Conquering difficult questions during the IELTS Speaking Test may seem daunting, but armed with the right strategies, you can handle them with ease.

This article delves into several innovative techniques to assist you in navigating difficult questions, enhancing your overall performance, and achieving a top-notch score.

1. Diversify Your Knowledge on Various Subjects

To optimize your chances of triumph, immerse yourself in a myriad of topics that could emerge in the IELTS Speaking Test. Keep yourself up to date with immersive content from Britannica, or The History Channel, or simply, the cult favourite Youtube.

Explore themes like travel, technology, culture, environment, education, health, and leisure pursuits. Grasping these subjects will enable you to effortlessly address questions and express your viewpoints.

a. Delve into Research and Jot Down Notes

Investigate different subjects and note down vital facts, statistics, and instances. Not only will this facilitate answering questions effectively, but it will also empower you to present specific examples that bolster your arguments.

b. Engage in Lively Debates

Partake in discussion groups or converse with friends and family on an array of subjects. This practice will hone your ability to express ideas and opinions while exposing you to alternative perspectives.

Utilize online resources and develop a study plan to ensure comprehensive coverage of pertinent topics.

2. Embrace the Power of Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing, an invaluable skill that entails rewording a question or statement while maintaining its essence, enables you to exhibit your comprehension of the query and flaunt your lexical prowess.

a. Exercise Your Paraphrasing Muscle

Consistently practice paraphrasing sentences, questions, or statements to become adept at rephrasing during the IELTS Speaking Test.

b. Expand Your Vocabulary with Synonyms and Antonyms

Learn synonyms (words with analogous meanings) and antonyms (words with contrary meanings) to increase your vocabulary. This expansion will supply you with alternative ways to paraphrase, making your responses more captivating.

Example: If the examiner asks, “What are the advantages of public transportation?”, you can initiate your response by stating, “The benefits of utilizing public transit encompass…”

3. Harness the Potential of Linking Words and Phrases

Linking words and phrases help you arrange your thoughts and imbue structure into your response. They also illustrate your ability to logically connect ideas, an indispensable aspect of the IELTS Speaking Test.

a. Familiarize Yourself with Various Linking Words and Phrases

Linking words and phrases can be categorized as follows:

• Addition: ‘and,’ ‘also,’ ‘in addition,’ ‘furthermore,’ ‘moreover’
• Contrast: ‘but,’ ‘however,’ ‘on the other hand,’ ‘in contrast,’ ‘although’
• Cause and effect: ‘because,’ ‘due to,’ ‘as a result,’ ‘consequently,’ ‘therefore’
• Examples: ‘for example,’ ‘for instance,’ ‘such as’
• Conclusion: ‘in conclusion,’ ‘to sum up,’ ‘in summary,’ ‘overall’

b. Integrate Linking Words and Phrases in Your Daily Communication

Incorporate linking words and phrases into your daily speech and writing. This practice will enhance your comfort level when using them in your IELTS responses.

Learn and practice employing linking words and phrases in your answers.

4. Pause and Ponder

Faced with a perplexing question, it’s normal to feel disconcerted. However, maintaining your composure and taking a moment to gather your thoughts is crucial. The examiner won’t penalize you for briefly pausing to think before answering.

a. Utilize Filler Phrases

Employ filler phrases to grant yourself additional time to contemplate without creating an uncomfortable silence. Common filler phrases include:

• “That’s an intriguing question.”
• “Allow me a moment to reflect.”
• “I haven’t pondered that before, but…”

b. Breathe and Stay Relaxed

Inhale deeply and strive to unwind before responding. This approach will help you concentrate and express your ideas with greater clarity.

5. Enrich Your Responses with Examples

Incorporating examples can render your responses more engaging and persuasive. When addressing a challenging question, consider relevant examples that can substantiate your argument or illustrate your perspective.

a. Share Personal Experiences

Draw from your personal experiences, as they can render your response more genuine and relatable. Sharing your own experiences also exhibits your ability to converse on diverse subjects.

b. Cite Real-World Instances

Refer to real-world examples, such as current or historical events, to reinforce your arguments. This not only demonstrates your topic knowledge but also your ability to apply that knowledge in practical contexts.

6. Dissect the Question into Smaller Segments

If a question appears excessively intricate or overwhelming, attempt to break it down into smaller, more digestible components. This method can help you comprehend the question better and simplify formulating a response.

a. Identify Key Elements

Ascertain the principal facets of the question and address each individually. This approach will enable you to deliver a more comprehensive and coherent answer.

b. Structure Your Response

Organize your answer by addressing each aspect of the question sequentially. This arrangement will make it easier for the examiner to follow your train of thought and comprehend your perspective.

Resource: Discover more strategies for answering difficult questions and elevate your performance in the IELTS Speaking Test.

7. Seek Clarification When in Doubt

If you genuinely cannot grasp a question or are uncertain about a particular aspect, feel free to ask the examiner for clarification. It’s preferable to request clarification than to offer an unrelated or incorrect response. The examiner may rephrase the question or furnish supplementary information to facilitate your understanding.

Employ Polite Phrases

When seeking clarification, adopt a courteous tone and use phrases such as:

• “Could you please elucidate what you mean by…?”
• “I’m uncertain about the question. Could you kindly elaborate?”
• “Would you mind rephrasing the query?”

By implementing these strategies, you can confidently tackle demanding questions in the IELTS Speaking Test. Persist in practicing, stay focused, and remember that preparation is the cornerstone of success. Good luck on your IELTS journey!