Customer service. It’s what makes up the basis of everything Centennial College’s IELTS Test Centre does — whether you’re taking the computer delivered IELTS at two of our Scarborough locations or opting for IELTS on paper at any of our six locations. Part of that customer service is wanting candidates to feel prepared when they enter the exam room.
To help you feel confident, we asked long-time IELTS Speaking Examiner Peter Beamish about everything from navigating your preparation to understanding what is asked of you during the examination.
IELTS Practice Makes Perfect
Centennial College (CC): As a Speaking Test examiner, what advice would you give to candidates to help them achieve success?
Peter Beamish (PB): My advice would be to focus on three areas. First, you want to familiarize yourself with the test procedures. Second, understand the Speaking Band Descriptors. These are the set of assessment criteria that the examiner uses to rate your speaking performance. To do this, you can use online resources. Lastly, implement relaxation and positive thinking strategies.
CC: Let’s start with test procedures. Why is it important for candidates to be familiar with them?
PB: Following the procedures can make or break a candidate's chances of success. Candidates need to be aware of the timings of each of the three parts, as well as the different emphases in the three parts. Candidates should also be aware that examiners are following a strict timeline and should also not be shocked if the examiner interrupts or cuts them off.
IELTS Speaking Topics
CC: In terms of the Speaking Band Descriptors you mentioned, how would you demystify the language?
PB: At first glance, the Band Descriptors (Public Version) chart can be overwhelming. There are four skill areas, nine band scores, and multiple bullet points for each band. Candidates need to understand key words in the Band Descriptors such as paraphrase, discourse markers, collocation, subordinate structures, or pronunciation features. This way, they will better understand how they are being evaluated, and areas where they need improvement. Explanations and examples of these terms may be found in online materials at ielts.org.
Final IELTS Preparation
CC: Are there any online IELTS study resources that you would recommend?
PB: My first recommendation to candidates would be to access the Centennial College IELTS Test Centre site. There, you will find information about the IELTS masterclass, blogs, and much more. I would also highly recommend that candidates check out ielts.org for practice exams and other support materials.
CC: Do you have any more suggestions for how candidates can show their "best self" on the day of their exam?
PB: Start with a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast. Other strategies that have been shown to increase candidates’ confidence, and help them achieve success in the exam, are relaxation strategies such as deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and visualization. Finally, the power of positive thinking should not be discounted. A candidate with a positive attitude can often think more clearly and is thus more productive.
Centennial College has six testing locations to choose from. Don’t forget, if you’re looking to take the IELTS in Scarborough, our Progress and Ashtonbee campuses both offer the option of computer delivered IELTS.
Include Peter’s tips in your preparation and then register for your exam.