In part 2 of your IELTS test you have to speak on a topic for 2 minutes. Here are three things you should do in your one minute preparation time. 1.Make a note of synonyms. Paraphrasing is an important skill to master when taking your IELTS exam. In fact, if you want to score a band score 6, you have to be able to generally paraphrase successfully. If you want a band score 7, you have to be able to paraphrase effectively. 2. Think about idioms. Idioms are very important if you want to score above band score 6. To get band score 7, you have to use some less common idiomatic expressions. That’s a tricky thing to wrap your head around. Using idioms are extremely important. If you use idioms more than once in a blue moon, you will have a greater chance of achieving a band score 7. This is just a stab in the dark, but I expect most students would like to achieve a band score 7. 3. Think about connectives - linking words. Discourse markers are also important and will help you to move through the subheadings on your card smoothly and effortlessly. Phrase like “Now let me tell you about” or “Now I’d like to explain why…” or “let me tell you the reason why I….” will make your English speaking sound natural and fluent. Don’t forget to book a lesson with me so I can help you achieve the band score you need.