Grammar & vocabulary tips for the most common questions & problems.

The English Toolbox

Improving your IELTS Speaking score from a band 5 to a band 7 requires targeted practice in several key areas: fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. Here’s a breakdown of steps to take in each.

1. Enhance Fluency and Coherence: Band 5 speakers often struggle to speak fluidly and with clear connections between ideas. To improve, practice speaking on various topics for 1-2 minutes without pauses. Use transition words like "however," "on the other hand," or "in addition" to link ideas smoothly. Regular practice on platforms like language exchange apps can help.

2. Expand Vocabulary: Limited vocabulary often holds back Band 5 speakers. Aim to learn 5-10 new words daily, focusing on synonyms and expressions you can apply to multiple topics, such as work, travel, or family. Create mind maps on topics that frequently come up in IELTS, like "environment" or "technology," and practice speaking on each one.

3. Improve Pronunciation: Pronunciation errors are common at Band 5. Focus on getting each sound right, as well as on stress and intonation, to sound more natural. Listen to native speakers through podcasts or videos, and practice mimicking their tone and rhythm. Recording and replaying your responses is also helpful.

Master Grammar: A Band 7 requires control over complex sentence structures. Practice combining ideas into longer sentences using connectors like “although,” “since,” and “despite.” Working with a tutor or using grammar apps can help you understand and apply complex grammar structures correctly.

IELTS Speaking Practice

Improve your IELTS speaking scroe from 5 to 7

Improving your IELTS Speaking score from a band 5 to a band 7 requires targeted practice in several key areas: fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. Here’s a breakdown of steps to take in each.

1, Enhance Fluency and Coherence: 

Band 5 speakers often struggle to speak fluidly and with clear connections between ideas. To improve, practice speaking on various topics for 1-2 minutes without pauses. Use transition words like "however," "on the other hand," or "in addition" to link ideas smoothly. Regular practice on platforms like language exchange apps can help.

2. Expand Vocabulary: 

Limited vocabulary often holds back Band 5 speakers. Aim to learn 5-10 new words daily, focusing on synonyms and expressions you can apply to multiple topics, such as work, travel, or family. Create mind maps on topics that frequently come up in IELTS, like "environment" or "technology," and practice speaking on each one.

3. Improve Pronunciation: 

Pronunciation errors are common at Band 5. Focus on getting each sound right, as well as on stress and intonation, to sound more natural. Listen to native speakers through podcasts or videos, and practice mimicking their tone and rhythm. Recording and replaying your responses is also helpful.

4. Master Grammar: 

A Band 7 requires control over complex sentence structures. Practice combining ideas into longer sentences using connectors like “although,” “since,” and “despite.” Working with a tutor or using grammar apps can help you understand and apply complex grammar structures correctly.

4 tips to help get your IELTS speaking band score from 5 to 7

5 Tips for Studying IELTS Speaking

Preparing for the IELTS Speaking test can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can improve your fluency and confidence. Here are five tips to help you excel:

Practice Speaking Daily
Consistency is key to improving your speaking skills. Set aside time each day to practice speaking English, even if it's just for 10-15 minutes. Talk about a variety of topics, record yourself, and identify areas where you can improve.

Expand Your Vocabulary
A rich vocabulary will allow you to express yourself more clearly and precisely. Learn new words daily, and practice using them in sentences. Focus on synonyms, idiomatic expressions, and topic-specific vocabulary like travel, work, and culture.

Work on Pronunciation and Intonation
Clear pronunciation is essential in the IELTS Speaking test. Focus on common pronunciation mistakes, and practice intonation to sound more natural. Listening to native speakers through podcasts or videos can help you understand how words should be pronounced and how sentences flow.

Develop Your Ideas
In the IELTS Speaking test, you’ll need to speak at length on various topics. Practice expanding your ideas by structuring your answers clearly. Use examples, explanations, and reasons to support your opinions.

Simulate Test Conditions
Familiarize yourself with the test format by simulating exam conditions. Record yourself answering common IELTS questions within the time limit, and get feedback from a tutor or language partner.

With consistent practice and these strategies, you'll be well-prepared to perform confidently on test day.

5 Tips for your IELTS Speaking 

Using Spoken Discourse Markers for IELTS Speaking

Discourse markers, such as "well," "so," "you know," and "I mean," are common in everyday speech. These words and phrases help guide conversations, signal a change in thought, or give the speaker time to think. For IELTS Speaking, using discourse markers effectively can enhance your fluency and coherence, making your responses more natural and organized.

Here are some key ways to use spoken discourse markers during the IELTS Speaking exam:

Starting Your Response: Using markers like "well" or "actually" can give you a moment to collect your thoughts before answering a question. For example, if asked about your favorite hobby, you could begin with, "Well, I really enjoy painting because it's relaxing."

Organizing Ideas: Words such as "firstly," "secondly," and "finally" can help structure your response when explaining something in detail. This makes it easier for the examiner to follow your ideas.

Clarifying and Rephrasing: Discourse markers like "I mean" or "in other words" are useful for clarifying points or rephrasing if you feel your initial response wasn’t clear enough. For instance, "In other words, I think traveling teaches us valuable life skills."

Filling Pauses: Using phrases like "you know" or "let me think" can fill pauses naturally, preventing awkward silences during your speaking test.

However, it's essential not to overuse discourse markers, as it can make your speech sound unnatural. Practice using them in moderation to sound fluent and confident in your responses.

IELTS Speaking - using discourse markers

This podcast will ask you questions from part 1 of the speaking test. You will have enough time to asnwer the questions. You will be asked questions about study, your hometown, art, books and bicycles. There is also some practical advice on paraphrasing for the topic on bicycles. Enjoy!

Part 1 questions

Preparing for the IELTS speaking test? Here are some useful tips to help you succeed! First, practice speaking English daily to build fluency. Engage in conversations on various topics to expand your vocabulary. Secondly, structure your answers by using clear introductions, explanations, and examples. This helps examiners follow your thoughts easily. Third, avoid memorizing answers—focus on speaking naturally. It's okay to pause briefly to gather your thoughts. Lastly, improve pronunciation by listening to native speakers and repeating phrases. Stay calm and confident, and remember, the examiner is assessing your communication, not perfection!

Practice makes perfect!

The Duolingo English Test (DET) has become a popular choice for students and professionals looking to demonstrate their English proficiency. One of the most challenging parts of the test is the speaking section, where you need to showcase your ability to communicate effectively in English. Here are some tips to help you pass the speaking section with flying colors.

10 tips to help pass your Duolingo speaking test

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.
