IELTS Speaking learning path in the shortest time for all subjects

Before planning your IELTS Speaking study route, there are three steps you need to take: determine your level, set your goals, and learn about the Speaking test.

Step 1: Clearly determine your current level

Knowing your current level is the basic condition to determine the next steps on the journey to conquer the IELTS exam. You may fall into one of the following cases, each requiring different goals and study routes.

• Lost foundation, know nothing or only know at a basic level

• Just started preparing for the IELTS exam

• Have been preparing for the IELTS exam but the Speaking score is not high

To accurately determine your level, a reasonable suggestion for you is to take mock tests. You can refer to and register for computer-based IELTS mock tests at IDP.

Take mock tests to know your ability before setting goals

Step 2: Clearly determine your study goals:

After determining your ability and desired IELTS speaking band score, the next step is to set goals. These goals will help you plan an appropriate IELTS Speaking study route, choose study methods as well as speaking study materials correctly. Below are some goals of Speaking learners.

• Improve Speaking to raise the overall score above average (5.5, 6.5)

• Focus on highlighting Speaking skills (may serve work, research purposes...)

• Points to improve in your Speaking skills (vocabulary, grammar, expression, or intonation)

To know how to study IELTS Speaking, you need to know why you have to study first

Step 3: Learn about the IELTS Speaking test

Once you have clear goals, you will officially enter the IELTS Speaking preparation phase by learning about the factors related to the speaking test, including:

• IELTS Speaking test structure: The speaking test consists of 3 parts from easy to difficult.

  • Part 1: Introduction and interview (4-5 minutes)

  • Part 2: Individual long turn (3-4 minutes)

  • Part 3: Discussion (4-5 minutes)

• Time regulations: Ranges from 11 - 14 minutes.

• IELTS speaking scoring criteria: Examiners will base on criteria to score your test.

  • Fluency and Coherence

  • Lexical Resource

  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy

  • Pronunciation

• Common topics: Sports, Traveling, Family, Friend, Hobby, Music… You can learn more through the article Complete set of 30+ latest IELTS SPEAKING topics part 1, 2, 3

Video of the IELTS Speaking test process

Understanding the grammar structure will help you allocate your schedule appropriately and plan an appropriate IELTS Speaking study route. Besides, you can find a companion to practice with and improve your English communication reflexes.

The IELTS Speaking test consists of 3 parts

To master Speaking skills, learners need to practice regularly at each level.

2.1. Warm-up phase

The first phase is for those who cannot communicate, have lost their foundation, or only grasp the basics. The goal of this level is to reach from 0 - 3.0.

Grasping basic grammar and pronunciation is the goal of this phase

Study plan:

>>> You might be interested in: Tips for practicing IELTS Speaking for beginners to achieve high scores

2.2. Target phase:

After having a basic foundation, you need to continue upgrading your IELTS Speaking study plan and goals to maintain your progress. The goal at this time is to reach from 3.0-5.0 points.

Proficient pronunciation, know how to link sounds and use advanced grammar at the 5.0 level

Study plan:

>>> See more: List of 10+ free and paid websites for practicing Speaking

2.3. Breakthrough phase:

A score of 5.0 will help you communicate basically in daily conversations. However, your IELTS Speaking study plan truly aims for a band of 6.5+. This band score will give you an advantage when applying to top universities, studying abroad, or pursuing career goals in English-speaking environments such as multinational companies.

Use words flexibly, speak without stuttering, clear pronunciation, stress, and intonation

Study plan:

There are some notes to make your IELTS Speaking study plan most effective.

• Spend 30 minutes - 2 hours each day practicing and at least 3 sessions a week: It's best to practice speaking daily to make it a habit.

• Practice speaking reflexes through videos and movies: When watching movies or videos, pretend to be a character and repeat their lines with the correct stress and intonation.

Video updates on tips to improve IELTS Speaking skills

• Find a companion to practice speaking and correct pronunciation: If possible, find a native speaker to help you spot mistakes and correct pronunciation.

• You can use AI technology applications to practice and correct pronunciation: ELSA Speaking, Duolingo are useful pronunciation apps that you can use.

• Participate in mock exams: This will give you the opportunity to get used to the feeling and format of the test to increase confidence and identify areas for improvement, both psychologically and in terms of ability. Currently, IDP is a reputable IELTS mock test center for students.

See more:

• Top 9 effective IELTS Speaking practice tips to achieve high scores

• 9 myths about the IELTS Speaking test you shouldn't believe

• 10 tips for the IELTS Speaking test

• 5 tips to help you practice pronunciation for the IELTS Speaking test

Don't forget to find a companion throughout the IELTS Speaking study process

IELTS is a co-founder and organizer of the IELTS test in Vietnam. Therefore, IDP's mock tests always have accurate structure, clear grading criteria, suitable for candidates to place their trust. Additionally, the atmosphere of IDP's mock tests is similar to the real test, helping you get familiar before officially conquering the IELTS Speaking test.

We have just reviewed with you the IELTS Speaking study plan . Hopefully, with the above information, you will have more direction to improve speaking, one of the most practical skills in English.