High-Scoring IELTS Speaking Phrases with Detailed Examples

IELTS Speaking is one of the four essential components of the IELTS exam, and many candidates consider it the most challenging. Unlike Reading or Listening—where you simply select the correct answer—Speaking requires you to interact directly with the examiner, demonstrating comprehensive language proficiency: pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, confidence, and, most importantly, the ability to use language in a flexible and natural way.

One of the key factors for achieving a high score is Lexical Resource. However, simply “having a large vocabulary” isn’t enough. You need to know how to select the right phrases, collocations, and idioms to make your responses more fluent, natural, and persuasive. This is your “secret weapon” for boosting your band score from 6.0 to 7.0–8.0+.

In this article by ECE English, you will find a comprehensive guide ranging from basic to advanced phrases, categorized by situation and IELTS Speaking Part, complete with specific illustrative examples. Additionally, the article outlines how to choose phrases based on your target band score and strategies to avoid “rote memorization.”

1. Lead-in phrases in Speaking to make a good impression

A good answer often begins with a smooth lead-in rather than a blunt response. The following phrases will help you “warm up” with confidence:

• Let me tell you about…

EX: Let me tell you about my hometown. It’s a small but vibrant city in central Vietnam.

• One thing that comes to mind is…

EX: One thing that comes to mind when I think about holidays is my trip to Da Nang last year.

• Well, if I had to choose, I’d say…

EX: Well, if I had to choose, I’d say my favourite subject in school was English, because it opened many opportunities for me.

• The one who stands out is…

EX: In my family, the one who stands out is my grandmother, because she has the most fascinating stories.

• I’m going to tell you about…

EX: I’m going to tell you about my best friend, who has been with me since childhood.

👉 Note: Don’t repeat the same phrase in multiple answers. Vary your language to show flexibility.

2. Phrases for expressing opinions

When giving personal opinions

• In my opinion,…

• From my perspective,…

• I firmly believe that…

• It seems to me that…

• As far as I’m concerned,…

Example:

• From my perspective, online learning has both advantages and drawbacks, but overall, it offers more flexibility.

When agreeing with an opinion

• I couldn’t agree more.

• Absolutely, you’re right about that.

• That’s exactly how I feel.

• No doubt about it.

Example:

• I couldn’t agree more that protecting the environment should be a global priority.

When disagreeing or countering an opinion

• I’m afraid I have to disagree with…

• I see your point, but I think…

• I don’t share the same opinion as…

• I’m not entirely convinced by…

Example:

• I see your point that technology can be distracting, but I think it also provides enormous educational benefits.

When remaining neutral

• On the one hand…, on the other hand…

• There are two sides to the question…

• While admitting that…, one should not forget that…

Example:

• On the one hand, studying abroad gives students valuable experiences; on the other hand, it can be financially challenging.

3. Useful phrases for each part of IELTS Speaking

Part 1 – Getting to know you (Personal questions, hobbies, daily life)

Characteristics:

• The examiner asks short questions about basic information (family, hometown, hobbies, habits, etc.).

• Answers should be concise and natural; avoid being too brief, but don’t ramble.

• Phrases here mainly help you start naturally, express feelings, and maintain the flow of conversation.

Useful phrases:

👉 Introducing yourself

• I’m originally from [place], but currently I live in…

• I graduated from [university] with a degree in…

• I’m employed as a…, I currently work in the field of…

👉 Talking about hobbies and habits

• In my free time, I usually…, One of my favourite pastimes is…

• I’m particularly interested in…, I find joy in…

• I have a strong passion for…

👉 Describing frequency

• I always…, I often…, I sometimes…, I rarely…

• Once a week…, Every day…

👉 When unsure

• It depends…, I’m not really sure…, I guess…

👉 Buying time

• Well, let me think…, That’s a good question…, You know…

Topic-based examples:

• Family: I’m originally from Hue, but I’ve been living in Hanoi with my family for about five years now.

• Hobby: In my free time, I enjoy reading novels. One of my favourite pastimes is exploring detective stories because they keep me engaged.

Part 2 – Long turn (Speaking for 1–2 minutes on a topic)

Characteristics:

• You are given a cue card, have 1 minute to prepare, and must speak continuously for 1–2 minutes.

• You need an introduction, body, and conclusion, while using phrases to maintain flow and develop ideas.

Useful phrases:

👉 Starting your talk

• I’d like to begin by introducing…

• The one I’d like to tell you about is…

• Today, I’m excited to share my experience about…

👉 Developing and adding ideas

• First and foremost…, Another important point is…

• It’s worth mentioning that…, Let me elaborate on that…

• When it comes to…, As for…

• This reminds me of…

👉 Expressing personal views

• Personally, I feel that…, From my perspective…

• It seems obvious to me that…

👉 Speculating/Possibility

• It is possible that…, I suppose…, I guess…

👉 Connecting ideas, avoiding repetition

• Furthermore, in addition, besides that…

• For instance, for example, particularly…

👉 Concluding your talk

• To sum up…, Overall, I think…, That’s all I’d like to share.

Topic-based examples:

• Describe a memorable journey:

The one I’d like to tell you about is my recent trip to Japan. First and foremost, what impressed me was the hospitality of local people. Another important point is the stunning scenery, especially Mount Fuji. To sum up, it was one of the most unforgettable experiences in my life.

• Describe a person you admire:

Today, I’m excited to share about my high school teacher. She was the one who encouraged me to study English. As for her personality, she was kind and dedicated. Overall, she has inspired me a lot in my learning journey.

👉 Tip: In Part 2, phrases provide a “skeleton” for a coherent talk. However, don’t just memorize them; personalize your examples to make your talk authentic.

Part 3 – Two-way discussion (In-depth discussion with the examiner)

Characteristics:

• Questions expand on Part 2, involving social analysis and comparison.

• Answers should include a thesis, reasoning, examples, and a conclusion.

• Phrases here help you “simulate” an academic style while remaining conversational.

Useful phrases:

👉 Starting your answer

• That’s an interesting question…, I’m glad you brought that up.

• This is a topic that really matters nowadays…

👉 When you don’t know much about the topic