This is the IELTS Energy Podcast, episode 1559 how to give yourself a second chance on IELTS speaking.
Welcome to the IELTS Energy Podcast from All Ears English downloaded more than 35 million times, with examiner trained IELTS whiz, Aubrey Carter and Lindsay McMahon, the English adventurer.
If you are stuck with a low score, our insider method will help you get the score you need to unlock your dreams.
Get your estimated band score now with our two minute quiz at allearsenglish.com slash my score.
You know that high-level vocabulary boosts your score.
But how can you correct yourself if you forget and say a simple term?
Find out what to do today.
You already speak English, but does it sound the way you want it to?
Do you understand conversations but hesitate when it's time to jump in?
Do you know what to say, but the words don't come out naturally?
Do fast conversations still make you feel a little unsure of yourself?
If that sounds familiar, you may be stuck.
This year, it's time to upgrade your English from good enough to powerful.
The All Ears English B2C1 bundle helps you speak clearly, confidently and naturally in real conversations.
Plus, you'll be invited to our weekly speaking club to put what you learn into action.
You can save up to $200 this week only, but the offer ends soon.
Go to allearsenglish.com slash B2C1.
That's allearsenglish.com slash B2C1.
Hey there, Aubrey.
How's it going?
I'm great, Lindsay.
How are you?
Good.
What are we talking about on the show today?
Well, I have a question to start us out.
I'm curious.
What do you do if you realized that you used the wrong word during a conversation?
That's a great question.
So typically I might just say, oh, I mean this, or I will correct myself usually.
And maybe smile, laugh.
It's a pretty lighthearted thing.
Right.
It's no big deal.
This happened to me recently on the podcast.
I think I was recording with Michelle and I said, this word has a certain collocation.
And then I was like, connotation, collocation.
It took me a second.
Connotation.
It happens all the time.
Right.
And it's going to happen on the IELTS exam.
You just need to know what to say, how to handle it and to not let it throw you off.
A hundred percent.
And I wonder if that's what, is that what we're getting in today, into today?
Yes, we got a great question on YouTube about this that we're going to answer.
And we're going to get into some details because there's strategy involved here as well.
Nice.
All right.
So I'm going to read the question.
This is from our YouTube channel.
Guys, don't forget IELTS Energy has its own YouTube channel.
So go over there if you want to watch us on video and hit the subscribe button.
So this is what Mauro9748 asked us.
Hey, Aubrey and Lindsay, what if I say a band six word during the exam, realize it and then right away rephrase it with a higher band one?
Does it count?
Thanks.
Ooh, such a good question.
Yes.
So we are going to answer this today.
And the first thing to know, is that, yes, this can improve your vocabulary score.
If you say a word and then immediately say a band nine synonym.
But it can actually hurt your fluency score if you say this in sort of a weird, unnatural way.
Because sometimes we will sort of stack adjectives but we won't always just like immediately say a synonym.
But there are ways to do this that can keep your fluency scores high.
So we will show you that today.
Oh, I'm so excited to get into this.
We have never had a question like this before.
And I can tell that Mauro has been watching our channel, right?
Listening to our show and learning about the importance of choosing high level band nine words, not band six words, right.
Exactly.
Absolutely.
Guys, don't forget to hit the follow button right here on IELTS Energy.
Again, whether you're on YouTube, you can hit subscribe, or if you are on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, you can just follow.
Okay.
Okay.
Yes, exactly.
And this is so interesting.
I'm really glad we're going into this, because this happens a lot that the first word that comes to mind is more common is when you hear all the time is band six or even lower.
And then you immediately think of a better synonym.
Ooh, I want to use that.
So how can we do that?
Right.
So first of all, Talking about rephrasing low scoring words like, yes, you can do this.
Natural self-correction is actually part of your score.
It's right there.
Examiners listening for this because natives native speakers do this.
We sort of naturally self-correct.
But the trick is to do this in a natural way.
Like we said, instead of just like saying another word out of the blue.
Right.
So we have to do it naturally rather than just paraphrasing and adding the more impressive word.
We have to make it feel real the way we do it.
Right, Aubrey?
Exactly.
So there are phrases we use.
This is the strategy is to have these phrases that we use when we're going to add another word, or when clarifying or adding emphasis.
And all of that boosts your fluency and coherence score.
So we're going to teach four of these today.
And for each we're going to give you like an example of a sentence or two that might be in a band six answer.
And then how you would use this phrase to boost that to band seven or higher.
Yeah, I'm previewing the phrases today and I love these.
These are fantastic.
So let's go into the first one.
The first one is kind of the more basic one, right?
Right.
And what is this, Aubrey?
Yeah.
So this is, I mean, we say this a lot.
So, for example, If Lindsay, if you were asked to describe a city that you have visited, what would be a band?
Six example
If you say a word and then think of a new word, give us that example.
So this is how we'd get a band six.
I visited Paris last year.
It was a very nice city.
Stunning.
It was a stunning city.
The architecture was magnificent and the streets were so charming.
Yes.
So this is so interesting because Stunning is a higher scoring word.
And I can see someone saying it's a very nice city and then immediately thinking why did I say nice?
I know so many better words and then wanting to say stunning.
And this is my this might be how you would do it.
Right.
Unfortunately, the fluency score could be hurt here because now we're repetitive fluency.
Now we're sort of stuttering.
It's more clear that we're like trying to come up with the vocabulary.
So now, Lindsay, give us a band, a seven or higher example with basically the same answer.
OK, so here's what it sounds like.
I visited Paris last year.
It was a very nice city.
I mean, it was absolutely stunning.
The architecture was magnificent and the streets were so charming.
Yeah.
Nice.
So this is interesting because we'll say this.
Very naturally, natively, if we say something and then we're like, we want to emphasize.
I mean, it was absolutely stunning.
Right.
And so it's not just saying like, oh, I've thought of a better word.
Right.
Like this is a natural sort of way of self-correcting.
Yes, I love it.
So natural.
So it doesn't feel, again, it doesn't feel like you're coming up with that better word.
And especially a city like Paris for a question like this.
I mean, nice for the word for the city of Paris.
Come on.
We need better words.
Absolutely.
All right.
Number two here, and I like this one, is to say, in fact, it's downright.
So you say one word and then you want that higher scoring word.
You can say, in fact, it's downright.
And then you use that other word, that other adjective.
So I'll give the examples here, Lindsay.
What is a question that I could answer?
All right.
So what is your favorite type of music?
Okay.
First with the band six example, I really like pop music because it's fun and catchy.
I know what you're doing there, right?
Right.
I said fun and I'm like, oh, I know a better way to say that.
I love it.
And what would it look like if you were to give a band seven or higher example?
OK, so I could say I really like pop music because it's fun.
In fact, it's downright catchy.
Wow.
And this is a really good fluency score, right?
There's no hesitation.
There's no just thinking of a synonym.
Instead, we're using this very natural expression to self-correct and also just add more impressive exaggerated vocabulary.
Okay, so that one again is, in fact, it's downright X, right?
Yep.
And our next one is really good.
It sounds wordy, but it's really high level, right?
So here's what it is.
I'd even go so far as to say it's X, right?
Exactly.
This is even going to give you points for like idiomatic language.
This has to be used word for word.
It's a chunk that we would use, right?
We say one thing and then we realize that's not strong enough.
We say this whole chunk.
I'd even go so far as to say it's and then we add the more impressive word.
Yeah, this really gives you a second chance, right?
And so here's the question.
You want to ask me the question?
Sure, Lindsay.
Okay.
What type of films do you enjoy?
Action movies.
I really like the movie Inception.
The story was good.
Jaw-dropping.
Yeah, very awkward, disjointed.
Yeah, you can see how you said good and you're like no, I know better words to describe good movies.
And so then you just throw in jaw dropping.
And I just jammed in the word.
So instead, let's use this chunk and let's hear a band seven or higher example, Lindsay.
Okay.
Action movies.
I really liked the movie Inception.
The story was good.
I'd even go so far as to say it was jaw dropping.
Wow.
So much better.
So natural.
Better.
Exactly right.
Really natural.
A phrase that's less common band nine because students don't know to use it.
So and perfect if you think of a new word and you need this in your pocket to use it to say it.
Yeah, so good.
And there is, believe it or not, there's a fourth, right?
And that is what, Aubrey?
It is well more accurately, which is a great way to then say it more, because usually those band name words are more specific.
So it's like you're being more accurate with your description, right?
So for example, give me a question, Lindsay.
Okay, here's the question.
Do you prefer spending time alone or with other people?
I don't really like, I abhor spending time alone.
So you can see how I said like we tell you, don't say I like, I don't like.
There are so many higher scoring words.
So then I thought of abhor and I just crammed it in there.
Yeah.
I mean, at least you said I again, right?
So it's a little less jamming it in, but still it's awkward.
It's disjointed.
There's a pause.
It doesn't work for your fluency coherence, right?
Exactly.
So here's a better example.
I don't really like spending time alone.
Well, more accurately, I abhor it.
I'm a total extrovert and I love to be surrounded by people.
So you can see instead of just throwing in that other word, I'm giving a reason to say it.
I'm trying to be more accurate, more descriptive.
Yeah, wonderful.
Perfect.
I love this.
It's so it's just, again, what we're trying to do is replicate real life speech on the IELTS exam.
That's what the examiner is looking for.
And that's why this will help your score, right?
Exactly.
Yeah.
Fiscally responsible, financial geniuses, monetary magicians.
These are things people say about drivers who switch their car insurance to Progressive and save hundreds.
Because Progressive offers discounts for paying in full, owning a home, and more.
Plus, you can count on their great customer service to help when you need it.
So your dollar goes a long way.
Visit Progressive.com to see if you could save on car insurance.
Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and Affiliates.
Potential savings will vary.
Not available in all states or situations.
Okay.
So let's do some more examples here, Aubrey.
We have a part one example question.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Let's do two part ones.
You ask me one and then I'll ask you one.
And we're going to use these phrases to add sort of interesting vocabulary that we would think of as we go.
Okay.
Here we go.
I'll ask you the first one.
Do you like eating fast food?
Well, I do eat fast food occasionally because it's just so quick and easy.
I mean, sometimes I'm really pressed for time and have no other options.
However, I try to eat meals that are more nutritious, like salads and grilled dishes, instead of burgers and fries all the time.
So you see that I had thought of pressed for time as, like a more impressive way to say they're quick and easy.
I'm like, oh, the band six words I'm using.
And I think of pressed for time.
And then I want a way to naturally say that.
So I can say, I mean, sometimes I'm pressed for time.
And really, I'm saying the same thing again.
Yeah.
And that's okay.
That is exactly what native speakers do.
Right, Aubrey?
Right.
As long as it's new vocabulary in a natural way like this, then it makes sense.
Your fluency score would not go down here.
100%.
All right.
I'll ask you one, right?
Okay.
Yeah.
Lindsay, how often do you cook at home?
Even though it's difficult, well, more accurately, it's a huge pain.
But in spite of that, I try to cook at home most of my nights.
I admit that sometimes I rely on ready-made meals, usually that I picked up at Costco when I'm short on time.
I wish I loved cooking, but I don't.
I'd even go so far as to say it's just not my jam.
Oh, nice.
You've got two of them here.
I love this, right?
So first, you had said it's difficult.
And immediately, oh, band six, difficult.
I could have said that better ways.
And you think it's a huge pain instead of just immediately saying that, which would seem disjointed.
Use this.
Well, more accurately, it's a huge pain.
And that is higher scoring.
It's more like slang.
This is part one.
That's perfect.
It's more informal and less common.
Yep.
And then in the second piece, I got another one in there.
So really pushing up my score.
I said, I wish I loved cooking, but I don't.
Kind of simple.
I mean, some grammar there, but it's pretty simple.
And I could see you immediately thinking like I know interesting ways to say I don't like something.
Yeah, I should have used one.
It's an opportunity.
This is a second chance here.
And then I said, I'd even go so far as to say it's just not my jam.
Right.
Perfect.
Yes.
Love it.
Love it.
Yeah, this is awesome.
I love this question.
I'm so grateful that this listener sent it in.
Thank you, Mauroa.
And I'm glad you now have these phrases to be able, like you said, Lindsay, it's a second chance.
That's a perfect way to think about it.
It's not too late.
If you think of that vocab, use one of these to add it in a very natural way.
I love it.
And guys, as we're finishing up today, go and check out another episode.
That would be 1558 band nine speaking vocab for disappointment.
We talked about situations that we've been disappointed in.
If we get that question, how can we really knock the examiner socks off and get that high score?
Absolutely.
That was a two-part series.
Scroll up, if you missed it, with vocabulary for impressive luxurious experiences and then also disappointing experiences.
Yes.
Love it.
Good stuff today, Aubrey.
I'll see you back on IELTS very soon.
You have a good day.
You too.
See you next time.
All right.
Bye.
Thanks for listening to IELTS Energy.
Hit subscribe now, and don't forget to find your estimated band score at allearsenglishcom.
Slash my score.
