How to best use and improve your Grammar for the IELTS Speaking Test [2023]

Mastering grammar is essential for success in the IELTS Speaking Test, as it roughly accounts for 25% of your total score. However, when you look at it a little deeper, the right grammar is also needed for the other sections of the test, hands down.

In this article, we’ll explore tips and strategies for understanding and using the right grammar, helping you excel in the test.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking Test.

1. Start with the Basics

Before diving into advanced grammar concepts, it’s essential to have a strong foundation in the basics. Familiarize yourself with:

Nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs: Understand their roles and how to use them in sentences.
Tenses: Learn the different verb tenses, such as simple present, simple past, and simple future, as well as the perfect, continuous, and perfect continuous forms.
Sentence structure: Learn how to construct simple, compound, and complex sentences using subjects, verbs, and objects.
Prepositions: Understand the proper use of prepositions such as ‘in,’ ‘on,’ and ‘at’ to indicate time, place, and direction.
Conjunctions: Familiarize yourself with coordinating and subordinating conjunctions like ‘and,’ ‘but,’ ‘or,’ ‘because,’ and ‘although.’

2. Learn Common Grammar Rules and Exceptions

There are many grammar rules and exceptions in the English language. To improve your grammar for the IELTS Speaking Test, focus on learning the most common rules and exceptions, such as:

Subject-verb agreement: Ensure that subjects and verbs agree in number (singular or plural).
Irregular verbs: Memorize irregular verbs and their various forms (past simple, past participle).
Articles: Understand when to use ‘a,’ ‘an,’ and ‘the.’
Comparatives and superlatives: Learn how to form and use comparative and superlative adjectives and adverbs correctly.
Modal verbs: Familiarize yourself with modal verbs such as ‘can,’ ‘could,’ ‘may,’ ‘might,’ ‘will,’ ‘would,’ ‘shall,’ ‘should,’ ‘must,’ and their appropriate usage.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice

Regular practice is the key to improving your grammar. Here are some methods to incorporate grammar practice into your IELTS preparation:

Complete grammar exercises: Use grammar exercise books, worksheets, and online resources to practice specific grammar rules and concepts.
Write essays: Practice writing essays on various IELTS topics, focusing on proper grammar usage. This will also help you become familiar with the test format.
Speak aloud: Practice speaking on IELTS topics, paying attention to your grammar usage. Record yourself and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
Join a study group or conversation club: Interact with other IELTS candidates to practice your speaking skills and receive feedback on your grammar.

4. Learn from Authentic Materials

Expose yourself to authentic English materials such as news articles, podcasts, books, and movies to improve your grammar skills. This will help you become familiar with correct grammar usage in real-life situations. Engaging with these materials will also allow you to:

Identify common grammar patterns: Authentic materials showcase grammar usage in context, making it easier for you to understand how different grammar rules are applied in real-life communication. Look for patterns in sentence structures, verb tenses, and other grammar concepts while consuming these materials.
Expand your vocabulary: As you engage with authentic materials, you’ll come across new words and phrases that can enhance your vocabulary. A rich vocabulary will allow you to express yourself more accurately and effectively during the IELTS Speaking Test.
Improve your listening skills: Listening to native speakers in podcasts or movies can help you develop an ear for correct grammar usage. As you listen, try to identify different grammar structures and take note of how they’re used in context. Improving your listening skills will also contribute to your overall IELTS Speaking Test performance.
Practice your speaking skills: Repeating sentences or phrases from authentic materials can help you practice using the right grammar in your speech. This exercise will also help you improve your pronunciation and intonation, which are crucial elements of the IELTS Speaking Test.
Understand different English accents: By consuming authentic materials from various English-speaking countries, you’ll familiarize yourself with different accents and dialects. This will make it easier for you to understand a wide range of English speakers during the IELTS Speaking Test.
Learn idiomatic expressions: Idiomatic expressions are commonly used by native speakers and can add a natural touch to your speech during the IELTS Speaking Test. Familiarise yourself with idiomatic expressions and practice using them in context to improve your overall speaking skills.

Remember that consistency is key when using authentic materials for grammar improvement. Dedicate time each day to engage with these materials and actively apply what you learn to your IELTS Speaking Test preparation.

5. Use Grammar Exercises and Practice Tests

Incorporate grammar exercises and practice tests into your IELTS Speaking Test preparation to reinforce your understanding of grammar rules and identify areas for improvement. Here’s how you can effectively use these resources:

Target specific grammar concepts: Identify grammar areas you struggle with and focus on exercises that target these specific concepts. For example, if you have difficulty using the correct verb tense, search for exercises that specifically address verb tense usage.
Practice speaking aloud: When completing grammar exercises, practice speaking your answers aloud to build your confidence and fluency in using correct grammar during the speaking test. This will help you speak at the right pace and with proper pronunciation.
Use IELTS-specific resources: Make use of IELTS-specific resources, such as online practice materials and mock tests, to familiarize yourself with the test format and expectations. This will also give you an idea of the grammar concepts commonly tested in the IELTS Speaking Test.
Review your answers: After completing grammar exercises and practice tests, review your answers and note any mistakes. Analyze these mistakes to understand the underlying grammar concepts you need to work on. This will help you identify common mistakes to avoid during the actual test.
Seek feedback: If possible, have a teacher, tutor, or experienced friend review your grammar practice exercises and provide feedback. This can help you identify areas for improvement and receive guidance on how to address these issues. Consider enrolling in an IELTS preparation course or working with a tutor to receive personalised support.

6. Learn and Apply English Grammar Rules

Understanding and applying English grammar rules in context is crucial for achieving a high score on the IELTS Speaking Test. To improve your grammar skills:

Study grammar rules systematically: Develop a study plan that outlines the grammar rules you need to master, and allocate time each day to review and practice these rules. This will help you build a solid foundation in English grammar and ensure you’re well-prepared for the IELTS Speaking Test.
Use grammar reference books: Invest in a reputable English grammar reference book to deepen your understanding of grammar rules and concepts. These books often provide detailed explanations, examples, and exercises to help you grasp various grammar rules and apply them in context.
Practice with a language partner: Engage in regular conversations with a language partner, such as a native English speaker or fellow IELTS test taker. This will provide an opportunity for you to practice using grammar rules in a natural, conversational setting. Additionally, your language partner can provide feedback on your grammar usage, helping you identify and correct errors.
Take note of common errors: Keep track of the grammar mistakes you make while practicing, and review these errors regularly. This will help you become more aware of your weaknesses and ensure you don’t repeat the same mistakes during the IELTS Speaking Test.

Improving your grammar for the IELTS Speaking Test requires dedication and consistent practice. By applying these tips and making a conscious effort to use correct grammar in your everyday speech, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a high score on the speaking test.

Remember that mastering grammar is a gradual process, so be patient and persistent in your efforts.

7. Use English Media to Reinforce Grammar Skills

Expose yourself to various forms of English media, such as books, newspapers, podcasts, movies, and TV shows, to reinforce your grammar skills and gain a better understanding of how native speakers use grammar in context. Here’s how you can use English media to your advantage:

Choose media that interests you: Select content that aligns with your interests to maintain your motivation and engagement. This will make the learning process more enjoyable and help you stay committed to improving your grammar skills.
Pay close attention to grammar usage: While consuming English media, focus on the grammar used by the speakers or writers. Note how they construct sentences, use verb tenses, and apply other grammar rules. This will help you develop a more intuitive understanding of English grammar.
Take notes and review: Jot down interesting or complex sentences that you come across in English media, and analyse the grammar used in those sentences. Review these notes regularly to reinforce your understanding of grammar rules and their application in context.
Imitate native speakers: When watching movies or TV shows, try to imitate the way native speakers use grammar in their speech. This will help you internalize correct grammar usage and improve your accent.

8. Learn and Use Idiomatic Expressions and Advanced Grammar Structures

Using idiomatic expressions and advanced grammar structures can enhance your speech and demonstrate a high level of language proficiency during the IELTS Speaking Test. To effectively use these elements in your speech:

Learn idiomatic expressions: Familiarise yourself with idiomatic expressions commonly used by native English speakers. Practice using these expressions in context to ensure you can seamlessly incorporate them into your speech during the test.
Understand advanced grammar structures: Study advanced grammar structures, such as passive voice, conditionals, and relative clauses. These structures can add variety and sophistication to your speech, helping you achieve a higher score on the IELTS Speaking Test.
Practice using advanced structures in context: Incorporate advanced grammar structures into your everyday speech and practice exercises to become comfortable using them in context. This will ensure you can effortlessly use these structures during the speaking test.

9. Review and Reflect on Your Progress

Regularly review and reflect on your progress to ensure you’re on track to achieve your IELTS Speaking Test goals. Here are some tips for effectively reviewing your progress:

Monitor your progress: Keep track of your performance in grammar exercises and practice tests to gauge your improvement over time. This will help you identify areas where you’re making progress and those that require additional focus.
Set SMART goals: Establish Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals for your grammar improvement. These goals will help you stay focused and motivated throughout your IELTS Speaking Test preparation journey.
Adjust your study plan: Based on your progress, adjust your study plan to address any areas that require additional attention. This will ensure you’re consistently working toward improving your grammar skills and achieving your desired IELTS Speaking Test score.

By following these tips and dedicating time and effort to improving your grammar skills, you’ll be well-equipped to succeed on the IELTS Speaking Test.

Remember that mastering English grammar takes time and practice, so be patient and persistent in your efforts to achieve your desired results. Keep in mind that the IELTS Speaking Test is just one component of the IELTS exam, so it’s essential to also focus on listening skills improvement, right vocabulary usage, and other aspects of the test.

10. Don’t Neglect Other Aspects of the IELTS Speaking Test

While grammar is an essential aspect of the IELTS Speaking Test, it’s important not to neglect other components that contribute to your overall score. Here are some additional areas to focus on as you prepare for the speaking test:

Fluency: Work on improving your fluency by practicing speaking at a natural pace and avoiding unnecessary pauses or hesitations.
Pronunciation: Ensure you’re using proper pronunciation for words and sounds, as this can significantly impact your speaking test score.
Vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary by learning new words, phrases, and expressions. Focus on using a wide range of vocabulary during the speaking test to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Cohesion and coherence: Practice using linking words and phrases to connect your ideas and make your speech more coherent.
Body language: Develop appropriate body language that complements your speech, such as maintaining eye contact and using gestures to emphasize points.
Test day preparation: Familiarize yourself with test day tips to ensure you’re well-prepared and confident on the day of your IELTS Speaking Test.

Improving your grammar for the IELTS Speaking Test is a crucial aspect of achieving a high score. By focusing on understanding and using the right grammar, consistently practicing, and incorporating the strategies outlined in this article, you’ll be well-prepared to excel on the speaking test.

Remember that success on the IELTS Speaking Test requires a balanced approach that addresses all components, so be sure to devote time and effort to all aspects of your preparation. With dedication and persistence, you’ll be on your way to achieving your desired IELTS Speaking Test score and reaching your language goals.