1) Please do not use any speaking templates. You might have seen some templates floating around on the Internet for IELTS and TOEFL speaking. However, this practice is frowned upon, and upon getting caught the examiner will start docking some points for memorized speaking. So, practice speaking naturally!
2) Fluency does not mean speed. Yes, there are some points for fluency, but if you speak fast, you might lose points. Speak at a natural pace - not too slow, not too fast. --- What is more interesting about this is that this is not as much true for TOEFL as it is for IELTS. In TOEFL sometimes speaking fast might contrive the software to award you an extra mark or two. However, as far as IELTS goes, speaking fast will not offer any strategic advantage!
3) Do not be afraid of your writing and speaking skills. You do not have to get 9 out of 9 in IELTS. I have never seen a 9 outta 9 requirement till now. The highest requirement I have seen is around 8 bands. You can even get 8.5 bands with 7.5 in both speaking and writing. And, somewhat problematic grammar or diction can surely get you a 7.5 in speaking and writing with a good overall test otherwise. You can then get 9 outta 9 in listening and reading, and viola you will have 8.5 bands out of 9, which is sufficiently good. I got 8.5 out of 9 with the same approach!
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