Page 33 - ELG1803 Mar Issue 455

RESOURCES . REVIEWS & RESOURCES

Find their inner chatterbox

In the first of a three-part series about preparing classes for Ielts, teacher-
trainer Rod Smith offers some useful advice on how to help students navigate
the speaking test

preparatory classes is one they share 2 Explain the format of the 4 Identify the most effective
he initial challenge for teachers
unaccustomed to running Ielts
solutions without being
Twith their students: overcoming lack speaking test overly rigid
of confidence and developing the ability to It is extremely important for Ielts teachers In Part 1, the strategy most likely to be effective
express ideas with clarity. Nowhere is this to explain the format of the speaking test will include extending short responses by
more important than in the most unique and the different demands each of its three adding one or two relevant facts and not
aspect of Ielts: the speaking test. It is essential parts will make on a test-taker’s speaking resorting to lengthy pre-rehearsed speeches. In
here not to forget the basics. ability. Teachers should reinforce the main Part 2, effective brainstorming, vocabulary gap
characteristics of each part. First is the short and note-taking techniques will stand you in
Here are five important tips for teachers conversational format of Part 1, then the ‘long good stead. In Part 3, it is important to develop
to bear in mind: turn’ of Part 2, where a test-taker is required skills such as hedging and delaying tactics to
to speak for two minutes on a given subject, ‘buy more time’ without drying up in the face
1 Test taker nervousness is the and finally Part 3, a conversation with the of challenging questions. This is simply a useful
test-taker whereby the examiner will gradually
summary of the most prominent strategies likely
first problem to address
introduce more abstract issues involving
in each part of the test. It is not an exhaustive
the ability to express opinions, different to be successful in dealing with problems faced
Test-takers are understandably nervous at perspectives and future possibilities. list, nor a rigidly compartmentalised approach.
the prospect of a spoken interaction with an It is important for teachers to be aware of both
examiner, so it is important for teachers to the universal relevance of skills development
emphasise that Part 1 of the speaking test is 3 Problems should be extracted, as well as demonstrating a willingness to adopt
designed to put them at ease. not dictated new strategies as the occasion demands.
In this part of the test, test-takers are
required to give basic personal information, a The challenges of each of the three parts of the
practice that they should be well-accustomed takers themselves rather than laid down by the 5 Stay within the context of the
speaking test should be described by the test-
to. Part 2 then moves into a short speaking test
conversational exchange in a question-and- teacher. It is important that everyone’s voice
answer format, dealing with topics ranging is heard in order to establish a foundation The primary goal of any Ielts test-taker is to
from hobbies and interests to such things of classroom trust and individual support achieve the score they need for success. The
as environmental concerns, media issues or on which speaking skills can be successfully techniques a teacher employs in the classroom
travel experiences. Again, all these topics developed. The most common problems to must be seen by his or her students as always
will be familiar emerge will be fear of not having enough to aligned to this objective. For this reason, it is
and none will say, lack of vocabulary, not understanding important that speaking activities are performed
require specialist an examiner’s questions and insufficient within the context of the Ielts speaking test. By
knowledge. By knowledge or interest in a topic. Teachers will keeping this consideration uppermost, teachers
emphasising need to supplement these issues to ensure are far more likely to develop confident
these points, a that all the main problems faced by test-takers speakers who feel well prepared.
teacher will be are covered. They will also need to note any
doing much to difficulties individuals might be having, so that Rod Smith is an ELT author and
an Ielts teacher trainer, editor,
alleviate undue strategies for dealing with problems are seen to and materials developer with the
nervousness. be relevant to the whole class. British Council.
32 March 2018