Watch my video lesson to learn about the greeting and ID check at the beginning of your IELTS speaking test.
TranscriptHello, in this lesson we going to look at
the beginning
of your IELTS speaking test
this is when you walk into
the IELTS speaking examination room
and you greet the examiner for the first time
this is before part 1 begins
you will need to greet the examiner and
do an identification check
we often call this part 0
there are 4 questions to part 0
and I’m going to give you the questions
and give you some useful tips
so that you can be confident in your answers
and give a good first impression
to the examiner
so lets start with the first question
in the first question
the examiner will introduce him or herself
and the examiner will give their name
so the examiner is going to say
good afternoon my name’s elizabeth
what’s your full name or maybe they might say
could you tell me your full name
please and you need to answer good afternoon
elizabeth you can give the examiner’s name or
not its your choice
and then you say my name’s bui minh trang
now it’s a simple question and simple answer
but I still have some tips for you
so the first tip
if you’re going to use the name of the
examiner and say
good afternoon elizabeth
please don’t give a title
this is incorrect in English
we don’t use titles
with first names so if you’re going
to use the name of the examiner
only say good afternoon elizabeth
but if you don’t feel comfortable
using the name of the examiner
it’s fine
its not a problem
you can just say good afternoon
now when you give your name
there are two tips
I want you to remember
the first tip is when you say my name’s biu minh trang
please don’t say my name is
bui minh trang
I want you to use
the contraction
my name’s
now the reason this is important
is because this is part of pronunciation
when you contract a word from is to my name’s
then is higher level pronunciation
so remember that for the rest of your exam
and try to use it
as much as you can
and the other tip is
when you give your name
please don’t speak quickly
don’t say ……………………..
I want you to say the name
clearly because sometimes it’s difficult
for the examiner to hear foreign names
so you need to say my name’s
bi min tang
and of course the point is to smile
don’t forget to smile
this is yur chance to greet the examiner
and be friendly and show confidence
so smile look at the examiner in the eyes
and relax
the second question is very easy the examiner will ask
you what can I call you
and there are 3 ways that you
could reply
you could say you can call me
minh
or you could say
just call me minh
or please call me minh
so those are 3 possible answers
that you can give
now for some tips
my first tip is please don’t
explain why people call you this
this is really part of the test
this is only the greeting
so you’re going to give
the examiner simple clear answers
you don’t need to add more information
and I know some of you have English
names
and of course you can give the examiner you
English name you can say
you can call me by
my English name Mary
now this is fine but please remember
do not make a mistake with that sentence
you still need to say yo can call me
you need this preposition by you can call me by
my English name Mary
and if you don’t have an English name
please don’t worry it doesn’t matter
so lets have a look at the third question
the third question the examiner
will ask you where are you from
or the examiner might say
could you tell me where you come from
now let me give you
some possible answers
you cuold say
I’m from Hanoi
I’m from you could say
I come from Hong Kong
I come from
you could also add more information
if you want not too much
just a little bit more if you want
you culd say I’m from Calcutta
which is in the east of India
now it is good to add a little bit more information
it’s friendly
but also it’s shows the examiner good grammar
which is in the east
this is a clause
which means it is high band score grammar
so you’re already showing the exminer
that you have good English
now lets have a look at some tips
don’t expand any further
you can give the location and stop
don’t say any more
again these are simple questions
simple answers also don’t ask the examiner
any questions so for example
don’t say I come from Hanoi have you been there
don’t give the examiner recommendations
don’t say I come from Hanoi
I think you really should go there
so please don’t do that
just keep it simple
short and accurate
and the last tip for you
this is with the pronunciation for
the names of the cities where you come from
please try to use the English pronunciation
so for example Hanoi please don’t say
Ha Noi please say Hanoi or for example
Calcutta please don’t say Kolkatta
please Calcutta
the reason that we do this is
because you’re showing the examiner that
the English pronunciation is natural
for you right so lets move on to the
last question
question number 4
and the final question
question 4 the examiner
will ask you could I see your
identification please
or the examiner might say
can you show me your identification please
now for your answer of course you need to give
the examiner your identification
and you can also say
here you are
or sure here you are
or of course
here it is
so you can choose any
of those answers
now for some tips
identifcation is often called ID
so if the examiner asks you
for your ID it’s the same it means identification
keep your answer short
you can see here it’s just a very short answer
just a few words
don’t make it any longer
and the last tip it is possible
for you to actually
say nothing and give the examiner
the identification but I think it’s nice
just to say something these are all
very polite and perfectly normal
to say in that situation
so those are the 4 questions for part 0
for greeting the IELTS examiner
adn doing the identification check
please watch the video again
practice answering the questions
correctly and remember smile
relax be confident and start your test in
the right way
well that’s all I’ll
see you in my next IELTS lesson
the beginning
of your IELTS speaking test
this is when you walk into
the IELTS speaking examination room
and you greet the examiner for the first time
this is before part 1 begins
you will need to greet the examiner and
do an identification check
we often call this part 0
there are 4 questions to part 0
and I’m going to give you the questions
and give you some useful tips
so that you can be confident in your answers
and give a good first impression
to the examiner
so lets start with the first question
in the first question
the examiner will introduce him or herself
and the examiner will give their name
so the examiner is going to say
good afternoon my name’s elizabeth
what’s your full name or maybe they might say
could you tell me your full name
please and you need to answer good afternoon
elizabeth you can give the examiner’s name or
not its your choice
and then you say my name’s bui minh trang
now it’s a simple question and simple answer
but I still have some tips for you
so the first tip
if you’re going to use the name of the
examiner and say
good afternoon elizabeth
please don’t give a title
this is incorrect in English
we don’t use titles
with first names so if you’re going
to use the name of the examiner
only say good afternoon elizabeth
but if you don’t feel comfortable
using the name of the examiner
it’s fine
its not a problem
you can just say good afternoon
now when you give your name
there are two tips
I want you to remember
the first tip is when you say my name’s biu minh trang
please don’t say my name is
bui minh trang
I want you to use
the contraction
my name’s
now the reason this is important
is because this is part of pronunciation
when you contract a word from is to my name’s
then is higher level pronunciation
so remember that for the rest of your exam
and try to use it
as much as you can
and the other tip is
when you give your name
please don’t speak quickly
don’t say ……………………..
I want you to say the name
clearly because sometimes it’s difficult
for the examiner to hear foreign names
so you need to say my name’s
bi min tang
and of course the point is to smile
don’t forget to smile
this is yur chance to greet the examiner
and be friendly and show confidence
so smile look at the examiner in the eyes
and relax
the second question is very easy the examiner will ask
you what can I call you
and there are 3 ways that you
could reply
you could say you can call me
minh
or you could say
just call me minh
or please call me minh
so those are 3 possible answers
that you can give
now for some tips
my first tip is please don’t
explain why people call you this
this is really part of the test
this is only the greeting
so you’re going to give
the examiner simple clear answers
you don’t need to add more information
and I know some of you have English
names
and of course you can give the examiner you
English name you can say
you can call me by
my English name Mary
now this is fine but please remember
do not make a mistake with that sentence
you still need to say yo can call me
you need this preposition by you can call me by
my English name Mary
and if you don’t have an English name
please don’t worry it doesn’t matter
so lets have a look at the third question
the third question the examiner
will ask you where are you from
or the examiner might say
could you tell me where you come from
now let me give you
some possible answers
you cuold say
I’m from Hanoi
I’m from you could say
I come from Hong Kong
I come from
you could also add more information
if you want not too much
just a little bit more if you want
you culd say I’m from Calcutta
which is in the east of India
now it is good to add a little bit more information
it’s friendly
but also it’s shows the examiner good grammar
which is in the east
this is a clause
which means it is high band score grammar
so you’re already showing the exminer
that you have good English
now lets have a look at some tips
don’t expand any further
you can give the location and stop
don’t say any more
again these are simple questions
simple answers also don’t ask the examiner
any questions so for example
don’t say I come from Hanoi have you been there
don’t give the examiner recommendations
don’t say I come from Hanoi
I think you really should go there
so please don’t do that
just keep it simple
short and accurate
and the last tip for you
this is with the pronunciation for
the names of the cities where you come from
please try to use the English pronunciation
so for example Hanoi please don’t say
Ha Noi please say Hanoi or for example
Calcutta please don’t say Kolkatta
please Calcutta
the reason that we do this is
because you’re showing the examiner that
the English pronunciation is natural
for you right so lets move on to the
last question
question number 4
and the final question
question 4 the examiner
will ask you could I see your
identification please
or the examiner might say
can you show me your identification please
now for your answer of course you need to give
the examiner your identification
and you can also say
here you are
or sure here you are
or of course
here it is
so you can choose any
of those answers
now for some tips
identifcation is often called ID
so if the examiner asks you
for your ID it’s the same it means identification
keep your answer short
you can see here it’s just a very short answer
just a few words
don’t make it any longer
and the last tip it is possible
for you to actually
say nothing and give the examiner
the identification but I think it’s nice
just to say something these are all
very polite and perfectly normal
to say in that situation
so those are the 4 questions for part 0
for greeting the IELTS examiner
adn doing the identification check
please watch the video again
practice answering the questions
correctly and remember smile
relax be confident and start your test in
the right way
well that’s all I’ll
see you in my next IELTS lesson
Hi Liz,
Hope you are doing well!
I just have a quick question for “where are you/come from”? in often “Part : 0″(as you call it). If I’m staying abroad and giving IELTS GT but my Passport mentioned India. should I say I’m from india? or should i say from wherever my curent resident is? Btw, great tips on learning and practicing😊
The question is either “Where are you from?” or “Where do you come from?”. This forms part of the ID check, so your answer will be the same as the information on your ID. This is not about where you live. It’s about your country of origin on your ID card. The question “Where do you live” is a separate question that can appear in part 1 as part of your marked test for the topic of Home, and is a chance to talk about where you live at the present time.
Thanks for reply and clarification Liz.
Hello Liz,
Thank you for all you preparation tips and practice exercises. Today I’ve received my Ielts result and managed to score an overall band 7.0 just by following your tips and practice lessons for 3 days. Once again thanks a lot for being a best teacher as part of my learning journey. I wish you good health and all the good luck.
Well done to you 🙂 Great result 🙂
Congratulations Keerthi! My speaking test is today, may God help me too so I can come back and share my testimony. I had my listening, reading and writing on 28th.
Hi Liz. When asked where you’re from, am I to say the country or the town where I’m from?
This question is asked during the ID check which is part of the greeting. It is before the test starts. The aim of the question is not to test your English, but to check your ID. So, you give the answer that is on your ID card. For example, regardless of where I currently live, I’m from the UK.
Hey Liz,
Turkey has just changed its formal name to Türkiye. So how should I pronounce it while I am answering.
Thanks.
You can say the new name slowly and clearly. If you feel the examiner hasn’t understood, you can add “previously known as Turkey” for further clarification. If in doubt, just explain.
Hi Liz,
Hope all is well.
I did my speaking test and it went good. At the end, I shook hands with the examiner (mine was the first move)
Is this fine?
The speaking test is about your spoken English. Body language, gestures, handshakes – this is not part of the test and doesn’t influence your score.
Hi Liz,
Hope you are doing good. Thank you for all your tips for IELTS exam.
I have a small query, In Speaking part 2, I am not allowed to pick a topic or change it. If I don’t have any knowledge about it, what should I do?
It makes no difference if you have knowledge of a topic because the IELTS Speaking Test does not test knowledge. Part 2 is about your life, your opinions, your experiences – you don’t need knowledge for that.
Hi, Liz! When saying my name, can I use “I am …” instead of “my name’s …”?
Usually better to say “I’m”
Hi Liz
Now I am preparing for IELTS. My actual name is Niveditha R M. In my passport the initials are expanded and is shown as surname ‘Rema Bhavan Manikandan’. So for the speaking test when they ask what’s my full name? What should I reply?
When they ask for your name in the speaking test, they are asking this question only for the purpose of checking your ID. The name you give must match your ID.
Hello Liz,
There was one question in my IELTS speaking.
(Are you planning to travel anywhere next week./why)
I answered : Yes, actually I do. And “it’s funny how you said next week” because on Sunday I am going to a place called Bethanchowk………………………. …. …..
(I think I really made a big mistake)
Can you please help me on this.
Thanks.
I can see a small slip of saying “I do” instead of “I am”. Otherwise, it’s fine. It’s open, friendly and chat. It shows good command of English on the whole. Relax.
Hello Liz. I have several questions. I hope you will answer me all questions. Does the listening section come in 10 fill the blanks in one section? Because I answered some pilot tests and was really shocked because two partitions have 20 blanks. Also, in the reading section, the section sometimes contains 10.16.14 questions: Is it true? I do not know the difficulty of the test because in some I get 6.5 and in others I get 5 ?? Is there an excellent source of training that matches the IELTS exam?
There are authentic IELTS tests published by IELTS so that you can practise at home. Use those and you’ll find your answers. They are found in the IELTS Cambridge Test books from 1 – 15. Number 15 is the most recent. You can buy them online or in an educational store. See this page to read about them: https://ieltsliz.com/recommended-books-for-ielts/
Hey!
What if we tell our first name in ielts speaking?
I had my exam two days back and she asked about my name, but i said my name’s “Laraib” and you can call me Laraib Fatima. Actually Laraib Fatima is my name on ID
Is it a right way or not? Will it effect on my verification or my ielts result as i had said it in wrong sequence? Please tell me
Sorry I don’t understand. I don’t see the problem. You gave the name that was on your ID card. That is correct.
Hello Liz,
Thank you very much for what you’re sharing here for free.
My speaking exam will be next wednesday. One thing I’m really worried about is that I have a lisp (can’t pronounce the s sound correctly). I’m trying my best to not let it ruin my fluency but it’s still hard. And there are so many words that contain this sound (even my first name xD). My lisp gets worse when I’m nervous.
Should I tell the examiner before the exam starts?
Thank you,
Regards,
The examiner will notice that you have a lisp and that is a natural pronunciation feature for yourself. Don’t worry about it. Go in nervous and do your best. Pronunciation doesn’t have to be perfect for a high score. you can still use contractions, linking etc to show pronunciation features.
Hello liz,
Can you please suggest if I can use the meaning of my name while saying my name?
Example: Good Morning Elizabeth, my name’s Dishant which means horizon.
Thanks,
Dishant Patel
No, you shouldn’t. The ID check is to check your ID, not to add extra information to impress the examiner. Save that for the test questions once the recording device is switched. Don’t try to “over impress” the examiner – it doesn’t give a good impression.
Hello Liz,
My name in my passport is “Handika Harianto Ew Jong” and in my real name in my country there is no “Ew Jong” in my name, and it is a family name. the question is, do i have to say the full name in my passport or just my full name in my country?
In the ID check, you should give the name on your card. This is about checking your ID and matching the information with what you say. If the examiner needs further clarification, he or she will ask and you can explain. So, have your explanation planned just in case.
Hello Liz,
First, I’d thank you for sharing valuable lessons!
I want to know how to answer the question “Where are you from?” when I’m living in the same city where the speaking test is holding.
From,
Sri Lanka
This question is part of the ID check. It is about the information presented on your ID card. It is not a part 1 question. “where are you from” is not about where you live now – it is about your place of origin which is stated on your ID card. So, just answer directly and simply to ensure the ID information is correct.
Is it ok to use words like ‘wanna’ ‘gonna’ in sentences? For example ‘Its’s gonna be a big problem if……’ and also can I use ‘you’ to talk to the examiner. For example, “you would love this restaurant, the food is so good”
See the following link for tips about gonna and wanna, as well as many many more tips and model answers: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-speaking-free-lessons-essential-tips/
Thank you for the great tips. However, I am surprised to note your comment on using the English pronunciation of locations.
Calcutta is a proper noun. The word Calcutta was coined during British colonization, and is considered a remnant of colonization in India (along with Mumbai, Banglore, Madras).
Are you saying that a person can be penalized for using the correct pronunciation of a proper noun?
Not at all. I’m advising you to speak slowly and clearly to help the examiner. This is important if your accent is influenced by your mother tongue.
Hi Liz, you are a very perfect and eloquent person. I feel it quite amazing while listening to you. I’m very much inspired by you and I’ve got a great desire to meet you in personal.
Dear Liz,
Obviously, there are no words to describe how amazing you are.
The way you deliver the lesson to your audience is unbelievable
You are like an angel from the sky that lead us towards higher band score in IELTS
Thanks so much for your hard work and efforts
Big appreciation Liz !
Thank you for your support. It means a lot to me 🙂
Dear Liz,
I have been studying in Moscow for three years, but I was born in another country. What should I answer the question about the place I come from?
Moreover, I study and work as well. What will be better to reply, when the examiner ask if I study or work?
Thank you in advance!
Best regards,
Daria
If this is asked as part of the ID check, you will give the answer that is the same as on your ID card. The ID check if when you first walk into the room and before the recording device is switched on. The ID check is not about expanding answers, it is about checking facts – be clear, be concise and give facts. After the recording device is switched on your test begins with part 1. Any question in part 1 is a chance to talk and showcase your English – the examiner will not be looking for fact – just English. Always be clear and honest. If you both work and study, why don’t you say “I work and study …” – it’s easy. Be honest, direct and add more detail for part 1, part 2 and part 3.
Hi ma, is it nice to ask the examiner if you could have your seat incase if he or she did not offer you one as it it not nice to just walk into an office and just sit down without being offered one.
The examiner excepted you to sit down and it is very clear where you sit down. If the examiner doesn’t say anything, just take your place and wait for the examiner to begin. Let the examiner guide you through the test.
Greetings Ma’am,
Is it o k to tell the examiner you can call me by my English name, George or call be by my first name. Which is more appropriate? I ask this because, I check the thesaurus dictionary and couldn’t fine the word ‘English name’ is this word actually existing?
Thanks
I don’t know what your first name is. If your first name is George, then both answers are fine. There is no noun “English name”. The word “name” is a noun and the word “English” is the adjective.
Thanks immensely
Hi Liz, your tutorials are really beneficial. I have a doubt regarding part 0.
Question : Where are you from?
Ans: I come from west part of New Delhi, which is capital city of India.
or
I come from West Delhi, which is also capital city of India.
Out of above two ans. which will have more impact? Or you can you paraphrase it for me Thanks
Where you come from will always be said in that tense – it is part of your fixed identify and isn’t a past event. For this reason, you use present tense.
Please tell from where i should study writing and speaking. My exams is on 11th may.
Please do the HOME page and read how to use this site and find all the lessons.
Hi Liz, should I say my surname first or my first name first when telling the examiner my name.
The ID check is before the examiner turns on the recording device. During the ID check you say precise information. Your name should be the same as given on your ID card. If in doubt, you can say “My first name is … and my family name is …”.
Can I say before leaving the class to the examiner that thank you for spending your valuable time with me.
It will not change your score to do that. It is not necessary. It’s up to you what you want to say and how you want to behave after the test is finished.
Thank you!
I had may examination earlier and i feel like the examiner is trying to bring me to the right direction. It’s as if she’s trying to help me answer her question. Does that happen or it’s just me?
It means you had a good examiner 🙂
Hey Liz. I had my IELTS speaking test yesterday. She asked that “What should I call you?” and I replied, “You can call me Fauzia.” Now, the thing is that my first name is also Fauzia and she looked weirdly at me when I said that. Is it okay?
Usually, we say “you can call me X” when it is a nickname. If you don’t have a nickname, you say “Just call me Fauzia” or “call me by my first name” or “I don’t have a nickname, so just call me Fauzia”. But, don’t worry. That was not actually part of the recorded test and won’t affect your score.
Hi mam … This is upminder Kaur …. Thankyou for giving us guidance on IELTS …. Well on 14th I have speaking exam … I just want to ask that ….. On ma passport my name is upminder Kaur …. But recently I have done ma graduation and fortunately I got the tag of ‘ dr.’ but it isn’t mention in my passport … So should I introduce my self by only Upminder Kaur or I have to mention my tag ………. Waiting for your reply mam … 😊
You give the examiner the same name that appears on your ID card. The question is for ID checking purposes.
What if I say Good afternoon instead of Good morning and Say thank you when he asks foe passport? I was very nervous !
The examiner is trained to allow for simple mistakes due to nerves. Your score is based on your overall performance.
Tomorrow is my speaking test. you are a great teacher. i m quite nervous about tomorrow. what if i do not use tough vocabulary or speak oess than 2 mins in part 2 . i need some motivation. Thanks
Vocabulary is only 25% of your marks – it is not the most important part at all. You should focus on being chatty, friendly and open. Even if the examiner isn’t very friendly, you should still be chatty. You don’t need to speak for 2 mins in part 2, but it is a good aim to try. In part 2, you can add any extra information you want – anything at all. If your topic is about a book, you can talk about a book – but if you run out of things to say, you can talk about magazines you like, books you recommend for children, books you think are not beneficial, websites you like to read articles on, the future of books – just keep talking and add what you want. Be natural, calm and enjoy the test. Good luck!
Dear mam, thx a lot for your suggestions.
My speaking test went really great today, but in
excitement by mistake I offered hand shake to the examiner in end, though, examiner looked fine but as soon as I came out I realized the mistake. Will it effect my score negatively. Please suggest
Rgds
Priya
This is a language test, not a behaviour test. I think it was nice of you to do that 🙂
Hi Liz. Thanks for your tips. They’ve been very helpful. I have one question. Is it ok to skip some of my names? I have more than one name and saying all might be long. Can I say only one name?
The ID check is about making sure that the information you give is the same as the information on your ID card. So, tell the examiner the same name that you have on your ID card.
Hi thanks so much for your video.
I have some question about politeness which are most important to know. As a Asian we have to face with our native examiner and also neighbours(India) sometimes from other countries but Asian obviously. In this regard, we use titling (Sir/ Madam) to respect and also they expect such greetings from us. Thanking also important and returning to as well. Such as after offering seat or giving cue card we need to say thank you and in return “you’re most welcome” etc. On the contrary, to western examiner they are not so important sometimes also inappropriate in some cases. Another point is I know British accent but sometimes I messed up with American accents (like pronunciation, particularl British words). I have been learning for many days British accent because I loved it and also my passion so I can’t give up. So I need some suggestions from you that what should I do?
Thanks a lot.
This is a language test. It is also an INFORMAL speaking test. You do not need to be formal at all. You don’t use “sir/madam” in speaking. You can say “thank you” if you want, but it won’t affect your score if you don’t. You should treat the examiner as a friend and be chatty. As for accents, you are marked on being understood. It is fine to have an accent. But if the examiner can’t understand you, it will lower your score. I personally have a mixed accent because I am English, but I have lived abroad and picked up different accents – it’s fine and it is accepted in IELTS speaking.
Hi dear, I dont work and study now what should be my answer?
This is not trick test. Just speak normally: I don’t work or study at the moment.
once the examiner ask me ” what should i call you” can i answer it by using this statement ” my parents call me liz so you can call me that name as well. is it possible to say that
Sure. It’s an informal speaking test.
Hi Liz,
I’m new here. I have a question when it comes to answering the speaking and writing test. If the way I answer for the speaking and writing test is negative or should I say I disagree all the time, is that inappropriate? What’s your thought about it?
Your response is highly appreciated. Thanks.
Do not mix the speaking and writing test together. The techniques are different for each test because the marking criteria are different. See the main pages for speaking and writing which are accessed through the RED BAR at the top of the website.
If the examiner ask if do u work or study?wat should be my answer because I don’t work or study
That is your answer “At present I do not work or study”.
can we use MAM/SIR to examiner??????????
No.
As i am from india and in my country people generally say SIR/MAM to the interviewer ,even i have the habit of saying sir or mam…If i say so,,WILL IT AFFECT MY SCORE ?
OR maybe by mistake if i just say sir or mam ..ll it be affective to my band score??
If you wish to use “Indian English” it is your choice. It is, however, incorrect English language to use “sir” to a man in an informal chat.
Hello dear
I have given my speaking test but I saw examiner wrote 8.5 at their work sheet . What does it mean ?
It usually relates to time. Examiners do not write band scores where you can see them and they do not decide band scores until the end of the test.
Can I use “you” in my answers while giving speaking test? Like “if you do this”, “it depends on your choice” etc. Someone told me that it’s very informal to so. I know I can use “we”, “he” etc but I can’t avoid it, it comes out of me naturally.
Sure – it’s an informal speaking test.
Hi Liz
I have this problem regarding hometown questions. I was born in a town and lived there only for one year, than my family moved. If the examiner asks :”can you describe your hometown “, should I talk about the place of my birth or about the place where I was raised and still live in?
You can choose. The examiner has no interest in whether your answer is correct or not. The examiner wants to hear your English – so you decide.
Hi Liz,
For the question where are you from can I say : “I am originally from India but i have been living in US for past 5 years”
Yes, it’s fine. Nice and clear with good grammar. It’s important to respond naturally and openly to questions in IELTS speaking. It is an informal test so be chatty and let the examiner decide when to move on to the next question.
Congratulations, tell me what did you do, how did you prepare and study my exam on 16 Dec I will appreciate your help
In my speaking test the examiner always asked the question ‘why?’ even though I explained the answer. What does the examiner intends when he/she does that?
Because the examiner isn’t interested in your explanation. Your ideas are not marked in speaking. The examiner wants to hear more English. If you don’t offer more English with a better range, you can’t get a better score. Each question is a chance to showcase your English. So, expanding each answer as much as possible can show fluency but also it gives you a chance to add more grammar: comparisons, past memories, future hopes / or more vocabulary: descriptions etc
Hi Liz,
Is it okay if I wear casual clothes for all 4 parts of the exam?
Thanks, Nhan
You can wear anything you want. Be comfortable – appearance is not important at all.
Hi Liz,
Your classes are very informative. Thank you very much.
I had my speaking test yesterday. I have a couple of doubts regarding the speaking test. As soon as I got in, we greeted each other and the examiner announced the start of test in the mic. He couldn’t pronounce my name properly and paused and looked at me. So I told my full name. Is this considered inappropriate?
Also, for most of the questions, I answered with yes/no followed by the explanation. But before I started explaining, he always asked “why”(even while I continued to speak). Does this affect my band score?
I also feel that my test got over too quickly. The examiner also seemed to look at me and yawn sometimes, but most of the time he was pleasant. I an worried about my score. Does somebody else also judge the test or is it just the examiner?
Please guide.
I see that everything was fine. The examiner will always encourage you to expand your ideas in order to hear more English. It is to greet the examiner, correct his/her pronunciation of your name etc etc. It is all fine. You will get a band score based on the level of English you use, the range of English you used and your mistakes with language.
Thank you so much.. I will update you once I finish the other parts of the test on the 8th.. Thank you once again.
Hello… I just got my results today.
Listening 8.5
Reading 7.5
Writing 7
Speaking 7
Overall 7.5
Thank you very much 🙂
Well done 🙂 A really strong score 🙂
Can we use slangs like ‘yup’, ‘yeah’ for yes and ‘nope’ for no in the speaking test?
Yes, of course. It’s an informal speaking test.
Hi Liz,
If the test is taking place in the same city to which I belong, in that case is it appropriate to say, “I belong to this very city of Islamabad which is the capital of Pakistan” OR “…….. which is located in the north of Pakistan.” ??
Kindly help. Best regards.
If the examiner asks you where you come from or what your hometown is, you never say “I belong”. It is incorrect English. Just say “I’m from …” or “my hometown is..”. The information you choose to add is your choice.
Hi Liz,
Is it alright to say “Good morning, I’m Sheila (last name)” instead of My name’s?
Please don’t say that. Actually I don’t understand what you’ve written. The English is unclear. Try writing this again so I can understand then I will help you correct it.
On your video, you suggested that we should say “My name’s Liz” instead of “My name is.” So, I’m asking instead of saying “My name’s Liz” is it okay to say “I’m Liz?”
When the examiner asks for your name. You should give your full name:
My name’s …..
I’m …..
Both are fine.
Thank you 🙂
I want if I need to say my name and surname with an English accent or no?
No. Just say your name naturally but clearly.
Good day Liz!
What if i greeted my examiner with “Sir” the whole test? Would that affect my band score? Thanks.
It is poor English to use “sir” to a man. We never use this unless you are working in a hotel and speaking to a customer and even then it is not common. It is an example of vocabulary which is inappropriately used. I recommend you don’t use it.
Really? In Nigeria, “sir” and “ma” are used to show respect
Try to follow rules of language for English rather than your local customs.
Thank you very much. May I ask if I can say Sir/Madame during this introductory part or during other speaking sections?
Sorry, I have just read your kind comment about an earlier similar question. Thank you again. Best regards
Having my speaking test on 1st of November. Please could you let me know at the earliest? Your classes are really informative and I have been following them since the day I registered for the exam. Thank you so much. 🙂
See this page for extra tips: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-exam-tips-on-the-day/
Is it OK if I go off topic mentioned in part-2 of speaking test?
You can develop your talk in any direction you want but stick to the general topic.
Can I call the examiner as SIR or MADAM..??
No. You don’t need titles in English. “Sir” or “Madam” is used mostly in India, not in the west. If you want the examiner to repeat the question, for example, you can say “Could you repeat that please?”. You don’t use titles.
Hello Liz,
Which one is the best ? British council or IDP Ielts Exam ??
My friends suggested me to take the British council.
Thanks & Regards,
Hari Krishna
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Thank u…. Liz
U HELPED ME A LOT……. FOR MY XAM 🙂
Dear Liz,
Could you please to give advice on how to give an extended answer to the question about the city i am coming from if the test takes place in this city? (would be weird do give basic information about the size or location as examiner most probably knows where he is )) )
The question “Where do you come from” is part of the ID check, not part of the test. You do not expand your answer.Adding just a few words is fine. Considering this is language test, not an information test, you can add what you want. The key is to add interesting language such as superlatives, comparatives or descriptive language for a high score.
Liz
HI Liz
When the examiner ask about the country that I come from, does that mean my home country or my current country (as I am a British citizen but originally from Iraq) ?
Many thanks
In the ID check, you MUST give the country of origin which is on your documents. Also in part 1, you should talk about your real hometown in Iraq unless you find it too upsetting and then you say “I prefer not to talk about Iraq so I’ll refer to where I’m living in the UK”. But that is only if there are emotional problems attached to talking about your hometown.
All the best
Liz
Many thanks Liz. for you quick and useful response.
kind Regards
Mustafa
Hello Liz,
In question 3 I had given an answer as “I am from very same city, Ahmedabad”. Is it ok to provide such answer if exam is taken place at Ahmedabad. If yes, is it high or low band score ?
You will not get a higher score because you answered one question well or not well. The score is based on all questions not one. So, just answer naturally – the examiner will be very aware if you try to memorise answers to boost your score – only low level students do that.
Liz
Thank you for your tips! I just have a small question :)))
You said that we should use English pronunciation of names when answering about the location. Should this be applied for the question about the candidate’s full name?
It is explained in this video lesson that you need to give your proper name which is on your ID card but say it clearly so a foreigner can understand.
All the best
Liz