An important part of MET is the speaking section. Whether you’re a student or a professional, building your speaking skills is essential. While it can feel difficult, it doesn’t have to be. Here are ten tips to help you prepare for the MET speaking section.
1. Review the Format
Learn the format and types of tasks you’ll encounter in the speaking section. You’ll typically face questions that require you to describe, narrate, give information, or express an opinion. Knowing what to expect allows you to prepare and practice accordingly. You can read about the format of the test on our website and watch sample speaking performances on our YouTube channel.
2. Build Your Vocabulary
A good vocabulary can help your responses. Start by learning words and phrases that might be featured in MET, such as hobbies, travel, work, and study. Use flashcards, apps, or vocabulary books to help you learn. Test your vocabulary each day by describing aloud a few photos you see on social media.
3. Practice Pronunciation
Clear pronunciation can be the difference between a good score and a great one. Use online resources, such as pronunciation dictionaries, to listen and repeat. Focus on sounds that are challenging for speakers of your first language.
4. Use Common Phrases
During the speaking test, phrases for agreeing, disagreeing, asking for clarification, and transitioning will be especially useful. This not only boosts your fluency but also your understanding of conversational English.
5. Speak English Daily
Have regular conversations in English with native speakers, friends, or language tutors. Make sure you practice in a variety of situations and on a variety of topics.
6. Record Yourself Speaking
Use your phone to capture your speaking practice. Listen to your recordings to find areas for improvement, such as filler words, pacing, and clarity. Note that you can rate yourself using the MET rating scale. A simple way to become comfortable with recording yourself is to keep a daily audio journal describing your day.
7. Focus on Functional Language
MET assesses your ability to use conversational English, so make sure you understand and practice using functional language that you would typically use in a conversation. Functional language includes suggestions, giving advice, or giving your preferences and persuading.
8. Think Aloud Strategy
When practicing, try the “think aloud” strategy. Say aloud how you are thinking about responding to the question and why. When you say your thought process out loud, you can build the ability to quickly respond, which is important during the speaking test.
9. Simulate the Test
Copy the test environment by practicing timed speaking responses. This will help you prepare to respond within the time frame during the actual test. To do this, you can speak spontaneously about a topic you pick out of a hat for 60 or 90 seconds!
10. Get Feedback
Finally, it’s important to receive feedback on your speaking skills. This can come from teachers, peers, or language partners. They can provide insights into your pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary usage, and overall effectiveness of your communication.
The key to success is to keep practicing! As you apply these tips, stay motivated, seek support when needed, and keep a positive outlook.