IELTS Speaking & Pronunciation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In which part of the Speaking test does the examiner ask abstract, discussion-style questions?
- Part 3 (Correct answer)
- Part 1
- Part 2
- The introduction
Correct answer: Part 3
Part 3 involves a deeper, two-way discussion on themes linked to Part 2.
Question 2: What are 'fillers' such as 'um', 'er', and 'you know' an example of?
- Hesitation markers that can reduce fluency (Correct answer)
- Advanced vocabulary
- Linking devices
- Grammar structures
Correct answer: Hesitation markers that can reduce fluency
Overusing fillers signals hesitation and can lower the fluency score.
Question 3: Which is the best example of a discourse marker for adding contrast?
- On the other hand (Correct answer)
- First of all
- For example
- In conclusion
Correct answer: On the other hand
'On the other hand' signals a contrasting idea, aiding coherence.
Question 4: Intonation in English refers to which feature of speech?
- The rise and fall of the voice (Correct answer)
- The number of words spoken
- The accuracy of grammar
- The size of your vocabulary
Correct answer: The rise and fall of the voice
Intonation is the pattern of pitch changes across an utterance.
Question 5: If you make a small grammar mistake mid-sentence, what is usually the best approach?
- Correct it briefly once and keep speaking (Correct answer)
- Stop and restart the whole answer
- Repeat the sentence three times
- Apologise repeatedly to the examiner
Correct answer: Correct it briefly once and keep speaking
A quick single self-correction shows awareness without harming fluency.
Question 6: Which strategy best helps you speak for the full 2 minutes in Part 2?
- Use the cue card prompts to structure your answer (Correct answer)
- Speak as fast as possible
- Memorise an unrelated script
- Repeat the same sentence
Correct answer: Use the cue card prompts to structure your answer
The bullet points on the cue card guide a well-organised, full-length response.
Question 7: Pronouncing the 'th' sound as in 'think' requires placing the tongue where?
- Between or just behind the teeth (Correct answer)
- Against the roof of the mouth
- At the back of the throat
- Behind the lower lip
Correct answer: Between or just behind the teeth
The 'th' sound is dental, made with the tongue near the upper teeth.
IELTS Speaking & Pronunciation 3
In which part of the Speaking test does the examiner ask abstract, discussion-style questions?