Strategy Summary The reason why this strategy is called the ―fluency-based strategy’’ can be
illustrated below.
Your overall answer will look something like this:
1. Linking phrase + prompt + linking phrase + details + connective...
2. Linking phrase + prompt + linking phrase + details + connective...
3. Linking phrase + prompt + linking phrase + details + connective...
4. Linking phrase + prompt + linking phrase + details + connective...
In the marking system, linking phrases and connectives feature heavily in the
fluency scoring and so obviously an answer of this type has an enormous affect on your
―Fluency‖ score.
It is interesting to note that most people only produce 3 or 4 linking phrases in
their whole interview. However, if you use this system you will produce 8 of these in
your Part Two talk alone!
It is also important to realize that the overall structure produces a large amount of
complex grammar structures.
Advice As the author of this book, an IELTS examiner for 5 years and an IELTS trainer
for 6 years, I strongly recommend all candidates to use this strategy in Part Two. It
instantly transforms what is usually the worst part of the speaking test into the highest
scoring part.
Examples of Part Two Using the Fluency Method
Describe an animal that can be found in your country. You should say: What type of animal it is
Mat Clark – IELTS Speaking
108
Where it can be found Whether you have seen it What other people think of this animal. *Preparation Notes Panda Present tense + Past tense)
