IELTS Speaking Strategies
Master the essential strategies for all three parts of the IELTS Speaking test
Who it's for
For B1 students and up: exam preparation that is not tied to one band, so it suits a student at any stage of their preparation.
IELTS Speaking and Writing preparation, for band 5 and up. More IELTS Test Preparation lesson plans
Skills it practises
- Speaking: discussion questionsevery lesson
- Vocabulary: a target word listevery lesson
- Reading: a text or news storyevery lesson
- Controlled practice: gap-fills, matching, sorting and more7 of 8 lessons
- Role-play: a dialogue to act out5 of 8 lessons
- An answer framework to structure what they say3 of 8 lessons
Lessons
- Understanding IELTS SpeakingGoal: know exactly what the Speaking test asks of you, what the four criteria measure, and what Band 6 versus Band 7 actually sounds like — your map for the whole course.43 minFree
- Part 1 MasteryGoal: answer any Part 1 question in a complete, natural 15-30 seconds — the PAFF structure, three full model answers, and rapid-fire practice.1 hr 6 minOutline
- Part 2 Cue Card SuccessGoal: fill the full two minutes of Part 2 on any cue card — the PEEP structure, two complete model monologues, and timed practice with real cards.1 hr 6 minOutline
- Part 3 Discussion SkillsGoal: answer abstract Part 3 questions with a clear position, evidence and a fairly-treated other side — the AREA structure, two model answers, and follow-up pressure practice.56 minOutline
- Common Mistakes & Band BoostersGoal: identify the five mistakes that drag answers towards Band 6 — fillers, repetition, tense slips, vagueness, memorisation — and fix each one live, with a two-band contrast to show the gap.50 minOutline
- Time Management StrategiesGoal: hit the right length in every part — 15-30 seconds, two minutes, 30-45 seconds — by calibrating your internal clock against full-length model answers.1 hr 7 minOutline
- Building Confidence for Test DayGoal: handle test-day pressure with rehearsed recovery moves — blank-mind exits, unknown-topic pivots, clarification requests — drilled until nerves can't reach your band score.1 hr 7 minOutline
- Common Mistakes and How to Avoid ThemGoal: build your personal error profile across the five band-costing mistakes, study a completed Band 5.5 to Band 7 transformation, and cut your own mistake tally in half — live.1 hr 7 minOutline
How to use it in a lesson
- Lessons run 43 to 67 minutes, with a timing on every stage, so you can see before you start what fits your slot.
- Start with "Understanding IELTS Speaking": its whole plan is on this site, stage by stage, with the target vocabulary, free to read and to teach from on any video call.
- For a shorter slot, skip a practice stage or cut the discussion short: the stages are a guide, not a script.
Teach IELTS Speaking Strategies with your student
Lesson 1 of this course is free. A free account opens it in the interactive player, and the rest of the course is included with Starter. Teaching it live with your student in the Tuton classroom starts with a 7-day free trial.
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