best approach is to read the card quickly from beginning to end, and then go back to the first
specific instruction after the topic sentence. Think of things to say about each of the instructions in
the remaining time you have. Although you are allowed to make notes (and refer to them in your
answer), unless you have practised this approach, it is probably best to spend your time thinking
rather than writing. But some candidates may wish to ask the examiner for notepaper to write on.
There are usually 3 or 4 instructions to speak about - so aim to speak for 30 seconds on each one.
* the use of card titles in the Speaking Test Game on page 152 is for ease of use in the game
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