IELTS Speaking: How to Sound More Fluent in Part 2
Introduction
In IELTS Speaking Part 2, candidates are asked to speak for one to two minutes about a given topic. Many test takers feel nervous when they run out of ideas after just 30–40 seconds. But fluency doesn’t mean speaking faster. It means speaking smoothly, clearly, and logically — without long pauses or hesitation. Here are three practical strategies to help you sound more fluent in Part 2.
1. Use Linking Phrases
Fluency comes from connecting your ideas, not just producing words quickly. Linking phrases like “One reason is…”, “For example…”, “Another point is…” give your answer a natural flow. They also give you extra thinking time without awkward silence.
👉 Example: “One reason why I enjoyed this trip was the people I met. For example, I became friends with two other students from my class.”
2. Describe in Layers
If the cue card asks you about a person, place, or event, don’t stop after a basic description. Build your answer in layers:
- Appearance/Details: What does it look like?
- Feelings: How did it make you feel?
- Personal connection: Why is it important to you?
👉 Example: “The park was very green and peaceful. I felt relaxed because it reminded me of my childhood. It’s important for me because it’s where I spend time with my best friend.”
3. Fill Thinking Gaps Naturally
It’s normal to need a few seconds to think. Instead of going silent, use short fillers to keep speaking. Phrases like “That’s an interesting question,” or “Let me explain why…” buy you time while keeping your fluency strong.
👉 Example: “That’s an interesting question… I think the best holiday I had was when I visited my aunt in London.”
Mini Practice Activity
Choose any object in your room — a book, a phone, a photo. Imagine it’s your cue card topic. Speak for 2 minutes, focusing on:
- Using linking phrases
- Adding layers of detail
- Using fillers when you need thinking time
Record yourself and check if your answer sounds smooth.
Conclusion
Improving fluency for IELTS Speaking Part 2 doesn’t happen overnight, but with daily practice and the right strategies, you’ll notice fast progress. Remember: fluency is about flow, not speed.
👉 For more practice with real exam questions and expert feedback, check out our IELTS Course.
