Did You Encounter this in Your Speaking Exam? Please Reply

[maria93]

People are normally asked questions about general things and their opinion on those things in IELTS speaking test. Whereas, I was asked about the geography of my country (Pakistan) and its water bodies (lakes, rivers, and all). Given the limited knowledge I have on this, I found it difficult to answer those questions, but made sure to generate ideas around the topic and kept speaking, with correct grammar and good vocabulary, with a few short pauses. It sounded a lot like geography test instead of language proficiency assessment. I mean, I wasn't asked about anything like A gift I had received, habit formation, Kindness extended to me by someone or anything as general as that, but rather the knowledge surrounding my country's geography and hydrology. The score I received on my answers was 6.5. It was conducted by British Council.

Can anyone please tell me why are some candidates asked questions like that, instead of being asked questions about general things that indicate more better the level of your actual spoken conversation skills, fluency, and the ability to successfully carry conversations on general topics? Why such unfairness? Wondering.

Awaiting your replies.

 

[iamhammad]

People are normally asked questions about general things and their opinion on those things in IELTS speaking test. Whereas, I was asked about the geography of my country (Pakistan) and its water bodies (lakes, rivers, and all). Given the limited knowledge I have on this, I found it difficult to answer those questions, but made sure to generate ideas around the topic and kept speaking, with correct grammar and good vocabulary, with a few short pauses. It sounded a lot like geography test instead of language proficiency assessment. I mean, I wasn't asked about anything like A gift I had received, habit formation, Kindness extended to me by someone or anything as general as that, but rather the knowledge surrounding my country's geography and hydrology. The score I received on my answers was 6.5. It was conducted by British Council.

Can anyone please tell me why are some candidates asked questions like that, instead of being asked questions about general things that indicate more better the level of your actual spoken conversation skills, fluency, and the ability to successfully carry conversations on general topics? Why such unfairness? Wondering.

Awaiting your replies.

This is very strange. Topics in speaking are supposed to be general and relevant to everyone.

 

[H0peAndFa1th]

was it your first test ? academic or general test ?

 

[maria93]

This is very strange. Topics in speaking are supposed to be general and relevant to everyone.

I agree. Other candidates were asked similar questions. If this is how British Council conducts the speaking test on some days, I'm afraid people it would lose credibility.

 

[maria93]

was it your first test ? academic or general test ?

It was academic. And even if questions are based on the test taker's module, then the questions should be specific to candidate's academic field.

 

[maria93]

was it your first test ? academic or general test ?

And yes, it was my first attempt.

 

[avlesk]

People are normally asked questions about general things and their opinion on those things in IELTS speaking test. Whereas, I was asked about the geography of my country (Pakistan) and its water bodies (lakes, rivers, and all). Given the limited knowledge I have on this, I found it difficult to answer those questions, but made sure to generate ideas around the topic and kept speaking, with correct grammar and good vocabulary, with a few short pauses. It sounded a lot like geography test instead of language proficiency assessment. I mean, I wasn't asked about anything like A gift I had received, habit formation, Kindness extended to me by someone or anything as general as that, but rather the knowledge surrounding my country's geography and hydrology. The score I received on my answers was 6.5. It was conducted by British Council.

Can anyone please tell me why are some candidates asked questions like that, instead of being asked questions about general things that indicate more better the level of your actual spoken conversation skills, fluency, and the ability to successfully carry conversations on general topics? Why such unfairness? Wondering.

Awaiting your replies.

I took the exam in U.S. It is not unusual for examiners to ask questions about our native place. I was asked to explain about my home town in detail during the first session. At times, it was about the job. What was the exact question that you got in the monologue?

 

[maria93]

I took the exam in U.S. It is not unusual for examiners to ask questions about our native place. I was asked to explain about my home town in detail during the first session. At times, it was about the job.

I took the exam in U.S. It is not unusual for examiners to ask questions about our native place. I was asked to explain about my home town in detail during the first session. At times, it was about the job. What was the exact question that you got in the monologue?

I was asked about similar things in the 1st part. The 2nd part contained these questions: Describe the bodies of water in your country, and that where they're located. Explain in detail the one you like.

Part 3: Again, it was drab, but better than the 2nd part. Related questions followed, like activities associated with water, revenue sources, how one specific activity is done and how commercially viable it is.

It may be that I was not well prepared, since I had not practiced for the speaking module, thinking it would be more like a light, casual, friendly conversation.

What were you asked in the other 2 parts of your test, and what was your module? Also, what was your score on it?

 

[avlesk]

I was asked about similar things in the 1st part. The 2nd part contained these questions: Describe the bodies of water in your country, and that where they're located. Explain in detail the one you like.

Part 3: Again, it was drab, but better than the 2nd part. Related questions followed, like activities associated with water, revenue sources, how one specific activity is done and how commercially viable it is.

It may be that I was not well prepared, since I had not practiced for the speaking module, thinking it would be more like a light, casual, friendly conversation.

What were you asked in the other 2 parts of your test, and what was your module? Also, what was your score on it?

Part 2: Explain an item that you purchased recently. Why did you buy it? What do you like with your purchase?
Part 3: Follow-up on shopping habits and shopping complexes.

I took the general module

 

[maria93]

Part 2: Explain an item that you purchased recently. Why did you buy it? What do you like with your purchase?
Part 3: Follow-up on shopping habits and shopping complexes.

I took the general module

Alright, good luck with everything!

 

[cubbikhyu09]

was it your first test ? academic or general test ?

Hey I remember you have also given 6th Jan 2018 exam, are you attempting IELTS again if yes when?