IELTS Speaking Starters

Do you sometimes feel stuck and don’t know how to start? One solution to your problem is ‘starters’.

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Reading Time: 5 – 6 Minutes

In the IELTS speaking test, “starters” refer to the phrases or expressions you use to introduce your answers or thoughts during the exam. These starters help you sound more natural.

Using starters in the IELTS speaking test offers several benefits, including:

 

Clear Organization

Starters help organize your thoughts and clearly present them, making it easier for the examiner to follow your ideas.

Fluent Expression

Using appropriate starters allows you to express yourself more fluently and coherently, contributing to a better overall impression of your language skills.

Time Management

Starters can buy you some time to think about your answer, especially when faced with a challenging question.

Improved Coherence

They help create a logical flow between your ideas, improving the coherence of your responses.

Enhanced Vocabulary

Using a variety of starters demonstrates your ability to use different vocabulary and language structures, which can positively impact your score.

Confidence Boost

Utilizing starters can help you feel more confident during the speaking test, as they provide a sense of structure and preparedness.

 

10 starters to use in IELTS speaking

Using interesting phrases to start your responses in the IELTS speaking test can make your answers stand out and demonstrate your fluency. Here are some examples:

 

1. Well, that’s an interesting question!

“Well, that’s an interesting question. I like watching films about nature. I feel that there’s so much I can learn.”

• This starter demonstrates that you enjoy discussing the topic.

2. The memory is still fresh in my mind

“The memory is still fresh in my mind. My parents used to take me to a nearby park, and I would play there for hours. Looking back, I had a very happy childhood.”

• Use this starter when you remember something clearly.

 

3. It’s one of those things that you never forget.

“It’s one of those things that you never forget. It was a terrible flight due to bad weather. I’m just thankful we landed safely.”

• Like the previous starter, this one shows that you have not forgotten something that happened a long time ago.

 

4. The first thing that comes to mind is . . .

“The first thing that comes to mind is all the rubbish people make every day. I think that’s the cause of pollution.”

• This starter indicates that something is the most important thing to you.

 

5. In my experience, . . .

“In my experience, doing sports really helps reduce anxiety and boost mood.”

• Use this starter to share a first-hand experience you had.

 

6. Where do I even begin?

“Where do I even begin? I’ve loved painting and art in general ever since I was a kid.”

• This starter is used when you have much to say about a topic.

 

7. My perspective on that is . . . 

“My perspective on that is it must be controlled. You cannot have tourists freely doing whatever they want in natural places. That’s just going to cause damage.”

• Use this starter to give your personal opinion.

 

8. The way I see it, . . .

“The way I see it, texting is a better option compared to calling someone, especially if you don’t like long conversations.”

• This starter is also used to express your own view.

 

9. This is a topic I could discuss for hours.

“This is a topic I could discuss for hours. I believe TV shows are getting worse. They are not entertaining or educational anymore.”

• With this starter, you will show that you can talk a lot about the topic.

 

10. I’m glad you asked! In my opinion, . . . 

“I’m glad you asked! In my opinion, social media is a useful tool to educate people about the dangers of smoking.”

• Finally, this starter shows the examiner that you are interested in talking about the subject.

 

These phrases not only help you start your answers more creatively but also give you a moment to collect your thoughts and organize your response. Overall, incorporating starters into your IELTS speaking test can help you deliver more effective responses, ultimately leading to a better performance and potentially higher scores.

 

In conclusion

Achieving a high score in the IELTS speaking test relies heavily on a candidate’s ability to demonstrate natural English communication. Providing answers with a smooth flow, and appropriate vocabulary is crucial to conveying your thoughts effectively and convincingly. At IFI, we understand the significance of natural English in the IELTS speaking test, and our classes are designed to help you develop these essential skills. Through our interactive sessions, you will learn and practice various techniques while receiving valuable feedback from our experienced instructors. With our comprehensive approach, you will gain the confidence and ability to provide natural English responses, ultimately setting you on the path to success in your IELTS speaking test.

 

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