Many IELTS candidates lose valuable marks not because their English is weak, but because they make avoidable mistakes during the Speaking test. While some errors have little impact, others can significantly reduce your final band score.

At our IELTS coaching institute, we see these three mistakes very often. Being aware of them and correcting them early can greatly improve your Speaking performance.

Mistake 1 Speaking Unclearly or Too Softly

Clear pronunciation and confident speech are essential in the IELTS Speaking test. If the examiner has difficulty hearing you, your Fluency and Coherence score will be affected, which can lower your overall Speaking band.

Our advice
Speak clearly and at a natural volume. Maintain comfortable eye contact with the examiner to show confidence, but avoid staring, as this may feel impolite in many Western cultures.

Mistake 2 Giving Short and Undeveloped Answers

The purpose of the IELTS Speaking test is to assess your ability to communicate in English, not to test your opinions. Short answers (just ‘Yes’ or ‘No’) do not give the examiner enough language to evaluate your speaking skills.

Our advice
Always extend your answers. After responding, add one more sentence to explain your reason, give an example, or describe when or where something happens. This helps demonstrate vocabulary range and logical thinking.

Mistake 3 Talking out of Topic

Some candidates lose focus and begin talking about something that is only loosely related to the question. This shows poor task response and affects Fluency and Coherence.

Example
If you are asked whether you prefer tea or coffee, you should not talk about your favourite foods or cooking habits.

Why this is important
Even if your grammar and vocabulary are strong, going off topic can lower your overall Speaking score. Many candidates are surprised to receive a lower band for this reason alone.

Final Guidance from Our IELTS Experts

These mistakes are easy to fix with proper guidance and regular practice. By speaking clearly, extending your answers, and staying focused on the question, you can significantly improve your IELTS Speaking score.

At our institute, we help students identify and correct these issues through targeted speaking practice and expert feedback.

Are you making any of these mistakes? Contact Storm EduGo today and let our experienced IELTS trainers help you achieve your target band score.