How to Talk About an Unfamiliar Topic in IELTS Speaking?

Overview of IELTS Speaking Test

The IELTS Speaking test consists of three parts, designed to evaluate your performance based on these four parameters:

• Fluency and Coherence
• Pronunciation
• Grammatical Range
• Lexical Resources (Vocabulary)

Let’s take a quick look at the structure:

• Part 1 : Questions about your family, interests, job/college, birthplace, and similar topics.
• Part 2 : A cue card topic where you get 1-2 minutes to prepare.
• Part 3 : A discussion based on the cue card topic, encouraging you to elaborate and analyze the subject in detail.

Strategies to Handle Unfamiliar Topics

It’s not uncommon to face a topic you’re unfamiliar with during the IELTS Speaking test. Here’s how to tackle it effectively:

1. Be Honest with the Examiner

• Admit if you’re unfamiliar with the topic, but provide a reason. This allows you to demonstrate your grammar, vocabulary, and fluency.
• For example, if asked, “What is your favorite leisure activity?” you could say: “I don’t have any particular favorite leisure activity, but I enjoy watching movies or reading light novels during my free time.”

2. Build a Story

• Construct a story to demonstrate your speaking skills. Ensure your story is coherent and supported with ideas. If you find it difficult to keep up, it’s better to skip this approach.

3. Avoid Long Pauses

• While pausing to think is natural, long silences can negatively impact your score. Keep your responses flowing, even if you’re improvising.

4. Keep Talking

• Silence doesn’t help the examiner assess your language abilities. If you’re unsure about the topic, talk about something related. Stay connected to the given topic and avoid digressions.

5. Utilize the Full Speaking Time

• Elaborate your answers with supporting ideas and speak for the full 2-3 minutes. Brief responses can reduce your score.

6. Minimize Filler Words

• Avoid using fillers like “umm,” “uh,” or “eh.” They suggest discomfort with the language. Practice speaking with confidence to reduce these interruptions.

7. Practice Regularly

• Preparation is key. Review recent IELTS Speaking Part 2 and 3 topics, and practice with friends, family, or mentors. This helps improve your vocabulary and fluency.

Common IELTS Speaking Topics

Familiarizing yourself with common topics can build your confidence. Here are some frequently asked themes:

• Education
• Transport
• Internet
• Childhood
• Environment
• Sports
• Family
• Future
• Birthdays
• Food
• Hobbies