The IELTS Speaking examiner assesses you on four criteria: Fluency & Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range & Accuracy, and Pronunciation. None of these require a native-like accent.
Never answer Part 1 questions with a single sentence. Give 2â3 sentences: your answer, a reason, and a specific example or detail. This demonstrates fluency and keeps the conversation flowing naturally.
Don't write sentences â write keywords only. Structure: Opening â Point 1 â Point 2 â Point 3 â Closing comment. Practice until this structure becomes automatic.
Part 3 questions are opinion-based. Examiners want you to demonstrate range. Don't always agree â sometimes say "It depends on..." or "There are two sides to this..." to show analytical thinking.
When you need a moment to think, use natural fillers: "That's an interesting question...", "Let me think about that for a moment...", "Off the top of my head, I'd say...". Never go silent.