IELTS Speaking > 02. Long Turn
The IELTS Speaking Part 2, often referred to as the long turn, is a critical part of the IELTS Speaking test. This section assesses your ability to speak at length on a specific topic, organise your ideas logically, and use appropriate vocabulary and grammar. Understanding the structure and strategies for this part can significantly boost your performance.
What Happens in Speaking Part 2?
In Part 2, the examiner provides you with a task card. This card contains a topic and several bullet points that guide your response. You are also asked to explain a specific aspect of the topic. For instance, the card might ask you to describe a memorable holiday, including details about where you went, what you did, and why it was special.
You will have:
1 minute to prepare. During this time, you can take notes using the pencil and paper provided by the examiner.
2 minutes to speak. The examiner will not interrupt you but will stop you once the time is up.
1–2 follow-up questions from the examiner on the same topic after your speech.
Skills Tested in Part 2
This section evaluates a range of speaking skills, including:
1. Fluency and Coherence:
Your ability to speak continuously, logically, and with clear transitions between ideas.
2. Lexical Resource:
Your range of vocabulary and ability to use topic-specific words and phrases effectively.
3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy:
Your use of a variety of sentence structures with correct grammar.
4. Pronunciation:
Your clarity of speech, stress, intonation, and rhythm.
How to Prepare for the Long Turn
1. Understand the Task Card:
Carefully read the task card to identify all points you need to address. Make sure your speech covers these points.
2. Use the Preparation Time Wisely:
Use the 1-minute preparation time to jot down key ideas and organise your thoughts. Write bullet points or keywords that will help you structure your speech.
3. Structure Your Talk:
A well-organised response typically includes:
Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic.
Details: Address the points on the card in order.
Conclusion: Summarise your talk or share a final thought.
4. Practice Regularly:
Practicing with sample questions is essential. Resources like ieltspro.uk offer valuable task cards and expert feedback to help you refine your skills.
Example of a Task Card and Response
Task Card:
"Describe a book you enjoyed reading. You should say:
What the book was
Who wrote it
What it was about
And explain why you enjoyed it."
Response:
"One book I thoroughly enjoyed reading is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. It's a classic novel set in the southern United States during the 1930s. The story revolves around issues of racial injustice, told from the perspective of a young girl named Scout.
I particularly liked this book because of its powerful message about empathy and moral courage. The characters are incredibly well-developed, and the narrative is both touching and thought-provoking. The way Harper Lee combines a coming-of-age story with serious social commentary made it a memorable read for me."
Tips for a Successful Long Turn
1. Keep Talking:
Aim to speak for the full two minutes. If you finish early, expand your answer by adding details or sharing personal reflections.
2. Follow the Points on the Card:
Address each bullet point clearly, but don't worry if your talk doesn't perfectly follow the order.
3. Use a Variety of Vocabulary:
Incorporate descriptive words and phrases relevant to the topic. For instance, instead of saying "It was nice," you could say, "It was an unforgettable experience."
4. Stay Calm:
It's normal to feel nervous, but preparation and practice will help. Remember, the examiner is assessing your speaking skills, not judging your opinions.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
1. Running Out of Ideas:
If you run out of things to say, use examples or anecdotes from your personal experience to elaborate.
2. Hesitation and Pauses:
Practice speaking continuously, even if it means paraphrasing or repeating a point in a slightly different way.
3. Struggling with Vocabulary:
Build a strong bank of topic-specific vocabulary by reading and listening to a variety of materials.
Final Thoughts
The IELTS Speaking Part 2 is your opportunity to demonstrate your ability to speak at length on a given topic. With practice and strategic preparation, you can deliver a confident and well-structured response. For more tips, sample questions, and expert guidance, visit ieltspro.uk. This platform offers tailored resources to help you excel in all aspects of the IELTS test.