English for Exams Karen Kovacs

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Then listen again and repeat. Make sure you do not add vowels before or between the
consonant clusters.
IELTS Speaking Exam: Part 3
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Listen to the Part 3 questions. Answer them, aiming for accurate pronunciation of any
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difficult consonants or consonant clusters.
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Now listen to the sample answers. (See also Track 35, page 109.)
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Speaking for IELTS

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Exam techniques: Giving yourself time to think
Unit 5
Listen to a candidate talking to the examiner during the exam. What language does she 
use to give herself time to think?
Now read Track 36 on page 110 and underline the language she uses.
Exam tip: Although you should not overuse language such as um and er, using 
such language is not a sign of 'bad English'. All native speakers make use of these 
strategies.
You can also use whole phrases to give yourself time to think:
That's a tough question.
That's an interesting question.
It's very difficult to know for sure, but I think/perhaps/it's possible ...
Play Track 36 and listen to the examiner's question again. Respond using one of the 
phrases above.
Listen and underline the language the candidates use to contradict the examiner politely 
[see also Track 37, page 110).
To be polite, you must use polite language together with polite intonation. Listen again 
and imitate the speakers' intonation.
You may want to confirm what the examiner says. Read the exchanges below and 
underline the language the candidates use to do that.
Examiner: 
Are social networking sites the most popular way for young people to 
communicate with each other?
Candidate: 
Yes, they certainly are. It's no doubt because it is free and simple . . .
Examiner: 
Are you saying that more and more people are texting to keep in touch? 
Candidate: 
Precisely. It is fast becoming the most popular means of communication ...
Language and communication 
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