ESL SPEAKING TESTS | How To Do More Than Pass

Today's post is all about doing well in speaking tests. Whether it's CELPIP, TOEIC, IELTS, Cambridge, or TOEFL, you'll be better prepared to do use your English language skills in test conditions.

First, you must PRACTICE

Yes, you all know this already, but the basics are very important. Remember The Four "Ps":

Practice
Prevents
Poor
Performance

SPEAK with other ESL learners in your school  before, between, and after class. Don't worry if the one or more of them are at a higher level than you. High-level ESL learners can give you advice and confidence.

 DO speaking activities that cover the tasks you may have to do in a test: tell a story, express your opinion, describe a picture, speculate, and give advice. There are many textbooks you can use, but I recommend the Ideas & Issues series. The featured articles and questions can be a bit mature and unusual, but it's important that you learn to discuss topics you're not used to.

DO practice tests with a friend/instructor/family member: work on your timing, vocabulary, and delivery.

You can also do presentations, negotiation roleplays, job interview practices, or making complaints. A good exercise that really tests your ability to use your vocabulary and speaking skills is called The Rock. It's basically making questions, speculating, describing, or doing a short talk about a rock. 
I know: it's a strange activity, but it forces you to use your imagination as well as your English.

Next, SET A TARGET SCORE and learn what you must do to get it.
For example, the IELTS test has nine bands (levels). If you want to get a 7, you'll need to know what the assessor will be looking for. So, you can read the IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors. 

However, it's better to watch and listen to YouTube videos of ESL learners who have received high speaking test scores. The IELTS test is a good example because it focuses more on communication skills and vocabulary (but make sure you learn your grammar).

IELTS Speaking Band 6

           

IELTS Speaking Band 7

              

IELTS Speaking Band 8.5/9

In any ESL speaking test, DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE TECHNICAL DETAILS. For example, you may be asked to give advice about buying a house. 

Should I buy a house in the suburbs or buy a condo in the city?

REMEMBER: you're being tested on your English communication skills not your knowledge about real estate or architecture. Focus on your English.

At any point during the test, you can ask questions if you don't understand. Asking questions shows the assessor your communication skills just as much as your answers do.

Practice the test at home.

Exam English has the speaking tests for IELTS and TOEFL iBT, along with helpful hints on the speaking tasks for First Cambridge English and TOEIC.  

Make sure you do these under test conditions. You'll have 90 seconds to 3 minutes to prepare your answers depending on which test you take.

Finally,

RELAX

Get a good night's sleep before the test. Do a bit of review for an hour or so. Make sure you have water.