IELTS Speaking: Complete Guide for Beginners

IELTS Speaking: Complete Guide for Beginners

Dos & Don'ts – Face-to-Face & Online Tests

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PART 1: BEFORE THE TEST – IDENTIFICATION & DOCUMENTS

 DO's

Action	Explanation
Keep your ID ready	Have your passport or national ID card in your hand before entering the test room or logging in
Hand over your ID politely	Say "Here is my passport" with a smile
Confirm your details	Listen carefully when the examiner confirms your name and ID number
Speak clearly when giving your name	Say your full name exactly as on your ID
Dress neatly	Wear clean, comfortable, and modest clothes – first impressions matter

❌ DON'Ts

Action	Explanation
Don't hand over your ID without being asked	Wait for the examiner to request it
Don't rush your name	Speak slowly and clearly so the examiner can hear
Don't use a nickname	Use your full name as on your identification
Don't forget your ID at home	You cannot take the test without valid ID
Don't wear flashy or informal clothes	Avoid caps, sunglasses, or very casual wear like shorts

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PART 2: DURING THE TEST – SITTING & POSTURE

 DO's

Action	Explanation
Sit up straight	Good posture shows confidence and helps you breathe properly
Keep your feet flat on the floor	This keeps you stable and reduces nervous fidgeting
Lean slightly forward	Shows you are engaged and attentive
Place your hands comfortably	Rest them on the table or on your lap – whichever feels natural
Maintain eye contact	Look at the examiner (or the camera for online tests) naturally, without staring
Nod and smile occasionally	Shows you are listening and engaged
Sit at a comfortable distance	Not too close, not too far – about an arm's length from the examiner/table

❌ DON'Ts

Action	Explanation
Don't slouch	Makes you look tired, nervous, or uninterested
Don't cross your arms	Can seem defensive or closed off
Don't fidget	Avoid playing with your hair, pen, or jewellery – it's distracting
Don't look at the floor or ceiling	You appear nervous or dishonest
Don't sit too stiffly	Be natural – robotic posture looks unnatural
Don't sit with your legs spread wide	Keep a neutral, respectful posture
Don't rest your head on your hand	Shows disinterest or tiredness

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PART 3: MANAGING TIME IN IELTS SPEAKING

Test Duration Breakdown

Part	Duration	Questions
Part 1	4-5 minutes	6-7   questions (short answers)
Part 2	3-4 minutes	1 topic (1 min prep + 1-2 min speaking)
Part 3	4-5 minutes	5-6 questions (longer, abstract answers)
Total	11-14 minutes

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⏰ TIME TIPS – PART 1 (4-5 minutes)

✅ What to DO	❌ What NOT to Do
Keep answers 2-4 sentences long	Don't give 1-word answers (e.g., "Yes" or "No")
Speak for 15-25 seconds per answer	Don't speak for more than 30 seconds in Part 1
Answer directly, then expand	Don't go off-topic or ramble
Use the question to structure your answer	Don't memorise long scripted answers
Pause naturally between sentences	Don't speak too fast to fit everything in

Example of GOOD timing:

Q: Where are you from?

A: I'm from Barahathawa, which is in Sarlahi District. It's a rural area with mostly farming communities. I've lived there my whole life. (12 seconds – perfect!)

Example of BAD timing:

Q: Where are you from?

A: Barahathawa. (1 word – too short!)

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⏰ TIME TIPS – PART 2 (3-4 minutes)

✅ What to DO	❌ What NOT to Do
Use the full 1-minute preparation	Don't start speaking immediately – plan your answer
Make notes during preparation	Don't just stare at the paper – write key points
Structure: Intro → Details → Conclusion	Don't speak randomly without structure
Aim to speak for 1.5 to 2 minutes	Don't stop before 1 minute (penalty!)
Keep track of time	Don't speak for more than 2 minutes
Use your notes during speaking	Don't try to memorise your entire speech
Give a natural conclusion	Don't stop abruptly mid-sentence

How to use the 1-minute preparation:

Seconds	Action
0-10	Read the question carefully – underline key words
10-25	Jot down 4-5 main points as bullet points
25-40	Think of 1-2 examples or personal experiences
40-50	Decide your opening sentence
50-60	Take a deep breath and mentally rehearse your first point

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⏰ TIME TIPS – PART 3 (4-5 minutes)

✅ What to DO	❌ What NOT to Do
Give longer, developed answers	Don't give short Part-1-style answers
Speak for 30-45 seconds per answer	Don't speak for less than 20 seconds
Analyse and give opinions	Don't just state facts – explain WHY
Use examples and evidence	Don't give vague or abstract answers
Build on your ideas	Don't jump between unrelated points

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PART 4: FACE-TO-FACE TEST – SPECIFIC TIPS

✅ DO's

Aspect	What to Do
Arrival	Arrive at least 30 minutes before your test time
Entry	Enter the test room confidently with a smile
Greeting	Greet the examiner warmly: "Good morning/afternoon, Sir/Madam"
Seating	Wait for the examiner to invite you to sit
Position	Sit facing the examiner with a table between you
Voice	Speak at a normal volume – not too loud, not too soft
Listening	Listen carefully – ask politely if you don't understand: "Could you repeat that, please?"
Gestures	Use hand gestures naturally to emphasise points
Ending	Say "Thank you" at the end – leave with a smile

❌ DON'Ts

Aspect	What NOT to Do
Don't be late	Latecomers may not be allowed to take the test
Don't bring unauthorised items	No phones, bags, or notes in the test room
Don't shake the examiner's hand	Wait for them to initiate (or just greet verbally)
Don't stand or pace	Remain seated throughout
Don't interrupt the examiner	Wait for them to finish the question
Don't touch the examiner's equipment	Avoid touching the recording device or papers
Don't ask personal questions	Only discuss test-related topics

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PART 5: ONLINE (REMOTE) IELTS SPEAKING TEST – SPECIFIC TIPS

The IELTS Online Speaking test is conducted via video call (Zoom/Skype/IELTS platform).

✅ DO's

Aspect	What to Do
Technical Prep	Check your internet connection, camera, and microphone 1 hour before
Background	Use a plain, clean, and quiet background – no distractions
Lighting	Sit facing a window or light source – your face should be clearly visible
Camera Position	Place the camera at eye level – look directly into it
Headphones	Use good quality headphones to hear the examiner clearly
Identify Yourself	Show your ID clearly to the camera when asked
Volume	Speak slightly louder than normal – microphones can vary
Eye Contact	Look at the CAMERA, not the screen, while speaking
Environment	Sit in a quiet room – inform family members not to disturb you
Position	Sit at a desk or table – avoid bed or sofa
Show Hands	Keep your hands visible occasionally – shows no hidden notes
Backup	Keep your phone nearby (silent) in case your connection fails

❌ DON'Ts

Aspect	What NOT to Do
Don't use a weak network	Avoid Wi-Fi in crowded areas – use a stable connection
Don't use a busy background	Avoid moving people, windows facing roads, or cluttered walls
Don't look away from the camera	Looking at yourself or the examiner's face is distracting
Don't use your phone during the test	Keep it completely silent and away from your hands
Don't have any notes	No written notes, sticky notes, or extra screens
Don't have another person in the room	You must be completely alone
Don't wear headphones that cover your ears completely	The examiner should see your ears (for identification)
Don't sit too close or too far	Your face should be visible from chest level up
Don't eat, drink, or chew gum	Very unprofessional during video call
Don't keep the door open	Ensure privacy and avoid background noise

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PART 6: GENERAL DOS & DON'TS (ALL TESTS)

✅ GENERAL DO's

Category	What to Do
Preparation	Practice speaking daily – use a mirror or record yourself
Confidence	Believe in yourself – you have prepared well!
Clarity	Speak clearly and at a comfortable pace
Fluency	Keep speaking – don't pause for too long
Vocabulary	Use a range of words – don't repeat the same words
Grammar	Use a mix of simple and complex sentences
Pronunciation	Pronounce words clearly – it's okay to have an accent
Listening	Listen carefully to the questions
Asking for clarification	Ask "Could you explain what you mean?" or "Could you repeat the question?"
Body Language	Smile, nod, and be natural
Attitude	Be polite, friendly, and cooperative

❌ GENERAL DON'Ts

Category	What NOT to Do
Memorisation	Don't memorise answers – it sounds robotic
Overthinking	Don't overthink your grammar – just speak
Panicking	Don't panic if you make a mistake – correct yourself calmly
Using non-English words	Don't use Nepali or other language words – except for place names
Speaking too fast	Makes you sound nervous and unclear
Speaking too slowly	Makes you sound unprepared
Apologising too much	Don't apologise for your English – just keep going
Arguing	Don't argue with the examiner's questions
Asking for feedback	Don't ask "How was my answer?" or "Did I do well?"
Taking it personally	Don't be offended if the examiner interrupts you
Checking time	Don't look at your watch or clock repeatedly

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PART 7: WHAT TO DO IF...

Situation	What to Do
You don't understand the question	"I'm sorry, could you please repeat the question?" or "Could you explain what you mean by...?"
You need more time to think	"That's an interesting question. Let me think about that..." or "Hmm, I haven't thought about that before, but I'd say..."
You make a grammar mistake	Correct yourself: "I mean... actually, what I wanted to say is..."
The examiner interrupts you	Stop immediately and listen to the new question – it's normal!
You forget the word	Paraphrase: "It's a device we use for... you know, capturing images..." (camera)
Your internet disconnects (online)	Stay calm, reconnect, and say "I'm sorry, I lost connection. Could you repeat the last question?"
You can't hear the examiner	"I'm sorry, the connection is a bit unclear. Could you speak a little louder, please?"
You finish Part 2 too early	Add more details: "Actually, let me tell you another thing..."

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PART 8: QUICK CHECKLIST BEFORE ENTERING

Face-to-Face Checklist

☐ ID / Passport ready

☐ Arrived 30 minutes early

☐ Mobile phone switched off

☐ No notes or bags

☐ Neatly dressed

☐ Breakfast eaten (don't be hungry!)

☐ Water not allowed inside – have some before

☐ Used the toilet before entering

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Online Test Checklist

☐ ID / Passport ready to show

☐ Good internet connection confirmed

☐ Camera and microphone working

☐ Face well-lit (light from the front)

☐ Plain background with no distractions

☐ Room is silent and private

☐ No notes, papers, or extra devices

☐ Headphones ready

☐ Charger plugged in (if using laptop)

☐ Phone on silent but accessible

☐ Water bottle beside you (keep it out of camera view)

☐ Test link / meeting ID ready

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PART 9: SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR BEGINNERS

At the Start (Face-to-Face)

Examiner: Good morning. Can you tell me your full name, please?

You: Good morning, Sir/Madam. My name is Anil Kumar Sahani.

Examiner: And can I see your identification, please?

You: Certainly, here is my passport.

Examiner: Thank you. Now, Anil, let's begin...

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At the Start (Online)

Examiner: Good morning. Please show me your identification.

You: Good morning. Certainly, here is my passport. (Hold it up to the camera for a few seconds)

Examiner: Thank you. Could you show me the room, please?

You: Yes, of course. (Slowly show the room, desk, and floor to confirm there's no one else)

Examiner: Perfect. Now, Anil, let's begin the test...

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PART 10: QUICK SUMMARY TABLE

Aspect	Face-to-Face	Online
Arrival	30 minutes early	Log in 15-20 minutes early
ID	Hand it physically	Show it clearly to the camera
Greeting	Verbal with smile	Verbal with smile + wave
Eye Contact	Look at the examiner	Look at the camera (not screen)
Posture	Sit straight, feet flat	Same, but also ensure face is well-framed
Voice	Normal volume	Slightly louder and clearer
Gestures	Natural hand movements	Use gestures but keep hands visible
Environment	Test centre room	Quiet, private room
Break	You cannot pause	Do NOT pause; just continue if disconnection happens
Ending	"Thank you" + smile	"Thank you" + smile + wait for disconnection

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MOTIVATIONAL TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

Tip	Why It Matters
You are not being judged as a person	They assess your English, not your knowledge or intelligence
Mistakes are natural	Even native speakers make errors – it's normal!
The examiner is there to help	They follow a script and want you to do your best
Confidence > Perfection	Speak confidently – it's more important than perfect grammar
Your opinion matters	There are no "right" or "wrong" answers in Part 1 and 2
Every test is a learning experience	Even if you don't get your target score, you'll improve next time