Before Speaking

1. Generating Topics and Questions
During IELTS Speaking test preparation, one of the biggest challenges learners often face is finding suitable topics and questions for additional practice beyond available sources such as the Cambridge books. Current AI algorithms can assist with this. Tools like ChatGPT or Perplexity.ai are capable of generating a wide range of topics and questions similar to those that may appear in the actual IELTS exam. This allows learners to easily explore and practice various topics, thereby improving their ability to formulate answers naturally and flexibly.

Example 1: You can ask Perplexity to suggest a complete IELTS Speaking test.
Prompt 1: Generate mock test questions for Part 3 of IELTS Speaking, based on the most current IELTS topic pool.

2. Building Vocabulary
Using rich and accurate vocabulary is a key factor in achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test. AI tools are powerful assistants for learners building their English vocabulary, as they can generate lists of topic-related words, provide guidance on how to use them in sentences, offer pronunciation, and indicate their proficiency level. Learners can even request vocabulary at advanced levels such as C1 or C2. This helps expand their lexical range and enables them to use words effectively and appropriately in real-life communication and exams.

Example: You can use ChatGPT to suggest vocabulary for a specific topic, along with usage examples, pronunciation, and level.
Prompt: Generate some vocabulary for IELTS, topic Cafe/Restaurant, with columns for Vietnamese translation, definition, example sentence, IPA pronunciation, and level (A1 to C2), including at least 4–5 words at C1 or C2 level.

3. Suggesting Expressions and Generating Ideas for Answers
AI can also provide learners with suggestions for developing ideas and sample answers for specific questions. This helps learners improve their ability to organize ideas logically and coherently, enabling them to express themselves more confidently and accurately.

Example 1: You can ask Notion AI or any AI tool to develop ideas for specific questions. Below is an outline for three IELTS Speaking Part 2 questions suggested by Notion AI.
Prompt 1: Generate key ideas for the three questions above.

Example 2: Ask Gemini to generate detailed answers based on given ideas for IELTS Speaking Part 2.
Prompt 2: Generate an answer for IELTS Speaking Part 2 with the following details:

• Topic: Describe a time when you were excited about a future event.
• What was the event? Why were you excited? What happened when the event finally came?
• Key ideas:
  • Event: Graduation ceremony
  • Reason: Completion of studies, celebration with friends
  • Outcome: Memorable speeches, emotional farewells
    Gemini answer: Gemini answe

After Speaking

1. Checking Pronunciation with AI Pronunciation Checker
One way to apply AI is by checking pronunciation using speech-to-text technology. If AI tools can accurately recognize each word you say, it indicates that your pronunciation is relatively good. This tool helps learners practice, monitor, and improve their pronunciation, ensuring clear and understandable communication.

Example: You can use Languageconfidence.ai to generate a sentence, read it aloud, record it, and receive detailed pronunciation feedback.

2. Evaluation and Scoring
In addition to pronunciation checking, AI is highly effective in evaluating coherence, vocabulary range, grammatical range, and grammatical accuracy. By analyzing responses, AI algorithms can provide detailed feedback on idea organization, lexical richness, and sentence complexity. Based on this analysis, AI can also give an estimated band score for reference.

Example: Ask ChatGPT to evaluate a response based on IELTS Speaking band descriptors for a sample Band 7.5 answer.

3. AI Suggestions for Improving Grammar and Expression
Beyond scoring, AI tools are extremely useful for improving grammar and expression. By analyzing your speech, AI can suggest paraphrases to make your answers more varied and sophisticated. It can also identify common grammatical errors and recommend appropriate corrections. This helps improve both accuracy and fluency in speaking.

Example 1: Use Copy.ai to improve and paraphrase a Part 2 answer.
Prompt 1: Please help improve this IELTS Speaking Part 2 answer by paraphrasing or generating more ideas.
Copy.ai answer:

Example 2: Use Google Gemini to identify weaknesses in the same answer.
Prompt 2: List out all the flaws of this answer for IELTS Speaking Part 2.