Mat Clark – IELTS Speaking
99
different grammar. Look at the following topics and think
about the required grammar
content for each.
Describe an object you use every day.
Describe a vehicle that you would like to own.
Describe a happy event in your life.
In Part Two, there are 3 basic tense requirements: some topics need mostly present
tenses;
others need past tenses; others need conditional tenses.
When you
look at your topic card, decide which tenses you need to use.
Example:
1. Describe an activity you enjoyed in an English lesson.
(Mostly past tenses) eg: The teacher asked us to pretend...
2. Describe a place in a city that you know well.
(Mostly present tenses) eg: This place is quite special because it has...
3. Describe a vehicle which you would like to own.
(Mostly conditional tenses and some present tenses for describing).
eg:
If I had a helicopter I would be able to ...
Helicopters are an expensive luxury.
When the examiner gives you paper and pencil for making notes, write down the
type of tense on the paper. In this way when you look at your notes you will be reminded
that you should be using a certain tense and this will significantly improve your grammar
performance during your talk.
Preparation Summary
Remember you only have one minute to prepare so you really don't have
time to write sentences or phrases. The most important thing
to write on your paper is
probably a few vocabulary items and a grammar reminder.
Example: Describe an item of clothing you like to wear.
Pair of jeans
Present tense + Past
tense
designer
brand
trendy
comfortable
Mat Clark – IELTS Speaking
100
Describe a vehicle that you would like to own.
Helicopter
Conditional tense ... I would / could
a luxury
millionaire
If you prepare in this way you are focusing on language and this will have a direct
influence on score.
