If you’re aiming for a high IELTS band score, mastering both the Speaking and Listening sections is crucial. In this blog post, we combine insights from two intensive IELTS prep sessions to give you actionable strategies, practical tips, and motivational examples to help you boost your confidence and your score.

1. Speaking Part 2: Describing a Lucky Time

A common IELTS Speaking Part 2 task is to describe a time when you felt lucky. Success here depends on structure and storytelling. Use the “event breakdown” technique:

• Time: When did it happen?
• Location: Where did it happen?
• Attendees: Who was there?
• Activities: What happened?
• Experience: How did you feel?

Example: One student gave an outstanding response about finding and restoring a damaged Mercedes-Benz. He detailed how he purchased it at a low price, restored it, and resold it for a profit—a true tale of luck and skill. Another student talked about getting her dream job at a yoga studio after a tense interview process.

Pro tip: Use storytelling elements and rich vocabulary. Replace vague words like “totally fixed” with more precise terms like “restored.” Practice full-sentence responses and aim to speak for 90-120 seconds.

2. Listening Parts 3 & 4: Staying Sharp Under Pressure

In Listening Part 3, you’ll often hear a conversation with layered opinions, such as a radio interview. One key example featured a guest debating the “intention theory of art” versus a more subjective view that the audience gives art its meaning.

Strategy:

• Focus on paraphrasing. For example, “a rather radical thesis” might paraphrase to “a very different opinion.”
• Watch out for contrast words like “however,” “conversely,” or “but” as they often signal answers.

In Listening Part 4, expect a monologue on academic topics like history or science. One lecture covered the evolution of road infrastructure from ancient times to future possibilities like high-speed tube travel. Students were asked to connect roads with economic prosperity.

Tips for Part 4:

• Pay attention to chronology (ancient roads → Roman roads → modern subways → future transport).
• Use the process of elimination in multiple-choice and matching tasks.

3. Feedback That Makes You Better

Students who practiced their Part 2 responses and submitted recordings got targeted feedback. Common mistakes included:

• Missing prepositions and articles.
• Incorrect vocabulary like “sold it back” instead of “resold it.”
• Short answers that needed more detail.

Try This: Record yourself answering a Speaking Part 2 task, then ask a tool like ChatGPT to highlight missing words or vocabulary issues. Even better, send your recording to us at speaking@aehelp.com and we’ll grade it for free!

4. Final Words: Stay Prepared and Keep Practicing

The key to high performance in IELTS is consistent practice and detailed feedback. Use every opportunity to speak English before your exam—even chatting with fellow test-takers in the waiting area helps. For listening, train your ear with authentic materials and don’t rely on low-quality practice tests.

For full access to premium IELTS prep, including real practice exams, detailed video lessons, and weekly Zoom classes, visit aehelp.com or gieltshelp.com. It’s a one-time payment for lifetime access.

Keep learning, and good luck with your IELTS journey!