The IELTS exam in the UAE includes four main sections that candidates must pass to assess their level of skills in English. The exam starts with the listening and reading section, where the candidate must accurately understand conversations and texts. This is followed by the writing section, which requires participants to write two texts, a short essay and a letter or report. Then comes the speaking section, which assesses their ability to speak and verbally interact. The exam concludes with the reading section, which tests the ability to read and understand a variety of written texts. Speaking skills are assessed in the fourth part of the exam through three sections: introduction and presentation, stimulus topic, and discussion. Candidates are advised to prepare well for the exam using official resources and participating in preparatory lessons tailored to the exam to enhance their understanding and improve their performance during the exam. In this article, we will discuss developing and improving Speaking Skills in the IELTS Test in the UAE

The speaking section in the IELTS Test in the UAE:

The speaking section in the IELTS test in the UAE aims to measure your abilities in verbal English communication. Your ability to participate in a conversation with two designated exam interlocutors is evaluated:

• Personal Interview (Part 1): In this part, you will talk to the interlocutor about general personal topics such as hobbies, work, and family. You will be asked questions like “What is your favorite hobby?” or “Do you prefer living in the city or the countryside?” You need to answer the questions directly and logically and express your opinions and personal experiences.
• General Conversation (Part 2 and Part 3): In these parts, you will give an extended talk on a specific topic. You will be provided with a card with the speaking topic and have a short time to prepare. After that, the conversation with the interlocutor will be about the given topic. Questions in this section may include analyzing problems, discussing opinions, and predicting the future.

Evaluation is based on a set of criteria in the speaking section, including:

• The ability to express ideas clearly and explain them.
• The ability to listen and interact effectively with the interlocutor.
• The ability to use grammar and vocabulary correctly and appropriately.
• The ability to manage time and conduct the conversation in an organized manner.
• The ability to think critically and employ ideas and information provided.

It is advisable to practice real exams for the speaking section, listen to IELTS conversation models, work on improving general oral skills, and allow sufficient time for preparation and practice.

Distribution of Grades in the Speaking Section of the IELTS test in the UAE:

In the speaking section of the IELTS test in the UAE, performance is evaluated based on specific criteria and converted into grades. The grades in the speaking section are distributed on a scale from 0 to 9, where the grade is determined based on performance in several aspects. Here is an overview of the potential grade distribution:

• 9 points: A score of 9 is among the highest possible scores and indicates an exceptionally excellent and professional performance in the conversation. This level requires an outstanding ability to express oneself and communicate with confidence and without errors.
• 8 points: A score of 8 is an excellent grade and indicates a very strong performance in the conversation. This grade reflects the ability to express oneself confidently and accurately and interact effectively with the interlocutors, using a diverse range of grammar and vocabulary appropriately.
• 7 points: A score of 7 is a good grade and indicates a good performance in the conversation. This grade reflects the ability to express ideas clearly and explain them, listen and interact effectively with the interlocutors, and use a good variety of grammar and vocabulary.
• 6 points: A score of 6 is an acceptable grade and indicates an average performance in the conversation. This grade reflects the general ability to express oneself and interact with the interlocutors in a limited way, however there may be some errors and hesitation in using grammar and vocabulary.
• Less than 6 points: Scores less than 6 are weak grades and indicate an unsatisfactory performance in the conversation. There may be difficulty in expressing oneself and communicating effectively and using grammar and vocabulary correctly.

Please note that this distribution is just a general guidance and may vary based on the examiner’s evaluation and criteria set for each exam session. It is advisable to train and practice well before the exam to achieve the best possible performance in the speaking section.

What are the speaking skills in the IELTS test in the UAE?

The most important speaking skills in the IELTS test in the UAE include:

•         Fluency and coherence when speaking: The ability to speak fluently without long pauses or repeating words such as “uhm”.
•         Linguistic accuracy: Using grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary correctly.
•         Use of appropriate discourse markers to link ideas such as “moreover” and “however”
•         Responsiveness and interaction: The ability to understand questions and respond in a way that reflects good understanding.
•         Presenting appropriate opinions, comments and clarifications.
•         The ability to start and end a conversation in a polite and effective way.

  . Using appropriate communication phrases such as “Could you   explain more?”

Review of Oral Skills in IELTS

The oral skills evaluated in the IELTS Speaking section include:

• Fluency and Coherence: The ability to speak fluently, without excessive pauses or hesitations, and to organize ideas coherently.

• Vocabulary and Lexical Resource: The range and accuracy of vocabulary used, including the ability to use appropriate and varied expressions, collocations, and idiomatic language.

• Grammar and Syntax: The accurate and appropriate use of grammatical structures, verb tenses, sentence structures, and complex sentences.

• Pronunciation: The clarity, intelligibility, and accuracy of pronunciation, including the ability to produce sounds, stress, intonation, and rhythm correctly.

• Interactive Communication: The ability to engage in a discussion, listen actively, respond appropriately to the examiner’s questions, and ask for clarification if needed.

It’s important for candidates to practice these skills by engaging in mock speaking tests, improving their vocabulary and grammar, and seeking feedback from experienced tutors or language partners. Regular practice and familiarity with the test format can help candidates feel more confident and perform better in the IELTS Speaking section.

Developing Effective Speaking Skills

Here are some useful tips for developing effective speaking skills:

– Practice speaking regularly in front of a mirror to improve body language and facial expressions.

– Record yourself and review the recordings to identify areas for improvement. Focus on pace, tone of voice, and emphasizing key words.

– Read books and articles aloud to enhance public reading skills.

– Join a toastmasters club for practice with public speaking.

– Record yourself during a presentation rehearsal and review it to pinpoint areas for improvement.

– Learn effective time management techniques for delivering presentations.

– Emphasize positive body language such as standing upright and using appropriate gestures.

Depending on your needs and current level, you can implement these practices and strategies for improving speaking skills in the IELTS test in the UAE. It may also be beneficial to work with a coach or take specialized IELTS preparation courses to get direct guidance and feedback.

The Role of Elmadrasah.com Platform in Developing Speaking skills in the IELTS Test in the UAE

The Elmadrasah.com platform plays an important role in assisting candidates and students in developing Speaking skills in the IELTS Test in the UAE

• Providing specialized training courses to develop English speaking and listening skills according to IELTS exam standards.
• Using modern teaching methods such as virtual conversations with trained teachers to simulate the actual exam environment.
• Organizing group conversation sessions between learners themselves under teacher supervision to exchange experiences.
• Providing learners with many IELTS-specific educational videos and audio clips to enhance their skills.
• Providing the opportunity for continuous practice through a huge question and interactive exercise bank on the e-learning platform.

Thus, the Elmadarasah.com platform contributes effectively to elevating learners’ Speaking skills in the IELTS Test in the UAE.