Imagine you are taking the IELTS speaking test for the first time. As you sit in front of the examiner, you feel a knot forming in your stomach. The examiner asks you the first question and your mind goes blank. You can't think of anything to say and the seconds tick by in silence. The examiner looks at you expectantly, but you can only think about how you must look like a fool in front of the examiner and how much this is going to hurt your test score. You feel a wave of embarrassment and frustration wash over you.
Now imagine another scenario, you are also taking the IELTS speaking test for the first time. You are confident and prepared, but as soon as you start speaking, you realize that you've said something that is completely wrong. You try to correct yourself but it's too late, the examiner has already made a note of it. You feel a sense of panic and disappointment. You know that this mistake is going to cost you dearly in your test score.
These two fears, having nothing to say and saying the wrong thing, are common among IELTS test takers. But the solution to both of these fears is the same: preparation. Before the test, you should practice answering all of the possible exam questions. This will help you to think on your feet and come up with answers quickly, even if you're caught off guard. Additionally, practicing will also help you to avoid making mistakes and to speak more confidently. By preparing answers to all the exam questions, you can be sure that you will be able to handle any question that comes your way during the test.
How to prepare for IELTS speaking fast and easily in 2024
When doing IELTS speaking practice, make sure you're preparing the right set of speaking topics
If you are taking IELTS in January, February, March or April 2024, you need to prepare a set of topics for 'September 2023 - April 2024' + a set of topics for topics 'January - August 2024'
If you are taking IELTS in May, June, July or August 2024, you need to prepare a set of topics for 'January - August 2024' + a set of topics for ‘May - December 2024’ (these topics will be introduced into the test in the first week of May 2024).
If you are taking IELTS in September, October, November or December 2024, now you should focus on the other 3 components of the test because speaking topics that you'll need to prepare will only become available after 1 May 2024
Where can you find real exam IELTS Speaking topics? Download the IELTS Speaking Assistant app now. The app provides you with real IELTS speaking topics, vocabulary and ideas (topic-specific vocabulary, phrasal verbs, colloquial expressions and idioms) as well as model answers to all the possible questions. With the app, you will be able to practice answering all the possible exam questions, and familiarize yourself with the type of language and responses expected, so you can be confident and well-prepared on test day.