Exploring self-correction skills in IELTS Speaking

1. What is self-correction?

Self-correction is the act of rectifying errors in one's speech (grammar, vocabulary, etc.) to convey meaning more accurately to the listener. Self-correction not only occurs in academic speaking tests like IELTS Speaking but also in everyday English communication.

In reality, even native speakers can make mistakes when speaking. We may make errors such as using incorrect vocabulary, providing wrong phone numbers, incorrect times, etc.

Explore natural ways of self-correction below:

1. I mean …
2. What I mean is …
3. What I meant to say was …
4. Sorry I meant…
5. I am sorry. I meant…

Example of Self correction:

• Sửa sai về lỗi từ vựng: I get to home every day at 5 o’clock pm…I mean 5pm. (Lưu ý: Không dùng cả o’clock và pm trong cùng một từ.)
• Sửa sai về lỗi ngữ pháp: I’m going to…I mean I go to…work every day. (Lưu ý: diễn tả một hành động lặp đi lặp lại hàng ngày thì phải dùng thì hiện tại đơn.)

2. The importance of Self correction in IELTS Speaking

During the IELTS Speaking test, you may encounter pronunciation errors or grammar issues. Many people wonder, should we correct our own mistakes in this case?

According to the British Council, candidates should not be afraid to self-correct during the IELTS Speaking test. This shows the examiner that the candidate recognizes their mistakes and has knowledge of grammar and vocabulary to self-correct.

Tuy nhiên, việc người thi liên tục thực hiện Self correction sẽ khiến độ trôi chảy và mạch lạc (Fluency and Coherence) của bài nói bị ảnh hưởng. Điều này sẽ khiến điểm của bạn rất dễ dừng lại ở mức band 4 của tiêu chí trên.

2.1 Influence of Self correction on band scores

• Band 4: Thường có nhiều đoạn bị ngắt quãng, nói chậm, nói lặp lại ý tưởng và chữa lỗi sai một cách thường xuyên
• Band 5: Nhìn chung có thể duy trì mạch của bài nói nhưng vẫn hay lặp ý, tự chữa lỗi và nói chậm để duy trì bài nói
• Band 6: Có thể trả lời đủ dài, tuy rằng đôi lúc vẫn thiếu sự mạch lạc do thi thoảng lặp ý, tự chữa lỗi hoặc trả lời ngập ngừng
• Band 7: Đôi khi có thể có sự do dự khi chọn từ ngữ, hoặc đôi khi lặp ý tưởng và tự chữa lỗi sai
• Band 8: Trả lời trôi chảy và rất hiếm khi lặp ý hoặc tự chữa lỗi. Nếu có ngập ngừng thì thường liên quan đến việc nghĩ ý tưởng.
• Band 9: Rất hiếm, ít lặp lại hoặc tự sửa lỗi. Do dự là về ý tưởng, không phải sự lựa chọn từ vựng hay ngữ pháp.

It can be seen that the factor of 'self-correction' appears throughout the band scores from 4 to 9. Self correction can indeed occur, albeit rarely, even for band 9. What matters is whether the speaker's self-correction is flexible, natural, and avoids repetition.

3. Considerations when using Self correction in IELTS Speaking

Although self correction may still occur even in band 9 speaking tasks, candidates still need to consider using self correction in IELTS Speaking to avoid affecting the Fluency and Coherence element in their speech.

Learners should note the following points:

Những lưu ý khi sử dụng Self correction trong IELTS Speaking

3.1 For minor grammar and vocabulary errors

In this case, you should only self-correct if you do so naturally, without affecting the flow of your speech. If you make too many mistakes, it's better to skip rather than self-correct.

Continuously pausing to correct errors will only make the examiner see you struggling. Speakers are unlikely to receive extra points for self-correcting these errors, and it may even deduct from the Fluency and Coherence score.

3.2 If encountering errors affecting the meaning of the speech

In this case, you can self-correct, however, you should avoid repeating exactly the words you just said. Try to express differently from previous sentences. This will demonstrate your flexibility in using English.

Example:

“I think that people should force their children to do homework because it puts too much pressure on them. Sorry, I mean no one should force their children because they could build up the pressure and in turn cause mental health problems for the child.”

In this example, the speaker corrects the error because it affects the meaning. This does not deduct points for grammar or vocabulary usage. The speaker cleverly inserts self-correction into the sentence to add information to their speech.

3.3 When the speaker uses vocabulary from their native language

Generally, it is advisable to avoid using non-English words in the IELTS Speaking test. This may cause the examiner to evaluate the candidate's vocabulary skills negatively.

However, there are cases where speakers unintentionally use non-English vocabulary. This happens when the speaker describes specific nouns in their language.

• Ví dụ: áo dài, bibimbap, sari, guzheng…

Speakers should apply Self correction naturally by providing a definition of the vocabulary they just mentioned in English.

• Ví dụ:

Question: What traditional clothes do people from your country wear?

Answer: Women in my country tend to wear an ao dai. It is a long, split dress worn over silk trousers, and can come with many colors and patterns, as well as materials. It’s very flattering to wear.

This self-correction method helps you gain additional points for vocabulary usage. You can also use relative clauses when applying self correction.

• Ví dụ: …to wear an ao dai, which is a long, split dres.

This will help you earn extra points for applying complex grammar.

Conclusion