IELTS Speaking Strategy 1: When you don't know or can't remember a word in English
Are you afraid of forgetting how to say a word in English or not knowing the word you want to say during your IELTS Speaking test?
Did you know that native English speakers also forget or don’t know some words in English?
Learn these strategies used by native English speakers to help you communicate effectively!
Strategy 1: describe the function or purpose
Formula: used for + gerund (+ing) / used to + infinitive
Examples:
It’s used for removing food from pans.
It’s used to remove food from pans.
Strategy 2: use who, what, when, where, etc.
Examples:
It’s a doctor who treats eye diseases. (an ophthalmologist)
It’s what we do when we sleep and we breathe in a very noisy way. (snore)
It’s a place where there are many shops. (a shopping mall (US) / a shopping centre (UK)
Strategy 3: use a kind of, a sort of, a type of
Examples:
It’s a kind of bird that is black and white and can’t fly. (a penguin)
It’s a sort of shirt without sleeves. (a vest)
It’s a type of house that is very large and expensive. (a mansion)
TIP: Don’t just end the conversation with the examiner or change the subject when you can’t remember a word or you don’t know the word you’re looking for in English! Use these easy strategies to communicate effectively and boost your IELTS score!