Ace IELTS Speaking Part 1 & 2: 2019 Material & Tips

The IELTS Speaking test can be daunting, especially when you’re facing the pressure of time and unfamiliar questions. To help you feel more confident and prepared, this comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at common IELTS Speaking Part 1 & 2 topics based on actual 2019 materials. We’ll explore effective strategies, vocabulary building techniques, and provide sample answers to help you craft impressive responses.

Understanding IELTS Speaking Part 1

Part 1 focuses on familiar topics like hobbies, work, and daily routines. It’s designed to assess your ability to communicate personal information and opinions fluently and accurately.

Common Part 1 Topics from 2019:

  • Hometown: Describe your hometown, what you like about it, and how it has changed.
  • Hobbies: Discuss your hobbies, how often you engage in them, and why you enjoy them.
  • Work/Study: Talk about your current work or studies, your responsibilities, and your future aspirations.
  • Weather: Share your opinions on different weather conditions, how weather affects your mood, and memorable weather experiences.
  • Travel: Discuss your travel experiences, places you’d like to visit, and your preferred mode of travel.

Tips for Success in Part 1:

  • Be Prepared: Practice answering common questions related to the topics mentioned above.
  • Expand Your Answers: Provide reasons and examples to support your responses.
  • Maintain Fluency: Speak naturally and avoid long pauses.
  • Use a Range of Vocabulary: Showcase your vocabulary by using synonyms and descriptive language.
  • Stay Positive and Engaging: Maintain a positive attitude and show enthusiasm when speaking.

Mastering IELTS Speaking Part 2

Part 2 is the individual long-turn section, where you’ll be given a cue card with a specific topic and prompts. You’ll have one minute to prepare and then speak for 1-2 minutes.

Sample Part 2 Cue Card from 2019:

Describe a time when you helped someone.

You should say:

  • Who you helped
  • How you helped them
  • Why you decided to help them
  • And explain how you felt after helping them.

Tips for Success in Part 2:

  • Utilize the Preparation Time: Plan your response logically and jot down keywords.
  • Structure Your Answer: Follow the prompts on the cue card and use cohesive devices.
  • Provide Specific Details: Include relevant details to make your story engaging.
  • Manage Your Time: Practice speaking for 1-2 minutes to ensure you cover all the points.
  • Maintain Eye Contact and Body Language: Project confidence through positive body language.

Sample Answers and Vocabulary Building

Part 1: Hobbies

Examiner: What are your hobbies?

Candidate: I’m quite passionate about photography. I love capturing the beauty of everyday moments and experimenting with different angles and lighting techniques. It allows me to express my creativity and document my experiences in a unique way.

Vocabulary: passionate, capturing, experimenting, angles, lighting techniques, creativity, document

Part 2: Describe a time when you helped someone.

Candidate: I vividly recall a time when I helped an elderly neighbor who had fallen and injured herself. I was walking home from the grocery store when I heard her cries for help.

I immediately rushed to her aid and found her lying on the ground in pain. I carefully helped her up and into her house, ensuring she was comfortable. I then contacted her family and stayed with her until they arrived.

I decided to help her because it was the right thing to do. Seeing someone vulnerable and in need sparked a sense of compassion and responsibility within me.

After her family arrived and expressed their gratitude, I felt a deep sense of fulfillment. Knowing that I had made a positive impact on someone’s life filled me with a warm feeling of satisfaction.

Vocabulary: vividly recall, elderly neighbor, injured, rushed to her aid, vulnerable, compassion, responsibility, fulfillment, gratitude, satisfaction.

Conclusion: Practice Makes Perfect

By familiarizing yourself with common IELTS Speaking topics from 2019, practicing your responses, and expanding your vocabulary, you can approach the test with confidence. Remember to focus on fluency, accuracy, and showcasing your ability to communicate effectively in English.