Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Persuasion: How It Can Help You Ace the IELTS Speaking Exam

The IELTS Speaking exam is composed of three parts. Part 1 aims to assess the test taker’s ability to express opinions and to discuss common topics and daily situations. Part 2, on the other hand, aims to assess the test taker’s ability to discuss a specific topic at length, to use language precisely and to organized ideas or concepts logically. Meanwhile, Part 3 assesses the test taker’s ability to voice out and substantiate opinions and to speculate on certain issues. In total, the IELTS Speaking test lasts for about 11 to 14 minutes.

Persuasion in IELTS Speaking exam



Given the overview of the entire Speaking exam, test takers must be persuasive. If you are someone who is not into public speaking, or just plain speaking, then you must devise some ways as early as today on what you must do about it to avoid receiving a low band score. Others prefer to engage in an IELTS online preparation as classroom-based reviews can be intimidating, with your classmates all eyes on you while speaking. Online review formats offer IELTS online tests to gauge your speaking skills. Instructors, whom you may reach through any chat, video or voice applications, provide accurate evaluations and tips on how to maximize your abilities.

How can a persuasive response help you in the IELTS Speaking exam? A persuasive response aims to present a speaker’s opinion regarding a certain issue or topic and to convince the audience. He/She strengthens his/her claim by presenting evidence or supporting information. Coming up with an effective persuasive response during the IELTS Speaking exam increases your chances of getting a high band score. For instance, being able to express your opinions and support those with relevant evidence entail a convincing response.

Below are some tips on how you can deliver a persuasive speech.

1. Speak at a normal pace. It is understandable to speak fast when you are tense or under pressure. However, you must be able to maintain composure as you are being evaluated. Speaking fast may cause you to garble or stutter while saying your piece. This can confuse the facilitator, consequently receiving a low band score. As part of your IELTS online preparation, you are encouraged to practice speaking in front of the mirror or with a partner. Doing so enables you to keep your pace in check.

2. Avoid speech fillers. When you are looking for words to describe something but are anxious, you tend to unconsciously say “er,” “uhm,” “ah,” “you know,” “like,” etc. These are called speech fillers. Remember that the entire exam lasts for about 14 minutes. You do not want to waste it by uttering fillers instead of answers. Moreover, your goal is to convince the examiner. You cannot carry out your goal if you sound unsure. Instructors who administer IELTS online tests are particular with using fillers. They remind students to avoid using fillers as these do not merit them a point in the evaluation. Often, they may cause either a deduction or a poor score.

3. Utilize nonverbal cues. Nonverbal cues are not limited to gestures and facial expressions. They also include tone, articulation, presence, maintaining rapport with the audience, to name a few. Use these to show conviction, to emphasize a point, or to elicit audience response or reaction.

Public speaking can be really challenging for some. Then again, one can develop this “fear” into an asset through constant practice. Keep in mind that it is not enough that you can express your thoughts—you must also be persuasive in doing so. Try speaking in front of a small group (of friends or colleagues). Then ask for their feedback regarding your presentation. Take note of your weaknesses; focus on turning them into strengths.

As much as you find the abovementioned tips helpful and effective, feel free to explore other means to improve your speaking skills. It is encouraged that you join an IELTS online preparation or any review formats to ensure better skill assessment, increasing your chances of getting a high band score. Moreover, no matter how busy your schedule might get, do not take IELTS online tests for granted. These mock exams are at par with the actual IELTS exam, giving you an idea of what you are up against.

Truth of the matter is you can attend all tutoring centers and read all the tips you can find online but the key player in acing the IELTS exam is YOU. Consider asking yourself this question: How much do I want to receive a high band score? Use this as a motivation to work harder for that band score.

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