As you may already know, your English proficiency is a combination of your strengths in the four different skill areas: Reading, listening, writing, and speaking. They are all very different skills, but mastering them all will increase your IELTS score. 

If you struggle with fluency when you speak English, then this blog is for you. Read this blog to learn different methods to improve your English fluency. It will help you get a Band 7 or 8 in IELTS Speaking Test if you do everything right.

How to Become a Fluent English Speaker Faster

Method 1: Learn English contractions

Contractions are shortened words that use an apostrophe to combine two words into one. Understanding the proper use of contractions can help you master the English language.

For instance, if you combine “is” + “not” to form “isn’t,” you remove the “o” from “not” and replace it with an apostrophe.

In general speech, contractions are considered a sign of great English fluency, exerting confidence in listeners about the person using them. So when speaking English, use contractions to make every conversation sounds fluid and seamless.

Use contractions like I’m or I’d in your IELTS Speaking test and you’ll sound more fluent.

So…

1. say I’m not I am
2. say I’d not I would
3. say I’ve not I have
4. say isn’t not is not
5. say wouldn’t not would not
6. say haven’t not have not

Method 2: Balance vocabulary and fluency

This is perhaps the biggest problem for many people – lack of vocabulary. Non-native English speakers tend to pause a lot because they can’t find the right word to express their ideas. 

If you do pause like this then you will lose points for fluency in the IELTS test. If you use “incorrect” words or repeat words too much, you may lose points for vocabulary. So find a balance where you keep speaking and still use different words. To build your vocabulary and ultimately fluency, you should:

1. Read an English newspaper daily
2. Use new words in everyday language
3. Watch English movies
4. Listen to English songs
5. Play vocabulary games
6. Write new words and sentences in a journal
7. Get a thesaurus and dictionary

Method 3: Try speed reading

Fluency is defined as the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and proper expression. With the speed reading technique, you can increase the number of English words you are able to read and speak per minute. To become a speed reader and improve fluency, you should:

1. Time yourself while reading a paragraph out of a book or other text. 
2. Read quickly for 30 seconds without missing key information.
3. Try the next paragraph a bit faster.

Reading quickly takes practice. The more you practice, the better you get at listening, reading, and speaking English during the IELTS test.

Method 4: Use the LRRC method

LRRC stands for “Listen, Repeat, Record, Compare.” It works like this: You find English audio. You listen to it and then repeat. You record your version and then compare it to the original. Make changes to the way you speak and keep on recording yourself until you get to the original version.

Method 5: Get speaking practice

One of the most common questions IELTS candidates often ask is: how can I get more speaking practice? Here is what you can do:

1. Practice with a native speaker or with a friend who has a higher level of English proficiency than you.
2. Join a language exchange club where you can meet people who are native English speakers. You can have conversations with them and improve your English speaking faster.
3. Try online English learning courses or classes to practice better, every day.

Conclusion

Just like your first language, the pace and continuity in your speech determine your fluency. Shorten your journey to English fluency by using the right methods. Try the aforementioned methods to become a fluent English speaker. Then you’ll be ready to take the IELTS test.

When you feel you’re ready to take the IELTS test, book your seat in advance. Visit the IELTS AOLCC website to select the ideal test dates. You can book the IELTS test centres for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests in Kingston, London, Brampton, and Mississauga. At IELTS AOLCC, you will get high-quality audio equipment to ensure a smooth IELTS listening test experience. You can get faster IELTS test results in just 3-5 days. To learn more, contact IELTS AOLCC at ielts@aolccollege.ca. 

‘Til next time… happy learning, y’all!