Before the test begins, the examiner will check your identification. For security reasons you will be asked to bring your passport or some other photographic identification. You will be asked to sign your name, which will be matched up with the photograph and signature on your IELTS application form.
The test will then be conducted in five phases, which we will now describe in turn.
Phase 1: Introduction
In Phase 1, the examiner will first introduce himself or herself and will invite you to do the same. You may be asked some general questions about your background, family, home or personal interests.
SKILL Greeting the interviewer and introducing yourself.
Phrases you could use:
Good afternoon. My name is (name) .
Hello. My name is (name) but most of my friends call me (shortened version of name/nickname) . Think about questions that the examiner might ask about the personal information you provided on the application form. With a partner, take turns interviewing each other with questions based on this information. Try to give full and comprehensive answers to each question.
Phase 2: Extended discourse
In phase 2, the interviewer will encourage you to speak for a longer period of time on a familiar topic. You may be asked to speak on topics related to your country, such as customs or lifestyle, and your personal involvement with these. The aim of Phase 2 is to show the interviewer that you can describe something, tell a story, give information or directions or express your opinion without relying on the interviewer to help you through the task.
The idea is for you to talk and give as much information as you can. Do not simply answer yes or no . Remember, the interview should be like a conversation. Do not memorise responses. If you appear to be reciting from memory, the examiner will interrupt and ask a different question.
Before you begin preparing for Phase 2, you may wish to make a list of topics related to your country, culture, lifestyle, personal interests, etc. Once you have completed such a list, form questions that relate to each of the skills for this phase. Think about possible questions that could be asked.
With a speaking partner, practise interviewing and being interviewed. Try to give full and comprehensive answers to each question.
SKILL Providing general factual information.
Questions you may be asked:
What are some important festivals in your country?
What kind of climate does your country have?
What are some of the main industries in your country? SKILL Expressing your opinions and attitudes.
Questions you may be asked:
What do you enjoy about the traditional music of your country?
What do you think are positive and negative aspects of your country s education system?
Would you prefer to live in the city or in the countryside and why? SKILL Describing a place, event or situation.
Questions you may be asked:
Could you describe the village/town/city in which you grew up ?
What happens during (cultural event, such as Chinese New Year/Christmas) in your country ?
Could you tell me how you like to spend your leisure time? SKILL Comparing places, events or situations.
Questions you may be asked:
How is (city where candidate is studying) different from (candidate s home city)?
What is the difference between shopping in (city where candidate is studying) and shopping in (candidate s home city)?
What do you like most about living in (country where candidate is studying)? How does that compare with (candidate s home country)? SKILL You should be able to give directions and instructions.
Questions you may be asked:
Could you tell me, in detail, how you got from your home to the test centre this morning?
If I had to catch a train or bus in (candidate s home city) what would I do?
If I were to meet (an important older person) in your culture, how should I greet them to be polite and show respect? SKILL You should be able to re-tell a story or a sequence of events.
Questions you may be asked:
What happens in (an important festival) in your country?
What is the most embarrassing thing that s ever happened to you?
What did you do when you were preparing to leave (candidate s home country) to come to (country of study)? SKILL Explaining how or why something is done.
Questions you may be asked:
Why do people do what? (referring to something just mentioned)
Could you tell me more about the procedure involved in (the topic under discussion)
How do people celebrate the New Year in (candidate s country)? Phase 3: Elicitation
In Phase 3, the interviewer wants to ascertain how competent you are at gaining information on a given topic.
You will be given a card. On this card will be written a brief outline of a particular situation. The card will state your role and the role of the interviewer. You need to ask questions to find out more information. The card will suggest things for you to ask but these are only given to you as a guide. Do not feel compelled to follow these suggestions if you have ideas of your own.
You are responsible for starting the conversation and, to some degree, developing and directing the flow of dialogue.
To prepare for Phase 3, 0select one of the exercises from the Practice work cards below. Practise asking questions with a partner.
Phase 4: Speculation and attitudes
In Phase 4, the interviewer will converse with you in greater depth on a particular topic. Topics that may be discussed include your plans for the immediate and long-term future and the impact that these may have on you and your family. Your opinion about, attitude towards and reasons for your particular future plans may also be discussed.
The interviewer may not understand or agree with some of your responses. You may be asked to expand or elaborate on some point that you have made, so be prepared for such a response. Being prepared, however, never means memorising set responses.
During Phase 4, the interviewer will allow the discussion to become more complex. He or she may refer to other comments you have previously made so you may have to defend your opinion or give a more detailed explanation of an idea you have already mentioned.
Before you begin preparing for Phase 4, you may wish to make a list of your future plans under the headings of academic, professional, personal and possible conse-quences of these plans. Also, make a list of topics that relate to your personal interests in life as well as a wider rangs of topics relating to your country, profession and specific area of study.
SKILL Discussing your future plans.
Questions you may be asked:
Tell me what you plan to do when you finish your undergraduate studies.
Have you thought about which university you would like to study at and why?
How did you come to choose (a chosen area of study)?
Would you ever like to have your own business? Why or why not? Here are some key phrases you could use:
In the future I hope to
I would like to successfully
complete a foundation course.
a master s degree.
In a few years I intend to
I m planning to graduate from
study at the University of Sydney.
Astoria College.
In two years what I have in mind is to major in
study
explore the area of Psychology.
International Trade.
Marketing.
Within three years I imagine I will receive
complete a BA.
an MA.
an MBA.
a PhD.
SKILL Expressing your feelings, opinions and attitudes.
Questions you may be asked:
What are your thoughts about (controversial issue)?
How would you feel if (a controversial issue) were to happen in the next three or four years?
You seem to support (a controversial viewpoint). Why is this?