Many of us find ourselves tongue-tied when confronted with unexpected questions. Some even struggle to provide detailed answers to questions they may have answered before. The root of this problem may not be a lack of knowledge; instead, it could be nerves or uncertainty about what else to say.

Let’s first understand the causes of this issue and then explore how to overcome it.

Reasons for Failing to Add Detail:

1. Nervousness:

Nervousness is a common reason why students struggle to speak more than 2-3 sentences. While short responses are acceptable in the first task of the speaking test, they may not leave a good impression of fluency and coherence in tasks 2 and 3.

2. Insufficient Knowledge:

Sometimes, you may be questioned on a topic about which you have very little knowledge.

3. Not Knowing When to Add Detail:

Students may also struggle to provide detailed answers because they are unsure whether the question requires more than just a single sentence response.

Now, let’s explore some tricks to address these challenges.

Identifying When to Add Details:

In task 1 of the speaking test, you will typically be asked basic questions. However, responding with only one word or sentence does not allow the examiner to assess your fluency and coherence. Try to give at least a two-sentence response to questions like “Tell me about your family” or “Describe your childhood” in task 1. Engaging in more extensive speaking in this task will boost your confidence and enhance your ability to speak fluently with details in tasks 2 and 3.

It is primarily in tasks 2 and 3 that you will encounter questions requiring detailed answers. Therefore, be prepared to speak at length during these tasks.

Tips and Tricks:

The other two problems identified can be resolved with some simple tips and tricks that can be incorporated into your regular routine:

a. Getting Rid of Nervousness:

– Engage in conversations with as many people as possible, preferably in English, to overcome nervousness.

– Ask friends, family, and colleagues to correct you whenever you make speaking mistakes.

– Familiarize yourself with the formal environment and setting you will face in the speaking test. Practice with family or friends acting as the examiner will help you get over the nerves associated with unexpected settings and questions.

b. Building Up Knowledge:

– Read as much as possible on various topics, including recent events and speaking prompts from IELTS tests.

– Expand your knowledge across different subjects, from hobbies and activities to family values, laws in your country, and popular TV/radio shows in your area.

Increasing your knowledge and confidence will naturally improve your fluency, making it easier to score well on the IELTS speaking test. Remember, having substantial content ready will also impact how you present and speak during the test. So, work on building your knowledge and confidence, and your fluency will follow suit.