IELTS Speaking Section Part II: Showcase Your Storytelling Skills

Jenn Author

Summary: This is Part II of a 3-part Series on the IELTS Speaking Section. Improve your score with simple strategies to ace the long turn, aka Part 2.

Welcome back to the second part of my 3-part series on mastering the IELTS Speaking section. If you missed my last post, no worries! I've got you covered here . This series is designed to give you insights and strategies to earn the highest marks in each part of the Speaking section.

In this blog post, I’ll give you strategies and techniques to help you excel in the long-turn (or Part 2) section of the exam. Get ready to showcase your storytelling skills and captivate the examiner. With these expert tips and a friendly tone, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence to conquer IELTS Speaking Part 2 and achieve your desired score.

Understanding IELTS Speaking Part 2

IELTS Speaking Part 2, also known as the long turn, is an exciting opportunity to showcase your ability to speak at length on a given topic. In this section, you'll be given a booklet or cue card with a topic and have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes. Don’t worry if the examiner stops you; it's a great sign that your storytelling skills are on point, and you are speaking for enough time!

Strategies for IELTS Speaking Part 2

Here are 7 top strategies to help you rock IELTS Speaking Part 2 like a pro!

1. Forget Rehearsed Responses: While it's tempting to memorize elaborate answers, resist the urge! Instead, review common topics and think about your experiences related to them. This way, you'll stay genuine and spontaneous during the exam.
2. Embrace Flexibility: Here's the deal – you must speak for two minutes on the given topic, but the bullet points are mere guideposts, not mandatory speaking points. Feel free to use them if they help you, but don't stress over addressing every single one.
3. Mind the Booklet: Take a good look at the booklet or cue card and grasp the topic's essence. Pay attention to keywords and instructions; they'll guide you in shaping your response.
4. Brainstorming Brilliance: Utilize the one-minute preparation time to brainstorm ideas related to the topic. Create a mind map or jot down key points to steer your storytelling journey.

   Remember, this is your story to tell!

5. The Structure is Your Superpower: Own your narrative with a well-organized structure. Consider starting with an introduction, describing the topic, sharing your feelings, and weaving in personal stories and examples. You can even talk about the past, present, and future – the stage is yours!
6. Connect with Flow: Keep the conversation smooth and engaging by using connectors and linking words. These linguistic gems will keep your ideas flowing cohesively, making your response shine.
7. Storytelling Wizardry: Make your response come alive by inserting relevant examples and personal experiences. Sharing your experience will add depth and authenticity to your storytelling.

Bonus Tip: using practice topics, record yourself on your mobile speaking for 2-3 minutes per topic to get comfortable with speaking fluently and naturally for 2 minutes.

Sample Cue Card and Model Response

Ready for some storytelling magic? Take a look at a sample booklet/ cue card prompt and a model response to get those creative gears turning:

Booklet/Cue Card: Describe a memorable trip you have taken.
You should say: (Remember these are just suggestions)

• Where you went
• Whom you went with
• What you did
• Why it was a memorable trip

Model Response: "One of the most memorable trips I've ever taken was a backpacking adventure through Southeast Asia with my sister. It was an exhilarating journey that allowed us to explore diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unique experiences. The best part? We kicked off our adventure by hopping on a flight from London, which added an extra layer of excitement to our trip. I vividly remember trekking through lush rainforests in Thailand, embracing the vibrant street markets of Vietnam, and marveling at the ancient temples of Cambodia. This unforgettable trip not only broadened our horizons but also taught us the value of embracing new perspectives and cherishing unforgettable moments. Ah, the stories we brought back, lifelong memories that will forever hold a place in our hearts."

There you have it! I absolutely believe that a top score in IELTS Speaking Part 2 is within your reach. With the right strategies, preparation, and storytelling techniques, you can tackle any topic with confidence and ease. So, make a plan and work that plan like a boss! Unleash your storytelling skills and let your language proficiency shine brightly in your IELTS Speaking exam.

And hey, don't forget to check out Part 1 and Part 3 of my series for even more language power-ups! Train smart and ace that IELTS Speaking section!

Ready to level up your IELTS game? Join one of the YEC IELTS courses and finally get the score you deserve!

Wanna boost your speaking confidence? Join a session of the Your English Compass Speaking Series!

Categories: : IELTS, Speaking