IELTS Speaking Test: How to Greet the Examiner

 #ielts #IELTSspeaking # #ieltsprep #ieltstest

In this lesson I will tell you everything you need to know to greet the examiner in your IELTS speaking test. It is important to make a good first impression in your IELTS speaking test so remember to smile and follow instructions exactly, as this shows that you are a confident speaker and able to listen carefully. Always wait for the examiner to ask you a question before you speak. 

1. Take a seat

When you first enter the examination room you will be shown where to sit. If you are not invited to sit straight away, the most polite thing to do is to ask 'may I sit here?' before taking your seat. Do NOT say 'can I sit here?' Using can in this formal situation is likely to come across rude or disrespectful in English speaking culture. 

2. Say your full name

Once you are seated the examiner will introduce themselves. They might say 'Hello, my name is _________, what is your full name, please?' You should answer by saying 'My name's ___________.' Using the contracted form my name's instead of my name is shows the examiner that you can use a more natural pronunciation style. Be sure to say your name slowly and clearly as it can be difficult for some people to hear the correct pronunciation of foreign names. 

3. Tell the examiner what name you would like to use for the test

The examiner will then ask 'what should I call you?' You can answer this question in a couple of different ways. You could say 'please call me ______' or 'just call me _______.' If you have an English name that you like to use it is fine to tell the examiner 'you can call me by my English name, _______.'

4. Say where you are from

After this, the examiner will ask you where you are from. You should respond to this question with just one sentence, but adding a little extra detail shows better use of English. You could say, for example, 'I'm from Shanghai, which is a large city on the east coast of China.' Do NOT give any recommendations or ask the examiner any questions. 

5. Show your ID

The examiner will then ask to see your identification documents. When you pass your documents you do not need to say anything to the examiner, but it is polite to say something like 'I have my passport here' and the examiner will probably thank you for this. 

Finally, remember to smile and make eye contact. You want to present yourself as a confident speaker. Be friendly to set a good first impression. 

Have you done an IELTS speaking test before? Do you wish you did anything differently? Do you have any advice for other students? Write your answers in the comments! 

The New IELTS Indicator Test: Is it worth it?

 #ieltsindicator #ielts #ieltstips #ieltsprep #ieltspreparation

 

The IELTS Indicator Test is a new offering available in countries where access to test centres has been limited due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The test is completely online and takes place in a timed live session that runs once a week with an offical IELTS examiner. 

 

Because it is online, you can take the entire IELTS test in the safety of your home and because it takes place under timed conditions, it is a reliable indicator of what your IELTS score would be if you were to take the face-to-face test in an approved test centre. Your IELTS overall band score and individual scores for listening, speaking, reading and writing components will be sent to you within seven days of taking the IELTS Indicator Test. You can use IELTS Indicator Test scores in university or work applications to give institutions or potential employers an idea of your English competency level. 

However, the IELTS Indicator Test is not a substitute for a face-to-face examination that has been conducted in an approved IELTS testing centre and your institution or education provider may ask you to take the offical IELTS test at a later date or when face-to-face testing becomes available in your country once more, even if you already have an IELTS Indicator Test score. 

The IELTS Indicator Test costs $149 USD so you should therefore be absolutely certain that the institution you are applying for will accept an IELTS Indicator band score or be prepared to budget for this in addition to the cost of taking a face-to-face IELTS examination. You should also ensure that your internet coverage meets the minimum requirements for the online test as you may not be entitled to a refund if you encounter a technical problem during the live test.

 

The IELTS Indicator Test is a fantastic new offering that will be much more convenient for many students studying IELTS around the world. It may save you a long journey to a test centre in your country, just remember to check with your employer or education provider whether they can accept the result of the IELTS indicator test before investing. 

 

So, is this the future of the IELTS test? Well, we don't know yet. If a lot of institutions decide to accept the results from the computer-based IELTS test and the Coronavirus pandemic continues to affect face-to-face testing, it may well prove to be a suitable long-term solution. Only time will tell.

 

 

3 Things You Must Do Before Your IELTS Exam

 #ieltstest #ieltsexam #ieltstips #ielts 

You've been studying hard for months and your IELTS exam is now just a matter of weeks away. Whether you are feeling confident or apprehensive, there are some things you MUST do to make sure you are prepared and ready on your exam day. Familiarising yourself with exactly what will happen on the day of your exam can also help you feel more relaxed immediately before the test. 

1. Take care of your physical health 

Eating and sleeping well are fundamental elements of a healthy lifestyle, but they become even more important before your IELTS test. The IELTS exam is very long. The IELTS test takes 3 hours in total to complete and the exam tasks will require your full attention and ability to concentrate for an extended period. Being well rested and making sure you have eaten a substantial breakfast the morning of your exam, will give you the best possible chance of maximising your results. 

Drinking enough water in the days before your exam are very important. It is well-known that the human brain functions better when it is hydrated. Taking water into your IELTS exam is also recommended as you will be sitting for an extended period of time. You will also be allowed to take a water bottle with you into your exam as long as it is in a transparent bottle.

2. Check (and double check) your ID documents 

 

 

If you don't have your ID you won't be allowed to sit your exam. Check with your exam centre exactly what documentation or proof of ID is required, pack it with your house keys the night before and double check that you have it with you before you leave. It would be an expensive shame to have studied so hard only to be turned away at the door.

3. Go to the toilet

It takes 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete the listening, reading and writing tests and there are no breaks in between. Make sure that going to the toilet is the last thing you do before you enter the exam room!

 

Remember, you can't fail the IELTS exam and you can take the test as many times as you like. If worst comes to worst and you don't perform as well as you'd hoped, it's not the end of the world and it is valuable experience to help you get a better score next time.

 

Have you taken the IELTS exam recently? I would love to hear from you. Share your experiences, successes and tips for other IELTS students in the comments!