Mat Clark – IELTS Speaking
93
In the same way as Part One, during Part Two you should be focused on the
following features of language.
Fluency
During a 2-minute talk it is essential to use linking words, linking phrases and
fillers (redundant language).
Vocabulary
Uncommon words and idioms will significantly increase your "Vocabulary" score.
In Part Two try to find words that are directly related to your topic area (most of the Part
One vocabulary from the previous chapter can be used in Part Two). Don't forget to
paraphrase.
Grammar
Whatever you are saying in Part Two, say it with complex sentences and if
necessary use a variety of tenses (see the detailed section on tenses in Part Two).
Part Two does NOT need to be:
Interesting
Some of the best Part Two performances are actually quite boring! Here you must
remember that the examiner has probably heard 1000's of Part Two responses. Even if
your content is genuinely interesting (e.g., you played football with the Chinese National
Team), it will not influence your score in any way.
Original
It does not matter if you describe the same movie that everyone else has described-
the examiner is only listening to how you describe it. In some ways describing the same
thing as other candidates can be work to your advantage-if you are focused on language,
your 2-minute talk will be noticeably better than other candidates.
Familiar
It does not matter if the examiner is not familiar with the thing that you are
describing. In fact, if you describe something unusual or unfamiliar, then you will
probably need to explain or paraphrase. Paraphrasing directly increases your score!
True
Some of the best Part Two performances are lies! Even if the examiner knows you
are lying, this cannot affect your score. Obviously you should avoid outrageous lies, such
as, "Last year I went to the moon with my classmates."
