IELTS Speaking Part 2
In this part of the speaking test, you will be given a task card by the examiner and you will have to talk about the topic in the task card for two minutes. You will have 60 seconds to prepare before you speak and you will be provided with a pencil and a paper to make notes. This part of the speaking test also commonly known as ‘The Long Turn’ gives you an opportunity to show the examiner that you can easily talk for an extended period of time. Majority of the students find this part of the speaking test challenging and it could be challenging even for the native speakers.
On the task card, you will be given a topic along with some points that you should include in your talk. The topics are often related to your personal experiences and focus mainly on topics like people, places, events, activities and things.
The examiner will tell you when to start speaking once your preparation time of 60 seconds is over and you are expected to speak without interruption for two minutes. The examiner will only listen to you and often give you gestures to encourage you to keep talking. When the two minutes talking time is over, your examiner will interrupt and may be ask you a question or two about the topic which you can answer briefly.
Your 60 seconds preparation time is very important because during this time, you should plan and prepare to talk about the topic including the points on the task card. Additionally, you will also be required to add extra information about the topic because you may finish speaking before time if you only include the points on the task card. Students usually make a list of ideas or keywords and also draw a mind map.
A lot time students do not write much on the notes and spend time thinking about what to say due to which they often end up forgetting ideas they thought about. Making notes can be really helpful as you can simply refer to your notes and you won’t forget what to say. You could write down words and phrases or may be even draw a mind map. When you know what to say, you will then be able to think about your language and avoid grammatical mistakes.
Starting your talk could be challenging and using a good opener could often be really helpful. Your examiner will be really impressed with a good opener. Additionally, when you refer to the topic, it is suggested that you do not use words from the task card but, paraphrase and use your own words which demonstrates your ability of grammar and vocabulary.
Another important tip is that you should not worry about the time but keep talking. Your examiner will interrupt when the time is up so you should only focus on speaking rather than the time. Make sure you speak at a steady and a natural pace- not too quick or not too slow.
You can always ask for clarification if you do not understand something on the task card but, make sure you use good language.
A lot of time students spend and waste time trying to decide on what they want to speak about. If you are asked to talk about a place you would want to visit, do not waste time thinking about too many places. Just pick a nice place, any nice place and then start making notes on the same. Honesty is not one of the criteria of the speaking test henceforth; as long as you keep talking it is okay even if you are only making up stories when talking about your personal experiences. But remember! It is always easy to think of people or places that you already know about rather than just inventing it spontaneously.
You should practice note taking well when you practice your part 2 speaking. You can simply choose topics for Part 2 speaking and practice making notes. Talking in the mirror has been helpful to a lot of students to boost their confidence. Another way is to record yourself and listen to yourself that will help you identify your errors and your pace to improve. Watch videos that are available which can help you have an idea of what the part 2 is like.
Remember! Practice is the key!
