IELTS is a global-level English language exam jointly managed by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. More than 3M people prepare for this test. Its scores are the key to unlocking several opportunities. They follow different methods to master all four sections of the exam pattern. However, some of them mess with the IELTS cue card task of the speaking section. However, the finest IELTS experts advise them to practice with mock tests for their IELTS speaking practice. It will benefit them in many ways. Well, let us understand all about the cue card and how mock tests can help to prepare for it.
What Is an IELTS Cue Card?
The cue card holds a remarkable position in the IELTS speaking section. They help the examiners to know about the thinking and speaking skills of the test takers. They are also known as the IELTS speaking part 2. In this task, test takers get a topic on a card related to describing a person, occasion, time, study or object. However, they have 1 minute to read and understand the topic well to prepare a speech and speak for 2 minutes. It is the most challenging task of the speaking section. Test takers need to work on several skills to answer the cue card. Thus, let us talk about them in the next part.
Skills Required for Acing the IELTS Cue Card
The cue card is an important part of the IELTS speaking section. Examiners look for several skills to award the marks for the IELTS cue card. However, let us explore those skills.
Fluency and Coherence
Firstly, test takers should practice smoothly. They must not take too many pauses while speaking the sentences and ensure that their speech makes sense. It will help them to showcase their English speaking proficiency well on the exam.
Lexical Resource
Secondly, test takers should work on improving their vocabulary for the cue card. This skill helps them use the synonyms of the words and make a flow in a sentence. However, you must know that lexical resources are the most important skill for each section of the exam pattern.
Time Management
Time plays a very important role in the exam. Test takers have 4 to 5 minutes for the IELTS speaking part one, 2-3 minutes for the IELTS cue card and 4–5 minutes for the last part of the exam pattern. However, they should practice to complete the test on time. Due to this, they can secure a good band score easily.
These were some of the best skills for the cue card task of the IELTS speaking section. Test takers follow several methods to prepare for it. However, taking practice tests regularly is the best way to prepare for the speaking section. It will help them to develop all these skills. Let us understand how and why.
How Mock Test Helps to Prepare for the IELTS Cue Card?
A mock test is the best way to prepare for any exam. Aspirants who take regular practice tests get many benefits. However, let us know some of them below. It will help you know why most experts advise the aspirants to take a mock test for IELTS speaking practice for part 2.
Simulate Real Exam Conditions
Firstly, experts take previously asked cue card questions in their mock test papers. In addition, they provide a minute to prepare for the topic and 2 minutes to speak. However, this practice helps the aspirants to know about the paper pattern well and prepare to speak on a variety of topics.
Instant Feedbacks
Today, experts use AI tools like speech recognition to evaluate the scores of the mock test for the IELTS cue card. Moreover, it provides instant feedback for the improvement of the performance. Due to this, they can get their results fast and work on the weaker areas for a better result on the exam.
Making Test Strategies and Build Confidence
As you know, test takers get instant results from the mock test. However, it is the best way to track readiness for the exam and make new strategies to improve the mistakes. It will also help them boost their confidence and get their desired scores.
Conclusion
No doubt, a mock test is the best exam preparation tool. It benefits the test takers in many ways. However, most of them have a common question about where to get such papers for the best exam preparation. Well, the answer is online platforms. Most test takers visit Gradding.com because they offer a variety of preparation services like the IELTS reading practice test papers, speech training for the speaking section and more. Thus, it helps the test takers to develop several skills and build confidence for the exam.