Strategies to prepare the second part of the speaking effectively

Strategy 1: Use the 1-minute preparation time

For one minute, you are allowed to consider your lengthy turn remarks. Take notes on the subject you were given during this time. Until the examiner requests that you begin your long turn, continue writing.
Describe something you own that is highly valuable to you. You should say:
i. Where you got it from
ii. how long you have had it
iii. what you use it for
and explain why it is important to you.
Each task card will include three bullet points, a final question, and a topic that you must describe.The final question and the three bullet points should be noted by you.Tip is to draw a cross on the paper and take four sets of notes, or draw lines that divide your note paper into four columns, and these are easy ways to get started. You have time to jot some notes concentrating on the work card’s inquiry words—where, how long, what, and why—because this will take roughly 4 seconds.

Strategy 2: Speak with a normal speech rate, not too fast, not too slow

Because they are nervous, some test-takers speak fast at the outset of their lengthy turn. With nothing further to say, they abruptly stop. The examiner, who is watching the timer, will wait for the test-taker to continue if only a minute or so has passed. If they don’t, they will be asked if they have anything else to add. This is an obvious indication to continue talking about the subject. This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to talk extensively on a subject, so the examiner will listen to you quietly.Start out at a steady speed that is neither too fast nor too slow. Start your conversation with a sentence you’ve learned, such as “Today, I would like to describe… to you,” if it helps you relax.
Breathe between sentences; this will help with your pace and will also help with your stress and rhythm.
Don’t worry if you stop; there are some helpful hints. We employ these techniques on a daily basis to conceal the fact that we are unsure of what we want to convey. Politicians frequently do this, so pay close attention to what they have to say! As you continue to communicate logically, these pointers will help you sound more fluid.

1. Use stalling phrases (What else can I say about that, Well, another thing that I can remember is…)
2. Refer directly to your task card; read out the prompt, changing the structure as you read it (and…what did I use it for, Well, that’s interesting, I actually used it for…)
3. If the examiner is pausing and waiting for you to keep speaking, acknowledge that you still have more time left (Oh, I still have more time left! Well, to describe my piano in more detail, it is quite large and…)
4. If the examiner asks you if you have anything more to say, always say ‘yes’ and then continue speaking.
5. Avoid fillers (eh…, uh…, em…, er…) as they are meaningless and show that you are struggling to produce language and ideas.
6. Use hesitation devices to show that you can use a wider range of cohesive devices and can think logically (well, let me think, let’s see, it was a long time ago but…, another thing I remember about it was…, that reminds me about another time that I..).
7. Make sure you build your vocabulary using mind maps, so you can easily think of the right words to describe your topic.

Strategy 3: Organize your long turn

It’s a good idea to begin your speech at the beginning of your point and then go logically to the conclusion of your lengthy turn. Use linking devices (and, so, but, or) and discourse markers (sadly, actually, nevertheless, for example, consequently, at that time) to demonstrate to the examiner that you can organize your thoughts. Your lengthy turn will be simple to listen to thanks to these gadgets since it makes sense and is sensible.Make use of your task card as a reference. Keep in mind that there are always four topics to discuss, each of which can be explored in a different way. You will constantly be asked to describe what you are going to say using question words. Therefore, begin by offering a comment about the subject at the outset, and then proceed to each bullet point.
Introduce your long turn by paraphrasing the topic:

“Today, I’m going to talk about something that I own that is really important to me. It’s my piano, an upright piano which was made in Germany. It’s a beautiful colour, dark mahogany and is still in very good condition.”

Begin with the first bullet point and proceed logically from there.

a) Even though I said the piano was made in Germany, I actually got it in Ireland. It was so long ago, I don’t really remember the exact place where I bought it. It was probably in a popular music store in Dublin, where I lived at the time. It was a pretty major purchase as I had to save up for quite a few years to afford it. When I was younger, I was a music student at university, so I was keen to continue playing the piano, in order to have a nice pastime at home.
b) As I mentioned, I have had it for a long time, possibly 33 years, or maybe more, a life-time! Even though I migrated from Ireland to Australia, I paid to have it shipped over, it was definitely worth the expense. The piano has been moved from house to house since then and always takes pride of place in my home.

c) What do I use it for? Well, obviously to play music. I’m not as good on the piano as I used to be, because unfortunately I don’t practice enough. As they say, practice makes perfect, and I am definitely not perfect. I really need to play it more often, but life gets in the way.

d) It is very important to me because it’s something I have had for my entire adult life. I was very proud that I had saved enough money to buy it, so I really wanted to make sure I kept it. My children have learned how to play the piano, so it has been well used. Hopefully, some day, I will teach my grandchildren how to play it as well.

Strategy 4: Practice makes perfect

It’s crucial to practice your long turn so you can talk for two minutes about a subject you know well.You will see that the above example is almost exactly two minutes if you record yourself reading it. Your speech rate is too sluggish if it takes a lot longer. Keep in mind that after the two minutes are up, the examiner will intervene. You have successfully spoken for your long turn, so don’t worry if you haven’t finished what you were trying to say.

Individual Long turn Practice

Note paper, pencil, recorder, and timer (cell phone) are required as material for practising

1. Select a topic from the list.

2. Set your timer for three minutes—one minute for preparation and two minutes for your turn.

3. Make notes about the subject in the first minute.

4. Try to speak for two complete minutes once you begin your long turn on the second minute.

5. As you listen to your audio, listen for pauses, hesitations, fillers, and breaks.

6. Practice all three themes again until you are able to speak normally for the entire two minutes.