Lindsay McMahon
"The English Adventurer"

Are you afraid of being asked an unfamiliar question in the IELTS speaking section? Find out what to do in this situation!

Today, Lindsay and Jessica tell how NOT to handle it, and give you two tips on what you can do to unfreeze!

What happens if you get to the speaking section of the IELTS and the examiner asks you a question that you don’t know the answer to?

First, DON’T ask the examiner to switch topics!  They can’t do that for you.  So whatever question you are given, you must give some kind of answer even if you are feeling shy or confused.

Here are Jessica’s tips on what you can do so you don’t freeze:

Make something up! As said in a previous podcast, IELTS doesn’t care about the truth of your idea, only about your English.  Think of anything in your life that relates to the subject so you can answer the question.

Prepare for an unfamiliar topic: Memorize a phrase like, “I apologize, but I’m unfamiliar with that topic.”  Then you can answer the question by discussing how little you know about it, and why.

Go here to learn more about scoring for each section of the IELTS exam.

Are you prepared for the speaking section of the IELTS?

Tell us if you’re ready, and what you still need help with, in the comments section below!

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