Using Contractions: wanna, gonna in IELTS Speaking
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Many students wonder if contractions are allowed in the IELTS Speaking test.
Well, let’s first understand what contractions are.
A contraction is formed when you combine two words to make them shorter and more fluid. For example, ‘let us’ – ‘let’s’ or ‘he will’ – ‘he’ll’. Mostly the contractions are used in informal conversations.
So, is the IELTS Speaking test formal or informal?
Pronunciation contributes to 25% of your overall IELTS Speaking score. So the way you pronounce words and phrases matter. This means you should always use good, proper, and grammatically correct English. However, you can use linking sounds like gonna, it’s, I’ll, haven’t, and so on in your speaking test, but make sure not to overuse it. Besides that, make sure you are using correct, grammar-appropriate vocabulary and correct subject-verb agreement. The outcome of the speaking exam is determined by your mastery of the English language, rate of speech, pronunciation, intonation, vocabulary, fluency, and use of coherent features.
Commonly used Contractions
Contractions tend to simplify the language, and people often use them to speak English quickly and more clearly. Since contractions are used everywhere in English, particularly in conversational or informal language, knowing various examples and their meanings is essential.
Contractions with ‘To be’
|I’m = I am
I’m trying to sleep.
You’re = you are
You’re a wonderful person!
He’s = He is
She’s = she is
She’s my sister.
They’re = they are
They’re going camping in California.
It’s = it is
It’s going to be a fabulous night.
That’s = that is
That’s more than enough.
Here’s = here is
Here’s the list for you to go over.
Contractions with ‘Will’
|She’ll = she will
I doubt she’ll try again.
It’ll = it will
He thinks it’ll be a piece of cake.
We’ll = we will
We’ll be a little late to the party.
Contractions with ‘To Have’
|I’ve = I have
I’ve been trying to contact you since morning.
You’ve = You have
You’ve got work to do, and I need to pack.
They’ve = they have
They’ve sent us several nice gifts.
Should’ve = should have
You should’ve listened to the teacher’s warning.
Contractions with ‘Would’
|She’d = she would
She’d like to go for a picnic this weekend.
We’d = we would
We’d like to drink some water.
They’d = they would
They’d have enjoyed this if they could come.
Contractions with ‘Not’
|Can’t = cannot
I can’t sing.
Don’t = Do not
I don’t want to go out.
Shouldn’t = Should not
You shouldn’t go out with your friends.
Won’t = will not
I won’t be able to make it to the party.
During the interview, make sure that the conversation flows smoothly. It is an essential way of gaining a higher score in the IELTS Speaking test.