Test technique - speaking strategies

The iBT has three types of speaking task, so there are three sets of test strategies. At first, this seems quite a lot (8 + 12 + 10 = 30); however there is some overlap and when you put them into practical use you can experience their effectiveness first hand. They shouldn't be a problem if you understand them and apply them in practice.



Strategies for the independent speaking task

1. Be completely familiar with the test format and directions. Study and practice are key.

2. Don't waste time reading the directions. You should already know them. Begin the questions immediately.

3. Read the question carefully, and answer the question exactly as it is asked. You will be given some time at the beginning of the task to be sure that you understand the question and what the question is asking you to do.

4. Organize your response very clearly. You should have a topic statement and supporting details.

5. Use transitions to make your response cohesive. Your response is easier to understand if you show how the ideas in your response are related.

6. Stick to vocabulary, sentence structures, and grammatical points that you know. This is not the best time to try out new words, structures, or grammar points.

7. Speak slowly and distinctly. It is better to speak clearly so that you can be understood than to race through your response so that you will be able to say more.

8. Be aware of time. Use the timer at the top of the screen.



Strategies for the integrated speaking task - read, listen, and speak

1. Be completely familiar with the test format and directions. Study and practice are key.

2. Don't waste time reading the directions. You should already know them. Begin the questions immediately.

3. Don't worry if some of the content is unfamiliar. You'll still be able to answer all questions.

4. Read the reading passage carefully. You will have only a limited time to read the passage.

5. Take careful notes as you read. Focus on the main points and key supporting material. Avoid writing down too many unnecessary details.

6. You will hear the listening passage one time only during the test, so focus and listen carefully.

7. Take careful notes as you listen. Focus on the main points and key supporting material. Avoid writing down too many unnecessary details.

8. Organize your response very clearly. You should have an overall topic statement that shows the relationship between the reading passage and the listening passage. You should also discuss the reading passage and the listening passage.

9. Use transitions to make your response cohesive. Your response is easier to understand if you show how the ideas in your response are related.

10. Stick to vocabulary, sentence structures, and grammatical points that you know. This is not the best time to try out new words, structures, or grammar points.

11. Speak slowly and distinctly. It is better to speak clearly so that you can be understood than to race through your response so that you can say more.

12. Be aware of time. Use the timer at the top of the screen.



Strategies for the integrated speaking task - listen and speak

1. Be completely familiar with the test format and directions. Study and practice are key.

2. Don't waste time reading the directions. You should already know them. Begin the questions immediately.

3. Don't worry if some of the content is unfamiliar. You'll still be able to answer all questions.

4. You will hear the listening passage one time only during the test, so focus and listen carefully.

5. Take careful notes as you listen. Focus on the main points and key supporting material. Avoid writing down too many unnecessary details.

6. Organize your response very clearly. You should have an overall topic statement that states the main point of the passage and details that support the main point.

7. Use transitions to make your response cohesive. Your response is easier to understand if you show how the ideas in your response are related.

8. Stick to vocabulary, sentence structures, and grammatical points that you know. This is not the best time to try out new words, structures, or grammar points.

9. Speak slowly and distinctly. It is better to speak clearly so that you can be understood than to race through your response so that you can say more.

10. Be aware of time. Use the timer at the top of the screen.


For me the speaking section of the iBT is like taking an intensive course in critical thinking skills and presentation. It's very demanding and requires discipline and insight for best results. However the benefits of meeting the challenges involved are considerable and I urge all of you to do your best.

Dave