IELTS Speaking is the last section of the IELTS examination The IELTS speaking test consists of 3 parts and it involves having a face-to-face conversation of 11-14 minutes with the examiner The IELTS speaking test will be the same for both, Academic and General training sections.
IELTS Speaking Part 1 is a 4–5-minute interaction wherein the examiner asks questions about test taker’s everyday situation and choices. The general theme of this part is based on generic topics such as childhood, school, family, friends, and so on.
IELTS Speaking Part 2, is a 3–4-minute part, in which the examiner provides a cue card, or a task card based on which test taker is asked to speak. The candidates will get 1 minute to prepare for the answer.
In IELTS Speaking Part 3, the examiner asks abstract questions related to the topic given in part 2 of the IELTS speaking examination.
IELTS Assessment Factors
IELTS Speaking Scoring Criteria
IELTS Speaking criteria is broken down into 4 different types You must know the speaking assessment criteria of IELTS as it will help you get the band score you desire
IELTS speaking marking criteria:
Fluency and Coherence
Lexical Resource
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Pronunciation
IELTS Speaking Score Chart
IELTS speaking marks will be calculated based on the 4 different levels. The overall IELTS Speaking Score will be calculated by the arithmetic mean taking into consideration all 4 different criteria.
Here is the IELTS speaking band score chart that provides an idea regarding the IELTS speaking score:
IELTS Scoring Criteria: Details
The examiner assesses the candidate’s speaking skills based on the below listed four criteria
Fluency & Coherence
The IELTS speaking criteria examine how fluently one can speak at length, the individual’s ability to talk without any pause or hesitation, and self-correction is considered. It also assesses the efficient use of cohesive devices. The test takers must be able to speak in an accent and language that is easily understood by the examiner that too without hesitation or long pauses in an easy-to-understand way.
Band Score Short Criteria
5.0 & lower
6
7.0 & higher
Frequent repetition, selfcorrection, uneven flow
Some hesitation, uses varied words & phrases
Fluent, few hesitations, good connectors, well-developed ideas
Tips to Improve
Try to connect sentences by using linking words & sign points
Add some significant details to the answer
Try to speak softly and continuously
Use the pauses accurately
Lexical Resource
In this criterion, the examiner checks whether the candidate is able to use a wide range of vocabulary or not The student must try to convey the meaning in different words and use less difficult words. The usage of collocations and paraphrasing in the proper place is also considered and scores are given after considering all the factors
To increase the score for LR: use a wide range of vocabulary discuss different topics freely, using appropriate words speak formally or semi-formally choose words accurately use idiomatic language this criterion judges the overall usage of vocabulary in particular contexts.
Band Score Short Criteria
5.0 & lower
6
7.0 & higher
Frequent repetition, selfcorrection, uneven flow
Some hesitation, uses varied words & phrases
Fluent, few hesitations, good connectors, well-developed ideas
Grammatical Range & Accuracy
Here, the student’s formation of sentences, the building of complex sentence structures, and proper application of grammar are examined The structures must be set accurately so that it looks natural when spoken. Try not to use more prepositions, conjunctions, and articles as it will result in overstuffing
To increase the score for GRA: avoid making grammatical errors. try using different grammatical structures (like passive voice, direct speech, different tenses, conditional sentences, etc.)
Band Score Short Criteria
5.0 & lower
6
7.0 & higher
Pronunciation
Mostly basic sentences, frequent grammar errors
Mix of sentence types, some errors but clear meaning
Wide range of complex structures, very few errors
In this section, the individual’s ability to use intonation and the way they pronounce any word is considered. Make sure to use a clear accent so that the examiner can clearly understand it. To increase the overall score: try pronouncing all the words clearly. focus on words and sentences correctly use correct intonations
This section judges individual’s ability to produce English sounds as close to native speakers as possible.
Band Score
5.0 & lower
6
7.0 & higher
Short Criteria
Frequent mispronunciation causes confusion; limited range of English sounds.
Mostly clear pronunciation; occasional mispronunciation.
Accurate, native-like pronunciation; clear and easy to understand.
Note:
Pronunciation and accents are two separate things. The IELTS test does not ask candidates to speak in any particular accent, like the American or British accent However, knowledge of accents can enhance pronunciations as well.
IELTS Speaking Score Calculation
Each of these criteria will score from 0 to 9 points. After that an arithmetic mean is calculated to check the overall section’s score For example, if the marks of candidates are: FC – 7, P – 8, LR – 7, and GR – 6, then the total score will be (7+8+7+6) divided by 4 = 7