What is one common mistake students make in the Speaking section?

Overthinking their responses is indeed a common challenge for students during the Speaking section. When students become overly concerned about providing the perfect answer, they may freeze or hesitate, which can disrupt their natural flow of speech. This hesitation not only affects their fluency but may also lead to frustration and lower confidence.

In the context of the Speaking section, the goal is to communicate ideas clearly and effectively, demonstrating language proficiency. When students focus too much on the specifics of grammar or vocabulary choices, they risk losing the overall coherence of their responses. It's essential to maintain a balance between thoughtful responses and spontaneous communication, which enhances fluency and expression.

While other aspects like speaking too quickly, using slang, or maintaining eye contact are important in their own right, overthinking often uniquely compromises a student's ability to express thoughts fluidly in a high-pressure scenario such as an exam.