Can I Lie in the IELTS Speaking Test?

Many students often ask if it is okay to lie in the IELTS speaking test or if it is okay to build up a story during the speaking test, so let us now discuss all about it in this blog. 

Well, of course, you can lie in your Speaking Test. It is not a lie detector test. However, the more you stick to the truth, the easier it will be to crack the exam!

Why Telling the Truth in the IELTS Speaking has Advantages Over Lies?

• Let’s suppose you are asked a question, and you don’t have a clear answer. 
• It would be best if you conveyed to the examiner that you don’t know anything about the topic, as you don’t have any relevant experience related to the topic.
• However, you can give supporting information explaining the reasons why you are unfamiliar with a topic. 
• Your ultimate goal is to convince the examiner of your English language skills. 

For Example

Question: what is your favourite sport?

Answer: I don’t have much interest in sports, but I used to participate in various kinds of sports when I was a child. 

Also Check: How to Talk About an Unfamiliar Topic in IELTS Speaking?

• On the other hand, lying in your answers requires imagination. However, you are not sure that you will be able to provide supporting ideas or information to your lies. It is better to stick to the truth.
• Suppose you are asked a question but are not sure about the topic. Consider talking about the relevant topic and adding more information to it. 
• However, make sure you refer to the original topic assigned to you by the examiner. 
• Avoid lying in part 1 of the Speaking test, as the examiner will ask you questions about yourself, like confirming the details from your ID. You should never lie about the information given in your ID card details.

The Golden Rule About Lying in Your IELTS Speaking Test

Keep It Simple and Consistent

If you lie in your response, do not turn into a novel story writer. This is because over-complicated stories increase the risk of contradictions, mainly in Part 3 of Speaking when the examiner asks deeper questions. 

Your lie should be easy to remember for you and logically consistent. Think of it as “creative adjustment,” and not as a full-on fiction. Once you choose a version of reality, undeniably stick to it.

What You Should Never Lie About in the IELTS Speaking Test? 

• While lying is usually allowed, lying badly about everything is dangerous. Do not lie about things you cannot explain if asked in detail. 
• For example, if you are saying that you are a sailor, a doctor, or a software engineer when you don’t know the list of vocabulary related to those professions can backfire fast. 
• The speaking examiner may ask follow-up questions, and that is exactly where many candidates crash.

Will the Examiner Know that I’m Lying?

Honestly, they would probably know, but they don’t care. Examiners hear thousands of speaking answers from candidates every year. Hence, they will know when a student invents a story, but as long as their English is natural and confident, it doesn’t matter to the examiner. Moreover, there is no penalty for lying in IELTS Speaking.

Expert Tricks Help You Use Your Lies Perfectly in Your IELTS Speaking Test

IELTS Speaking part 1

• Since most of these questions would be about you, you shouldn’t lie in this round of IELTS Speaking Part 1.
• However, there can be scenarios where there might be certain information that you won’t be able to recall. 
• When this happens, you might add a little information that is not true. For example, you may be asked about your hobbies.
•  Let’s suppose if you don’t have many hobbies, you can use this space to introduce some imaginary information that isn’t real.

IELTS Speaking part 2

• Students often run out of ideas when they have to speak about something spontaneously in IELTS Speaking Part 2.
• You can use that space to introduce information that is not true. For example, you are asked to talk about your pets. 
• In cases where you don’t own a pet, you can either choose to tell the truth that you don’t own a pet and why not, or you can even make a story about an imaginary pet and add supporting information.

IELTS Speaking part 3

• In the IELTS Speaking Part 3, telling lies can probably be able to help you a lot. 
• In this part, the examiner can ask you some questions that you might not be prepared to answer. 
• The examiner will expect you to have completely developed and elaborated answers. 
• If the examiner asks you some questions for which you have no background knowledge, pretend you do. For example, the examiner asks you, ‘Do people in your country often talk to strangers?’ 
• Use your imagination here and give an elaborate answer based on your imagination. Remember, there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer. 
• The examiner is only interested in evaluating your English language abilities and not in finding whether you are telling the truth.

Doubts and uncertainties are obvious to arise in a learner’s mind, and this exam is no different when it comes to queries in the minds of aspirants. However, our IELTS online classes give you a proper approach and assess your improvements.

Also check:

• IELTS Speaking tips
• Linking words for IELTS Speaking
• IELTS Speaking recent actual test
• IELTS Speaking topics 2020
• Sports Vocabulary IELTS
• Work Vocabulary IELTS
• IELTS Pronunciation Guide
• Common English words in IELTS Speaking