IELTS Speaking Practice

Quick Tips to Develop Ideas in IELTS Speaking Many IELTS test takers sometimes struggle with ideas when speaking during the test. Here are some quick tips on how to improve and develop ideas when responding to IELTS speaking questions. EXAMINER TIP - Ask questions: you are given a topic – first, ask yourself some simple questions about the topic to help stimulate your mind and generate some ideas . Here's an example: IELTS Speaking Topic: Transport Problems Simple Questions to ask yourself: How? - How big is the problem? Is it serious / severe / disastrous / a crisis? Who? - Who causes the problem? Who suffers because of the problem? Who could solve the problem? What? - What causes the problem? What is the problem exactly? What is the result? What is the solution? What are possible solutions? When? - Is the problem all the time? When does it happen? When is it worse? Where? - Where is the problem? Is it local / national / global? Simply b...

Here are 10 common idiomatic expressions in British English, along with their origins, meanings, forms, and spoken examples: Break the ice Origin: This expression comes from the literal act of breaking ice to allow boats to pass through, especially in frozen waters. Meaning: To do or say something to relieve tension or get a conversation started. Form: Verb phrase. Example: "I told a joke to break the ice at the meeting." Cost an arm and a leg Origin: The exact origin is unclear, but it's believed to have originated in the US during World War II. Meaning: Something is very expensive. Form: Idiomatic phrase. Example: "That new phone costs an arm and a leg!" Bite the bullet Origin: Historically, soldiers would bite on a bullet during surgery without anaesthetic to endure the pain. Meaning: To face a difficult situa...

Here are 10 examples of common idiomatic sayings in American English, along with their origins, meanings, forms, and spoken examples: Between a rock and a hard place Origin: Likely originated from the difficulty of being stuck between two hard surfaces. Meaning: To be in a situation where you have to choose between two equally undesirable options. Form: Idiomatic phrase. Example: "I'm between a rock and a hard place deciding whether to take the job offer or stay at my current job." Once in a blue moon Origin: Refers to the rare occurrence of a blue-colored moon, which is rare but not as rare as the idiom suggests. Meaning: Something happens very rarely. Form: Idiomatic phrase. Example: "I only see my old college friends once in a blue moon." Break the bank Origin: Originally from gambling, where breaking the bank means w...

How to answer IELTS speaking test questions Part 1 Tips Part 2 Tips Part 3 Tips FAQ IELTS Speaking Part 1 Sample Questions Where are you from? I come from Bulgaria originally, but I’ve been living here in Melbourne for the last six months. Do you work or study? I’m a student at the moment. I’m studying English. I used to work as a research analyst in Bulgaria. Are you a morning or an afternoon person? Why? I suppose I’m more of a morning person, probably because I like to wake up very early and do things while I feel fresh and when the day is new. In the afternoons, I tend to feel less energetic. In fact, sometimes I feel positively lazy, so I definitely prefer mornings. Did you enjoy your high school? Why? Yes, I suppose I did. I had a lot of good friends and some good teachers, so it was a good time for me, although like many people I didn’t like doing the exams at the end of the year. What was your favorite subject? Why? I used to like history beca...