How IELTS Speaking Score is Calculated: IELTS Speaking Score

International English Language Testing System or IELTS is one of the most crucial tests for pursuing international studies in nations where English is the primary language. This English proficiency test assesses your speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills. If we talk specifically about the IELTS speaking test, it evaluates candidates' ability to communicate in English. The IELTS speaking band scores are awarded to the applicant based on this ability. A face-to-face formal discussion or interaction is held between the candidate and the IELTS examiner during the test. The speaking band score ranges from zero to nine, and a good band score is important to fulfill the eligibility criteria set by organizations, countries, and educational institutions. Candidates need to understand the format of the IELTS speaking section and various other factors, such as the marking system to perform better and score a good band score.

How is the IELTS Speaking Band Score Calculated?

The IELTS speaking band score ranges from a scale of zero to nine. Scoring a band 8 means that a candidate has an excellent command of English. The performance in the speaking section is awarded a score based on four criteria weighted equally. The four criteria include fluency and coherence, lexical resources, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. 

The trained and certified examiners assess the candidate for the IELTS Speaking section. Their experience and qualifications make them evaluate candidates carefully. IELTS Speaking band score consists of no negative marking and ranges from zero to nine, reported in half and whole bands. Furthermore, the candidate’s scores are rounded off if in decimal. For instance, if you receive a band score ending with .25, it will be rounded up to the next half band; if you receive a band score ending with .75, it will be rounded up to the next whole band. Listed below are the IELTS speaking scoring criteria based on which candidates are marked:

Fluency and Coherence (FC)

1. The ability to speak very fluently, without repeating, taking pauses, and having the know-how to self-correct.

2. Know the usage of the right words, vocabulary, and grammar.

3. Speak coherently with appropriate, strong, and cohesive features.

4. Have a clear knowledge of the topic that is being asked to speak on. 

Lexical Resource (LR)

1. Make correct use of collocation.

2. Use a varied range of words.

3. Avoid making mistakes.

4. Know how to paraphrase words.

5. Use less common vocabulary.

Grammar Range and Accuracy (GR)

1. Sentences should be well structured.

2. Word flow and sentence construction should be accurate.

3. Tenses should be used in the right manner.

4. Answers should be grammatically correct.

Pronunciation (P)

1. Use annotation.

2. Correct pronunciation of a word.

3. Ability to be understood throughout the test.

You Can Also Read Sample Questions and Answers For The IELTS Passage: Green Wave Washes Over Mainstream Shopping

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IELTS Speaking Band Score Chart or Descriptors

The IELTS Speaking band score assesses a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in a face-to-face conversation and their ability to understand a variety of accents. The table below presents an IELTS Speaking band descriptors:

Image Source: ielts.org

IELTS Speaking Score Calculation

A test taker receives a score from zero to nine points based on the above-mentioned four criteria. Following it, an arithmetic mean is calculated to determine the section’s total score. The below-mentioned example will make it clear how speaking bands are calculated.

For example, if a candidate’s marks are:

Then, the average score for IELTS Speaking is 7.5+7.0+7.0+7.5= 29/4 =7.25, which will be rounded off to 7.5. Thus, the IELTS speaking score will be 7.5. 

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11 Tips to Get a Good Score in IELTS Speaking

Some important tips to be considered for scoring a good band score for the IELTS Speaking sections are mentioned below:

1. Divide the allotted time and adhere to it throughout.
2. Get good sources of grammar and practice from there. 
3. Try developing storytelling skills; it will bring up many ideas and won’t build repetitive sentences.
4. When giving the IELTS speaking answer to the examiner, avoid answering by memorizing it.
5. Use a wide range of grammar language and sound natural with your accent.
6. Practice communicating with your friends, colleagues, or family members daily.
7. While practicing, try recording and evaluating your performance and then work on your weak points.
8. While taking the test, make sure to ask the examiner to repeat the question if you don’t understand it. 
9. Review the IELTS speaking band descriptors thoroughly and focus on scoring the desired marks accordingly.
10. Stay calm while answering the questions. There’s no need to rush. Make sure the examiner understands your pronunciations.
11. Practice the IELTS topics available online.

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Conclusion

IELTS Speaking is a compulsory section of the standardized test that measures the English communication skills of a candidate aspiring for international studies. The evaluation of the aspiring candidate is done based on four crucial criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resources, grammar range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Prepare your communication on these four criteria to score the best band score.