Speaking · Unit 2: Common mistakes
S18: Speaking like an essay
Target band 6.5 to 7
"Firstly, I would like to say that reading has numerous advantages. Furthermore, it enhances one's knowledge. In conclusion, reading is beneficial." This is a Part 1 answer to "Do you like reading?" It sounds like a Writing Task 2 essay read out loud. Many Bangladeshi students speak like this because our schools trained us to write formal English, not speak natural English.
Why this matters
Speaking is a conversation. The examiner wants to hear natural, spoken English. Very formal written phrases can sound stiff and memorised, and they can make your Coherence and your Lexical Resource feel less natural. Spoken English has its own style, and using it well is a sign of a strong speaker.
Written linkers vs spoken linkers
| Written style (avoid in speaking) | Natural spoken style |
|---|---|
| Firstly, ... | Well, the main reason is... |
| Furthermore, ... / Moreover, ... | And also... / Plus... / On top of that... |
| However, ... | But... / Then again... / Having said that... |
| In conclusion, ... | So yeah, ... / So overall, ... |
| Therefore, ... | So... / That's why... |
| For instance, ... | Like... / For example... / Take my cousin, for example... |
| It is evident that... | It's pretty clear that... |
| One's / one should | You / people |
The same answer, two ways
Essay style:
"Firstly, reading is a highly beneficial activity. Moreover, it enhances vocabulary. Therefore, I enjoy reading."
Natural spoken style:
"Yeah, I really do. I mostly read novels, especially thrillers. I find it relaxing after a long day, and to be honest, I think it's helped my English a lot too."
The second answer is simpler. But it sounds more fluent, more personal and more natural. That's what the examiner wants.
Other features of spoken English
- Contractions: I'm, it's, don't, I'd, I've, that's. In speaking, these are normal and natural.
- Personal examples: "My younger brother, for example..."
- Softening words: kind of, sort of, pretty, quite, a bit
- Reactions: "Oh, definitely." "Not really, no." "Hmm, I'm not sure."
Is formal language ever good in Speaking?
In Part 3, some slightly more formal language is fine. The questions are more abstract, so phrases like "I'd argue that..." or "One major factor is..." work well. But even in Part 3, keep it sounding like speech, not like you're reading an essay.
Try it yourself
Rewrite these essay-style answers in natural spoken English.
- "Firstly, I prefer tea. Furthermore, it is healthy."
- "In my opinion, it is evident that technology has numerous advantages."
Possible answers:
- "I'm more of a tea person, actually. I have two or three cups a day. And I think it's a bit healthier than coffee too."
- "I think technology has made life a lot easier. Like, I can pay bills, talk to my family and study, all from my phone."
Honest note
Don't go too far the other way. Slang like "gonna", "wanna" or "dude" isn't needed. The goal is natural, friendly, clear English. Not textbook English, and not street slang.
Your task today
Record answers to three Part 1 questions. Listen back and count any written linkers like "Furthermore" or "Moreover". Replace them with spoken ones and record again.