Unusual IELTS speaking part 1 topics

October 9, 2023February 6, 2020 by Ray IELTS Focus

Tricky or strange IELTS part 1 speaking topics.

Updated: September 2023

Part 1 of the IELTS speaking test is actually the easiest. The topics are always about you and your experiences. Usually, the topics are pretty easy everyday topics such as job, studies, hobbies, accommodation, travel, hometown, music, daily routine, pets and so on. The examiner asks between 9 to 12 questions based around 3 topics and this part of the test lasts around 5 minutes.

However, the examiner will often ask you questions around an unusual topic. This is quite normal as the examiner wants to check whether you have memorised answers to the most common topics and needs to evaluate your true ability. Do not memorise stock answers as the examiner is trained to spot these and you could lose marks.

Are you stuck at Band 6 in speaking?

October 9, 2023October 9, 2018 by Ray IELTS Focus

‘Why can’t I get Band 7 in speaking?’

Updated: September 2023

There are a lot of IELTS students out there stuck on a Band 5 or Band 6 in the speaking section and are frustrated. Many of you are near to giving up on hitting a Band 7.

Some people get the wrong advice, poor feedback, or are promised a high score by their teacher just to keep them happy. It is important to be realistic about this.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Strategy

October 9, 2023December 12, 2017 by Ray IELTS Focus

A useful technique when presented with a difficult topic in IELTS speaking part 2.

In the IELTS speaking test part 2, you are given a cue card and have to give a 2-minute talk where you must ‘Describe’ something or some situation.

Often this can be stressful for people during the exam, many people just go blank and cannot think of ideas or many people may have no experience of the topic presented to them. This can be a cause for anxiety but in fact, you do not need to worry. There are 2 ways to deal with this.