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Are you aiming for a Band 9 in your IELTS Speaking test?
It might seem like a daunting task, especially for non-native English speakers, but I am here to assure you—it’s entirely achievable!
Today, I am going to dissect a unique case study—an interview with a teacher named Diyorbek from Uzbekistan, who triumphantly attained Band 9 in the IELTS Speaking exam.
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Insights from a band 9 IELTS speaker
Diyorbek’s journey demonstrates that obtaining a Band 9 in IELTS Speaking, while challenging, is indeed possible. It requires a blend of commitment, the right IELTS speaking techniques, and years of honing your English skills.
I should emphasise that you don’t need to set Band 9 as your goal unless specifically required. It’s not a necessary or a helpful goal for most students.
Instead, you should focus on the level you need for your own goals and aim to incrementally improve your language proficiency over time. This is especially true for learners who want to enhance their IELTS speaking vocabulary and build confidence in their spoken English.
Mastering IELTS speaking part 1: Introduction questions and topics
The first part of the IELTS Speaking test comprises introduction questions and topics, such as ‘Happiness’ and ‘Sports‘. The goal here is to deliver short, articulate responses using a range of vocabulary and expressions. Here are some examples of how Diyorbek handled this section:
- Vocabulary:
“People with different backgrounds”
“Affluent parts of the city”
“It is growing by leaps and bounds”
“I don’t know the exact statistics”
Affluent = wealthy
By leaps and bounds = a lot and quickly
Statistics = numbers
- Collocations:
“The tourist season”
“Incredible architecture”
- Happiness Vocabulary:
“I am happy when I spend quality time with my friends”
“Anything under the sun”
“A carefree childhood”
“I derive a lot of pleasure from what I do”
Quality time = time spent with someone giving them full attention
Anything under the sun = anything at all
A carefree childhood = a childhood without worries
I deride pleasure from ___ = I get pleasure from _____
- Sport Vocabulary:
“I am quite into fitness”
“I was a natural (at football)”
“I can dribble easily”
To be a natural (at something) = to be naturally gifted (at something)
To dribble = to run with a ball at your feet
- Idioms:
“Not to toot my own horn”
“To blow my own trumpet”
- To toot my own horn (US)
- To blow my own trumpet (UK)
Both these idioms mean to ‘boast’ or say you are the best at something.
IELTS speaking part 3: Traditional festivals and celebrations
The third part of the IELTS Speaking test focuses on more complex subjects such as traditional festivals or celebrations. Here, you need to demonstrate not only your IELTS speaking vocabulary but also effective language techniques and correct grammar usage. Here’s how Diyorbek aced this part:
- He develops his answers, gives specific examples, and gets into the flow.
- He uses a wide range of vocabulary:
“It marks the beginning of Spring”
“Improve unity and solidarity”
“Feel a sense of belonging”
“It gives them a lot of pride”
“An obscene amount of money is spent”
An obscene amount = far too much
- He uses some self-correction:
“Globalisation sweept…I mean, globalisation has had a sweeping effect”
He uses pauses and phrasing: “They seem to be – what is the word? – ‘in tune with’ their own culture.”
Top IELTS speaking tips for band 9
Finally, if you’re aiming for IELTS Speaking Band 9, consider these essential tips:
- Prepare common topics: Familiarise yourself with typical topics and practice speaking about them in English.
- Expose yourself to the language: Surround yourself with English through books, movies, podcasts, and conversations.
- Engage with content you enjoy: When you read, watch, or listen to things that interest you, learning becomes more enjoyable and less of a chore.
I hope Diyorbek’s journey to IELTS speaking success inspires you to achieve your own English language goals.
Remember, don’t just focus on exam technique, focus mainly on developing your speaking skills over time so you can become a confident speaker of English and reach your IELTS goals and beyond.
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