Misconceptions about the speaking test of IELTS(Part One)

Hey everybody!

Throughout the years I have been preparing students for IELTS test, I have noticed there are some very common misconceptions about this test. Today, I am going to focus on the speaking section of the test, and in the future, if time allows, I will move on to the other topics as well.

IELTS Is Not Real Life!

Well, the first thing I want to talk about is the common belief of many, including some teachers, that IELTS is a test of speaking, and we have to speak, no matter how well we control our language.

Take this as an example:

Examiner: what do you do in your free time?

Well, mostly I fool around with a bunch of high school dudes. We try to paint the city red and cheer up a bit pulling each other’s legs and stuff…

OK, there are some fun phrases and words in what the applicant said, but hey, what’s going on there? IELTS is a test of formality, not a test of street talk!

The point is, when you are taking the IELTS test, you are supposed to speak as queen-like as you can. Have Queen Elizabeth in mind, and try to speak as formal as she does. No informal phrases, no slang, no street talk. The only thing you need is formality. OK?