There are IELTS exam techniques for listening and speaking that enable you to achieve high scores. As the very first step, you can try the below relatively effortless tips.
IELTS Speaking Tips: Use ‘Fillers’
Native English speakers use ‘fillers’ to give them time to think before they speak. Fillers might just be a sound, such as ‘erm’ or ‘um’; or they could be words or phrases, such as ‘well’, ‘you know’. Sometimes you can also use fillers to pause in the conversation or change the direction the conversation is going in, for example: ‘so, anyway…’
Why not try to use some of them when you are practising your IELTS speaking? Remember, you should try to make them ‘sound natural’. Don’t overuse them as it could give the examiner the impression that you don’t have enough to say.
IELTS Listening Tips: Understanding contrasts
Speakers use certain words to indicate contrasting ideas. To improve your listening skills, get used to using and identifying some key contrasting linkers, such as: but, however, although, in spite of, despite.
If you hear these linking words when you are listening to English, pay attention and get ready to listen for a contrasting idea. These words can act like signposts for you in an IELTS listening exam, so the more aware you are of these words and phrases, the easier you can process the information.
Listening and speaking never be two completely separate components. As you listen and speak in one same conversation in your native language(s), you need to do the same in English. Why not try using listening tip in your speaking, and vice versa. They will help you to organise your ideas and show your listeners you intend to give a contrasting idea.
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