🎯 Why Pronunciation Matters in IELTS Speaking
Pronunciation is 1 of the 4 criteria (alongside Fluency, Lexical Resource, and Grammar).
It includes intonation, stress, rhythm, and clarity — not just accent!
✅ Top Techniques to Improve Your Pronunciation
🔹 1. Shadowing Technique
What it is: Listen to a native speaker and repeat what they say immediately, mimicking tone, stress, and rhythm.
Practice with:
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TED Talks
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BBC Learning English
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IELTS Speaking samples
✅ Tip: Start with short sentences. Use subtitles first, then turn them off as you improve.
🔹 2. Learn Word Stress and Sentence Stress
Examples:
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‘PHOtograph’ vs. ‘phoTOgrapher’
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Stress important words:
“I WENT to the MARKET yesterday.”
✅ Tip: Use online dictionaries (like Cambridge) to check stress patterns.
🔹 3. Record Yourself and Compare
How to do it:
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Record yourself answering IELTS Speaking questions.
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Compare with a native sample (from YouTube or sample audio).
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Listen for word stress, clarity, pauses, and fillers.
✅ Tip: Use free apps like Audacity or even your phone recorder.
🔹 4. Use Phonemic Transcription
Understanding symbols like /θ/ in think or /ʃ/ in she can boost accuracy.
✅ Tip: Use YouGlish to hear words in real contexts from real people.
🔹 5. Improve Your Intonation
IELTS examiners listen for natural rise and fall in your tone — especially in:
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Questions
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Expressions of surprise or contrast
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Showing emotion
Practice:
Say aloud:
“I really wanted to go, but I couldn’t.” → Stress on but
🎧 Bonus Practice Resources
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BBC Learning English – Pronunciation series
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Rachel’s English (YouTube)
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ELSA Speak (AI-based app for pronunciation training)
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IELTS Liz / Simon Speaking Band 9 Videos
🗣️ Daily Pronunciation Routine (15 min/day)
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Shadowing native audio | 5 min |
| Practice word stress (3–5 words) | 3 min |
| Record & review one IELTS answer | 5 min |
| Speak aloud with a book/news | 2 min |
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