Common Mistakes on the IELTS Speaking Exam
Many international students take the IELTS Academic exam as part of their university application process. It’s designed to test all four skills—listening, reading, writing and speaking—and includes assessing your ability to paraphrase, discuss a range of topics, and demonstrate your overall understanding and use of English in an academic context.
The speaking section often feels like the most daunting part for students. That’s completely understandable. But remember, the examiner wants you to do well (unless they’re secretly evil… but they’re not. Really. They’re lovely).
Here are some of the most common mistakes students make in the speaking test—and how to avoid them:
1. Giving one-word answers
A classic. The examiner needs enough language from you to assess your vocabulary, grammar, fluency, and pronunciation. So if they ask, “What do you enjoy doing in your free time?” and you reply, “Basketball,” you’re not giving them much to work with. Try expanding your answer:
“I enjoy playing basketball in my free time. I usually play on Monday and Wednesday evenings after my classes, and I often play with my flatmates.”
This kind of response gives the examiner something to actually assess—and shows off your ability to form sentences, link ideas, and use topic-specific vocabulary.
2. Taking too long to respond
Some students freeze when faced with a topic they’re not familiar with. Fair enough—but remember, IELTS speaking questions are usually general and don’t require deep subject knowledge. You’re not being tested on your honesty, either. If you have no opinion on a topic, feel free to borrow one—maybe from a friend, a family member, or even Batman if you like.
The examiner just wants to hear your English. That’s it. Using imagined opinions or examples can help you extend your answers and sound more confident.
3. Ignoring the prompt in Part 2
In Part 2, you’re given a topic card with a few bullet points to guide your answer. It might say something like:
Describe a book you’ve recently read. You should say:
– What the book is called
– What it’s about
– Why you decided to read it
– And explain what you liked or disliked about it
You get one minute to prepare and up to two minutes to speak. Use the prompts to structure your answer and try to cover all the points. Don’t just waffle about one aspect and ignore the rest—it’s a missed opportunity to show your range.
4. Overthinking grammar instead of speaking naturally
Worrying about getting every verb tense perfect can trip you up. Of course, grammar matters—but fluency is just as important. If you make a small mistake but keep talking confidently, the examiner is unlikely to penalise you heavily. If you panic and stop mid-sentence, that’s more of a problem. Speak naturally, keep going, and don’t let a slip throw you off. Mistakes are normal for native speakers too, you know.
5. Using memorised answers
Examiners can spot rehearsed responses a mile off. If you’ve memorised a script about your favourite holiday destination and try to force it into a question about your local area, it won’t do you any favours. Practice is great, but flexibility is key. Learn useful phrases and sentence patterns, yes, but don’t try to recycle whole answers.
Final thoughts
The IELTS speaking test isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing that you can communicate clearly and naturally in English. So listen carefully to the questions, give full (but not rambling) answers, and don’t be afraid to show a bit of personality. Be prepared, stay calm, and remember—no examiner has ever turned into a fire-breathing dragon halfway through Part 3.