5 Common IELTS Speaking Exam Mistakes

If you're preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, you might be making common mistakes that lower your score. As an online English tutor, I’ve helped many students improve their speaking skills and achieve higher IELTS band scores. In this post, I’ll share the five most common IELTS Speaking Exam mistakes and how you can avoid them.

Mistake #1: Giving Short, Simple Answers

Some test-takers give answers that are too short. This doesn’t show enough language ability or give the examiner enough language to evaluate. For example, if the examiner asks, "Why do you enjoy reading?" and you say, "It helps me sleep at night," that’s too short. It's like you're losing the opportunity to gain points.

How to fix it: Expand your answers with reasons, examples, and personal experiences. A much better response would be: "Yes, I really enjoy science fiction novels. I find them relaxing, and they help me improve my vocabulary. I recently read a book about business strategies, which was very interesting because..."

If your English is at a beginner level, an easy way to make longer answers is to add information using the 5W method: who, what, where, when, and why.

e.g. "I enjoy reading books...in bed...at night...to help me sleep."

Mistake #2: Speaking Too Fast or Too Slowly

Some IELTS test takers speak too quickly due to stress, making their answers unclear. Or they think the more they say in 2 minutes, the higher the band score they will receive. Beginners might speak too slowly, causing unnatural pauses and hesitation.

How to fix it: Practice speaking at a natural pace by recording yourself and listening to the playback. If you're quite fluent (like many Indians), avoid rapid machine-gun fire speech and really long sentences that are hard to follow. Pause between sentences and allow a moment for your idea to sink in. Pause 2-3 seconds between ideas and sentences so the listener can process what you have said. A strategic pause is more valuable than a never-ending sentence....wouldn't you agree?

Mistake #3: Overusing "Umm,..." "Uhh..." and "like"

Using too many fillers makes you sound less confident and less fluent. The worst offenders "...like, can't go like 10 seconds without like, breaking their fluency with like, never-ending "likes". While native speakers do this in natural conversation, the IELTS Speaking Exam is a formal speaking test. Express ideas smoothly for a higher band score.

How to fix it: If you need time to think, use phrases like "That's an interesting question" or "Let me think for a moment" instead of "umm" and "uhh." And there is nothing wrong with a few seconds of silence to organize your ideas and grammar.

Mistake #4: Not Answering the Question Directly

Some test takers go off-topic. A good examiner should bring you back to the topic at hand...or just move on to the next question. Avoid going off-topic, or you risk lowering your coherence and cohesion score.

How to fix it: Practice active listening. Before answering, quickly repeat the question silently in your mind. If you're unsure what exactly the question is, ask, "Could you please rephrase the question?" You do not lose any 'points' for trying to clarify the question. In fact, IELTS examiners would appreciate your efforts to understand the question and answer properly.

Mistake #5: Using Limited Vocabulary and Grammar

If you keep using the same words and simple sentences, you limit your band score for vocabulary. I've interviewed a few native speakers who were quite casual and overconfident. With a little effort, they could have easily reached Band 8 or 9...but they didn't. Also, avoid unclear English words. E.g. "My friend likes art and stuff, but I never care much for those things."

Final Tip: Practice with a Tutor

Avoid these common IELTS Speaking Test mistakes and boost your IELTS Speaking band score with real practice (with an IELTS Examiner). I offer online IELTS speaking coaching to help you gain confidence and improve your fluency. Book a free trial lesson with me today!

Do you have any IELTS Speaking questions? Leave a comment below!