Practicing IELTS Speaking with a Partner: Do’s and Don’ts

Achieving a high IELTS band score—especially aiming for 7.5 or above—demands focused preparation across all sections. For many, the Speaking section can be a challenge, but practicing with a partner can be a game-changer. It provides a realistic simulation of test conditions, builds confidence, and helps improve fluency. However, to make these sessions effective, it’s essential to know what works and what doesn’t. Here’s a guide on how to maximize your IELTS Speaking practice with a partner for the best results.

Why Practicing with a Partner Helps You Achieve Higher Scores

Practicing with someone else offers several advantages over solo prep:

• It mirrors real test conditions, complete with the unpredictability of live conversation.

• You’ll sharpen your conversation skills, especially in thinking on your feet.

• You’ll get immediate feedback on areas that need improvement.

If you’re serious about a high score, consider enrolling in a crash course for IELTS. These courses add structure, expert tips, and resources to your study sessions.

The Do’s of IELTS Speaking Practice with a Partner

1. Pick the Right Partner Choose someone as committed to scoring high as you are. Ideally, they should:

   • Have a strong command of English, ideally at a level similar to yours or higher.

   • Know the IELTS format and scoring criteria.

   • Be open to giving and receiving constructive feedback.

2. This makes each session more productive and targeted toward the proficiency level required for top scores.

3. Simulate Real Test Conditions Emulate the test environment by:

   • Timing each part of the Speaking test (Part 1: 4–5 minutes, Part 2: 3–4 minutes, Part 3: 4–5 minutes).

   • Using clear, formal language as you would in an actual IELTS interview.

   • Avoiding interruptions; practice staying focused even after making a mistake.

4. This approach reinforces test timing and patterns, especially if you’re also taking a crash course for IELTS.

5. Focus on Specific Weaknesses After each session, analyze your performance with your partner. Target key areas such as:

   • Fluency and Coherence: Did you answer smoothly and logically?

   • Vocabulary: Were you able to use a varied and appropriate vocabulary?

   • Grammar: Did you employ a range of sentence structures accurately?

   • Pronunciation: Was your intonation natural, and did you stress words correctly?

6. Identifying and working on specific areas helps you progress faster, especially with the structured guidance of an IELTS crash course.

7. Record and Review Sessions Recording your sessions lets you track progress and catch recurring mistakes. Focus on:

   • Reducing filler words like “um,” “uh,” or “you know.”

   • Using a variety of sentence structures.

   • Listening for pronunciation issues, especially with tricky sounds and rhythm.

8. Regularly reviewing these recordings will give you a clearer idea of where to improve, helping you move closer to that 7.5 score.

The Don’ts of IELTS Speaking Practice

1. Don’t Neglect Pronunciation and Intonation Many overlook pronunciation, focusing only on vocabulary and grammar. Avoid:

   • Speaking in a monotone. Varying your intonation helps your speech sound more natural.

   • Misplacing word stress, which can make it harder for the examiner to understand you.

2. Recording and listening to your own enunciation can help you polish these areas.

3. Don’t Memorize Answers Memorized responses often sound stiff and unnatural. Examiners can spot this and may lower your score. Instead:

   • Practice formulating responses on the spot to get comfortable thinking in English.

   • Focus on structuring answers logically without relying on pre-prepared phrases.

4. In an IELTS crash course, memorization can be tempting but prioritize genuine, fluid responses over rote answers.

5. Don’t Ignore Feedback Feedback can feel challenging, but it’s essential for improvement. Avoid dismissing it or getting defensive. Instead:

   • Take notes on feedback, particularly on recurring issues.

   • Set specific goals to address these areas before your next session.

6. Acting on feedback consistently will help you refine your responses, bringing you closer to a high band score.

7. Don’t Skip Parts of the Test Each part of the IELTS Speaking test serves a unique purpose. Don’t just focus on Part 2 (the long turn) or only practice certain topics. Instead:

   • Practice all three parts of the test to ensure comprehensive preparation.

   • Cover a wide range of topics, from personal questions (Part 1) to opinion-based and abstract topics (Part 3).

Tips for Making the Most of Your Practice

1. Set Clear Goals for Each Session Define specific targets for each session, such as:

   • Aiming to speak with fewer pauses to improve fluency.

   • Expanding vocabulary for a particular topic.

2. Incorporate New Vocabulary and Grammar To reach higher scores, challenge yourself to use a wide vocabulary and diverse grammar structures:

   • Use newly learned words and practice them in context.

   • Experiment with complex sentence structures, like conditionals or passive voice.

3. Reflect on Your Progress After each session, take a few minutes to note what went well and what needs work. Reflecting on each practice session helps you internalize improvements and adjust your approach. Over time, you’ll see significant progress in your Speaking proficiency.

Conclusion

Practicing with a partner can significantly improve your Speaking skills, helping you reach your target IELTS score. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can make every session more productive and focused on genuine progress. Consistency, realistic practice conditions, and an openness to feedback are crucial. Whether you’re in a crash course for IELTS or studying on your own, these strategies will bring you closer to achieving a 7.5 or higher.

With a strategic approach and dedicated practice, you’ll boost your confidence and be fully prepared for test day. Good luck on your IELTS journey!