1. Focus on catching names, actions, and the ending.

Don't try to catch every single word.

The engine checks if you include key facts/events, not every single word. Missing minor details is fine.

2. Aim to speak for 30 seconds

Don’t make your response too short.

10–15 seconds will hurt your score because the engine expects a longer answer. Long silences and dead air are bad for your score.

But also don’t drag on with fillers — around half a minute is ideal.

3. Use linking words

Even simple connectors like “first”, “then”, “after that”, “finally”, “because”, and “so” make your retelling more coherent, which boosts both grammar and fluency scores.

You should also divide your retelling into three parts: Introduction, Actions, and Ending. Here are example linking words you can use in each part:

Introduction – “The story is about (name)…”,

Actions – “First…, Then…, After that…”,

Ending – “In the end…” or “Finally…”

4. Keep grammar simple but correct

Simple, correct grammar is good for your score.

Complicated grammar with errors is bad for your score.

It’s better to say: “The boy went to the shop and he bought milk” than to attempt a complex structure and get it wrong.

Consistent simple past tense usually works.

5. Speak at a steady pace

Don’t rush to squeeze in every detail. Clear pacing helps both pronunciation and fluency scores.

Speak at your natural pace.

6. Paraphrase if you forget a word

If you can’t recall “escalator”, say “moving stairs in a building”.

The system rewards flexibility with vocabulary.

If you can describe the same thing using different words, it is better for your score than just copying exactly what you heard.