Should you use contractions in your IELTS speaking test? Will you get a lower mark if you use contractions like “gonna”?
What are contractions?
A contraction is when you combine two (or more) words to make them shorter and make them flow together when speaking. “It is” = “it’s” or “want to” = “wanna”. Most contractions are used in informal speaking. Is the IELTS speaking test formal or informal? The IELTS speaking is 100% informal.
- Part 1 is informal short answer questions
- Part 2 is an informal talk
- Part 3 is an informal discussion on broader current issues
- This means informal language is fine to use in all parts of the test.
They are an accepted part of SPOKEN English. One student pointed out that they even heard contractions used by the BBC and the British Royal Family – this is true.
Using Wanna / Gonna
Yes, it’s fine to use contractions (words joined in pronunciation) in the IELTS speaking test. In fact, it will boost your score for pronunciation.
- want to = wanna
- I really wanna go to the cinema tonight.
- The majority of students wanna travel before starting university.
- going to = gonna
- He’s gonna visit his grandmother this evening.
- The local council are gonna improve the roads in this area.
Wanna and gonna are only used in spoken English and NOT in formal writing. The reason is that “wanna” and “gonna” are pronunciation features – it is how we pronounce “want to” but it is not how we write it in formal written English. It is fine to use these words in your IELTS speaking test and in fact will help with your pronunciation band score. Are these contractions in the Cambridge dictionary? Yes, they are. Follow the links: wanna and gonna.
IELTS Speaking Pronunciation
Pronunciation is 25% of your marks for IELTS speaking. This means the way you pronounce sounds, words and sentences is marked in your speaking test. Part of that does include linking sounds and linking words, such as gonna, wanna, it’s and doesn’t. So, try to learn these contractions and use them naturally in your test.
Common List of Contractions
To Be
- I am = I’m
- you are = you’re
- he is = he’s
- she is = she’s
- it is = it’s
- we are = we’re
- they are = they’re
To Have
- I have = I’ve
- you have = you’ve
- he has = he’s
- etc
Will
- I will = I’ll
- you will = you’ll
- he will = he’ll
- etc
Negatives
- is not = isn’t
- are not = aren’t
- does not = doesn’t
- did not = didn’t
- has not = hasn’t
- have not = haven’t
- should not = shouldn’t
- would not = wouldn’t
- could not = couldn’t
- don’t know = dunno
Remember, these contractions are NOT used:
- in formal writing, such as in IELTS writing task 2
- report writing, such as writing task 1 (academic test)
- formal letters or business letters
But contractions are good to use in the IELTS Speaking Test.
Advanced Contractions
The contractions below are only used in speaking and NOT in writing. It is good to use these types of contractions in IELTS speaking.
- I should have = I should’ve
- should not have = shouldn’t’ve
- I could have = I could’ve
- I could not have = I couldn’t’ve
- I would have = I would’ve
- I would not have = I wouldn’t’ve
Contractions: Listen, Pause and Repeat Practice
Listen to the recording and read the sentences below. Pay attention to the contractions. Listen again and repeat aloud.
- If I’d know it was going to be expensive, I would have saved up more money.
- going to = gonna / I would have = I’d’ve
- He would not have gone by bus if he would have known how bad the journey was going to be.
- he would not have = he wouldn’t’ve / he would have = he would’ve / going to = gonna
- The government should have developed better public transportation a long time ago. If they want to limit global warming, they have got to limit the use of cars.
- should have = should’ve / want to = wanna / got to = gotta
- If you’re going to learn a language, then you have really got to focus on your pronunciation.
- going to = gonna / you have = you’ve / got to = gotta
- I don’t know what my favourite time of day is. I suppose it’s the evening because then I can really chill out.
- don’t know = dunno / because = coz
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Hello Liz,
Is it OK to use “yeah” instead of “yes ” in speaking test?
Of course, it’s fine. It is an informal speaking test and you should speak naturally.
Can we use “Yeah” in speaking test, and whenever I need to think while speaking in part-2 what word should I use? should I pause or should I use “aah” or “also I think”
It is 100% fine to use “yeah”. This is an informal speaking test and it is about using English in a natural way, like a native speaker. If you ever need to pause, you should try to fill the pause with words, not sounds. The sound “aaahhh” or “uumm” are not words so when you use them, your fluency score goes down. If you fill the gap with “Well, let me think… I suppose that …” then your fluency remains strong. Avoid silences and sounds, aim for clear language instead.
Is that possible to use “You” instead of “a person, one” in IELTS speaking?
For example, if you are smart, you will easily be a billionaire.
Thanks a bunch for answering my question.
Yes, definitely. It’s an informal speaking test and it’s normal so refer to “you” when speaking in general.
Hello Liz,
Is it ok to say Cuz instead of Because in the IELTS speaking section?
Thank you
Yes, definitely. It’s perfectly natural to speak like that.
Hi Liz, thank you so much for this platform, I honestly can’t thank you enough. I have my test coming up next month and your website has been of great help. I wanted to ask, for speaking part 2, is it necessary I follow the order of the cue? For example, if I’m asked talk about a family event.
Cue: when it happened, where it happened, how many people were in attendance, what I enjoyed most. Can I answer the question randomly, when/what I enjoyed most/where/how many people.
The marking criterion of Fluency includes Coherence and this is all about logical order and being understood. It is not logical to jump around with information. If you are going to use the prompts, it is best to use them with the order given. This is not a rule, it is advice. Also the prompts are written in a way that the first two are usually simple prompts which don’t need expanding and the last two, particularly the last one, usually requires more in depth information which in turn produces more complex lanugage. This means the structure is set to help you warm up in order to get to complex language. When speaking, always remember the listener and make sure you are speaking logically and in a way that is easy to follow.
Hi Liz. Thanks for all this wonderful content. It is really helpful.
I have a question. I have a habit of using ‘You know’ a lot while I speak, especially when I am thinking. Is that fine? If yes, then how much of it is fine?
It’s all fine. I use it a lot myself. Just speak naturally in your test – it’s informal.
Thank you. Appreciate the help!
I’ve got a habit of making a lot of hand gestures while talking. Is it alright to move my hands during the test?
Yes, it’s fine. I use my hands a lot too. It’s natural. The speaking test is informal so go into the test room being yourself, being confident, natural and chatty 🙂
Hi Teacher Liz. I really adore your Website and appreciate all this free content. I just wanted to know can we use slang language in speaking part and also some words like “ain’ t? “
Yes, it’s fine to use slang as long as it is polite. “ain’t” is polite, but it’s not actually good grammar – it is considered “bad” English.
Dear liz , can we ask to examinar after speaking
– it was a lovely talking with you mr. ___
???
Ans?
It’s completely up to you. Just be natural. Whatever you say after the recording device is switched off will not influence your score.
I heard it first time that we can have corrections in speaking sorry Liz.. Need reason and exalations
What do you mean “have corrections in speaking”?
Hi Liz,
Just saw something that may have been written in error;
IELTS Speaking Pronunciation – last line
“So, try to learn these contractions ARE use them naturally in your test”. The word are should read “and”.
Thanks
Thanks – well spotted 🙂
Hi Liz, does that mean it is fine to use the contractions in GT Writing – Task 1 but not in Task 2?
You can use contractions such as “it’s” or “doesn’t” in an informal letter for GT, but NOT for a formal letter. You cannot use gonna or wanna in any writing.
Hi Lez, Should I use the Arabic pronunciation of my name or my English one? As the letter A is pronounced differently in my language.
The examiner will ask your name to check your ID card – just make sure the examiner can understand. It is part of the ID check, not part of the test.
Dear Liz,
If we are allowed to say GrandMa & GrandPaa in our speaking modules as i’m confused whether i can use them ?
Thanks
Dr Harpreet
Why not use them? What’s the problem? The speaking test is informal – 100% informal.
Hi Liz, is it okay to not using contractions, for example, instead of using “won’t” can I use “will not”?
Thanks
Please read the page above. It explains about using contractions.
Hi ,
How about using other contractions in informal letters such as I’d,I’ve,I’ll,…?
Thanks for your patience
Good to use them. See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-letter-writing-essential-tips/
Hi,
Can I use wanna and gonna in an informal letter.
Wanna and gonna are NOT for writing. Not for any kind of writing, except text messages on a phone.
Thanks a lot !
Hi Liz,
I really appreciate your kind help. Your work towards this field is commendable.
I have a doubt, if you can help me out?
Can I use ‘ya’ instead of ‘yes’ in IELTS speaking?
Thanks a lot for sharing great lessons.
Sure. The speaking test is informal and it’s fine to speak informally 🙂 Be chatty and be natural 🙂
Hi Liz,
I have a quick question that hopes you can help answer. Should I make a conclusion in the end of the part 2 speaking?
Thanks for your advice in advance.
Nhan
The IELTS speaking test is not formal – it is informal. Your part 2 talk is not formal either – it does not require a conclusion.
Hi,
Liz,
today I have given my speaking test, in part 3 i was asked about “why people are moving towards extreme sports now days? actully i didnot know that what all sports are considered as extreme sports, so I have just given the reply considering sports, will it affect my score ?
Your score is based on your overall performance relating to fluency, vocab, grammar and pron.
compliments of the season Liz, your responses are awesome
Hi Liz.
I absolutely love your teaching. I feel like i’m well prepared already for my test in January 2018 because of this site. And thanks for clearing this up, i mean about ”wanna” and ”gonna”.
But i’d love to ask about ”ain’t”, is it allowed in speaking part too?
Thank you in advance.
“ain’t” is only from Southern English slang. It is better not to use it. Some examiners might not be familiar with it.
Thank u so much Liz for proper guidance
That’s interesting I was on the fence about ‘gonna’ and ‘wanna’ but things like “I’ve, he’s, they’re” are definitely better than a laboured full pronunciation which could actually cause confusion.
How about cudda shudda wudda?
Absolutely fine to use cudda and shudda in speaking. These are not words, as in written words. They are methods of linking words and sounds together to form fluid speech. The examiner will mark: linking sounds, chunking language, sentence stress etc.
Thnku Liz for ur helpful tips
thank you Liz thank u so much i see ist tym ur web site today and get the many information about IELTS. acctually, i m also a student of IELTS and i were wanted to prepare a assignment of IELTS and i searchout the topic and saw your website and oppened and get the more information.
Sorry for correcting you, but I am seeing many mistakes in your paragraph. For instance: I were wanted, and I search out. practice more and read more. just saying
Hi.
Can I use contractions while speaking test??
Like, use of “don’t” instead of “do not” .
Respond me soon cause I’m very confused about it..
Regards Amrinder Singh dhammu
Yes, this entire page explains that contractions are good for speaking.
Dear Liz,
I was wondering if candidates would be better off correcting themselves on the spot or just let it go as the examiner might not have understood the mistake.
What do you think?
Thanks ahead dear.
If you think the examiner might misunderstand what you say, you can repeat it again using other words …” In other words” or “what I mean is…”. Otherwise, it’s best to continue. Any hesitation will affect your score in fluency which is 25% of your marks.
i think it will be better of if candidates are allowed to correct themselves on the spot.
Hi Liz, i would like to ask you something about speaking part. If my answer is not really answering for the question but keep talking smoothly, how does the score will be affected? I know obviously it is not good idea to answer something irrelevant for the question but there is no such a criteria to reduce a score if candidate answer wrong way.
Today i took the exam and examier asked me why food is so important for celebration? And i was answering that , well , food is a fundamental element to have an energy so many types of food make them happy when joining any celebrity and different countries have different food so that … And examier stopped me. I was on the way to explain but if they stopped this timing, i feel they regard me as if i started to speaking a different topic. Actually they stopped 4times in 14mins so worried about if my answer is not answering for the question, how will it be affected for the score?
Thanks in advance,
You are not marked on your ideas. So, don’t worry. The examiner only marks you on your level of English language.
Thank you for the guidance…as always.
thano you very much Liz
please help me in writing
and tell the ways how to acomplete the writing task 2
Really helpful site for everyone who ever taking the IELTS exam
Hi , how can I get you online tutoring and how much does it cost .
I offer some advanced lessons in writing task 2. See this page: http://subscriptions.viddler.com/IELTSLizStore
I am a beginner in ielts. I extent my sincere gratitude to you for your valuable information…………..
Thank you Liz for ur website.i want your help I’m doing my IELTS on the 25th of June and I hv no idea of anything in this test pleas teach m or help m in any kind
There are 300 page of free IELTS tips and practice on my blog – go through the main pages on the red nav bar at the top of the website.
thank you very much teacher
dear mam, i’ve a problem in speaking because when i practise speaking, i mostly use aaaaa word,and some time i get confuse in part 2 ,everything get mix when i try to speak
I went through youtube videos and found out yours too. It was very informative. Great Work. Thanks
You’re welcome 🙂
Hello, Liz. I would like to ask you is it right to ask any questions from examiner in 3rd part of speaking ? I heard that a candidate has a right to ask some questions about topic that is like a dialogue
You can ask the examiner to explain the question or repeat the question in part 3. But this is not the time to ask the examiner for their point of view. This is your test and each minute counts for you to demonstrate your English.
Thank you very much for useful information
Hi dear liz
Thanks a lot for your help
I am very weak at listening and speaking , but my reading and writing are to some extent good.
How can I improve my speaking and listening at home? I listened a lot so far but it doesnot work so much
https://ieltsliz.com/develop-your-ielts-speaking-for-free/. For listening, start making a list of all paraphrases used and traps used in any practice listening you do. Focus on techniques for each type of question.
Dear liz mam,
Hi mam, how r u. Mam i want to know that u said in the reading and listening part, the answers are picked up by the computers. The answers are not checked by the human being. So, mam could you please give some suggestion to get 8.5 bands in both the exams. Beacause we have to score 38 out of 40 in both the test to get the desired band. But mam how- that is my question? As practise module are different than the real ielts exams. And we have to score 38 correct answers in the real ielts exam. Plz mam give some suggestion i am very much in tense.
I have not mentioned anything about humans or computers for marking. Get the IELTS Cambridge test books from 1 to 10 which are real IELTS exams.
Thank you Liz for your reply
We do really appreciate your dedication and commitment. I would like to know kindly if there’s anyway I can contact the British Counil by email, because I made an enquiry for re- mark, and it came back with no change whatsoever, even though I’m very confident that I did well especially in speaking and listening, I asked for the four parts. I know it’s final but just I couldn’t trust the result from the college here, as I didn’t receive my result online the first time and also they spelled my first name wrong, besides the form has a copied signature . Please Liz advice me
You could try this page: https://www.britishcouncil.org/contact. Or go to your local test center. Or try their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/IELTSOfficial. Listening and Reading scores are based on correct answers only and not on examiner interpretation. This means scores almost never change. Even being confident in speaking, you would need to know the range and accuracy of the grammar you used and the strength of your fluency etc. Anyway, I wish you luck.
Hi Liz. Thank you greatly for your information on contractions. I’m very pleased for knowing about advanced contractions.
Thank you Liz for helpful tips!!
Dear Liz
Thank you very much for your very excellent efforts. I want to know if you have any school or academic agent for learning English for foreign people?
best regards
Javanmard
Sorry I don’t have any English lessons at the moment. Hopefully in the future I will focus on developing English lessons.
Hello !
Dear online teacher Liz ,I would like to express many thanks and appreciation for you allocating your precious time for us .
I have been learned many crucial information by your advice . …. . I’ve got 6.5 band score from speaking and now I really wanna get 7.5 or higher band score from speaking . I always utilize construction Wanna and Gonna . Miss Liz could you help to get that high score which I mentioned above please . Thank you so much
Go to the band score page (see the link in the right hand column) and start learning how the examiner marks your speaking – that will help you develop in the right way.
Would you mind explaining about “imma”,please? What would be the contraction for this?
Thanks!
This is an American contraction that I’m not familiar with.
Is ukvi is acceptable all European countries? ?
http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/ielts-ukvi
He will = he’ s ???????????
Thanks for spotting my typo 🙂
Thank you very much, Liz.
You are posting a helpful tips for speaking . Also love that you are in constant toch with me.
Thanks a lot.