IELTS Speaking Test Preparation Notes

Overview

• Source: AE help - IELTS test preparation videos
• Content: Candidate Leon Haddad's speaking interview performance
• Goal: High band score explanation and tips for improvement
• Partnership: Cambly app offers native English-speaking tutors for fluency improvement.

Speaking Test Structure

1. Introduction

   • Interviewer: Adrian
   • Candidate's full name: Leon Haddad
   • Purpose: Get to know the candidate better

2. Part 1: General Questions

   • Transportation:
     • Arrived via public transport (metro and bus)
     • Total travel time: 25 minutes
   • Reading Habits:
     • Reads daily for about 90 minutes
     • Current book: "In the Dreamhouse" by Carmen Machado
     • Favorite genres: Fiction, Non-fiction, biographies, mystery, science fiction
     • Dislikes: Technical books
     • Next book: "Bossypants" by Tina Fey
   • Reading Environment:
     • Prefer quiet places like a cozy room or park on a sunny day
   • Changes in Reading:
     • Technology impacts reading habits (e-readers, online content)

3. Part 2: Individual Speaking Task

   • Topic: Planning to buy an e-reader (Kindle Paperwhite)
     • Features: Lightweight, waterproof, convenient for storage
     • Price: Approximately $150
     • Delivery needs: Amazon account, address
     • Comparison with other devices (eye strain issues)

4. Part 3: Discussion

   • Product Choices:
     • Influenced by online search and customer reviews
     • Factors: Availability and price
   • Technology in Shopping:
     • More accessible products and competitive prices
     • Smartphone usage for comparison
   • Challenges in Shopping:
     • Issues with sizing when buying clothes online
   • Future of Shopping:
     • Augmented reality advancements (e.g., Google glasses)
   • Saving Money Tips:
     • Online shopping for better deals
     • Set aside 5% of earnings in a high-interest savings account
   • Changing Saving Trends:
     • Increased cost of living complicates saving
     • Investment volatility (real estate, stocks)
     • Causes: Government monetary policies

Performance Evaluation

• Score: Band 8 (very good user of English)
• Strengths:
  • Accurate and detailed answers
  • Excellent grammatical range
  • Fluency and pronunciation are clear
  • Strong lexical resource (use of idiomatic expressions)

Tips for Improvement

• Review idiomatic language used in the interview
• Practice responses to enhance fluency and coherence
• Utilize Cambly app for further language improvement

Resources

• Cambly: 10% discount code available
• Video lessons: AE help at academic IELTS help
• Courses: Over 100 hours of video lessons, interactive content, and practice exams