How IELTS Speaking Score is Calculated: IELTS Speaking Score

The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS speaking test evaluates the ability of applicants to communicate in English. IELTS is very important for you if you planning for education abroad. The speaking skills are tested and the band scores are awarded based on the English speaking skills. During the test, a face-to-face formal discussion or interaction is held between the candidate and the IELTS examiner. The IELTS speaking band score ranges from 0-9. A good band is important to fulfill the eligibility criteria as set by organizations, countries, and education institutions. Applicants need to understand the format of the IELTS speaking band to perform better. The band score depends on various factors, and to get a good score, it is important to understand the factors appropriately. 

How is the IELTS Speaking band Score Calculated? 

The IELTS speaking score band extends from 0-9. A band 8 and above is considered to be an excellent one. The speaking section is awarded a score based on the performance of four criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resources, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. The speaking band score is awarded based on these four criteria and each of the criteria is weighted equally. Each whole and half band score corresponds to a level of English-language proficiency of test-takers.

The band score that you attain is awarded after considering the performance of all four criteria. If your score is 6.1, it is rounded off to 6 bands. This is because 6.1 is near to 6 and not 6.5. There is no negative marking in the speaking test. The IELTS speaking examiners are trained and certified, so they award the right band for the speaking examination based on the four eligibility criteria.

Below are the scoring criteria for the IELTS speaking score:

Fluency and Coherence (FC)

1. Speak very fluently without repeating, pauses, and know-how to self-correct

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

3. Speak coherently with appropriate, strong, cohesive features

4. Have a clear knowledge of the topic you are speaking on 

Lexical Resource (LR)

1. Make use of collocation

2. Use a varied range of words

3. Avoid making mistakes

4. Know the word paraphrasing

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. Pronunciation of the correct word and sound

3. Able to be understood throughout the test

Important Resources to Read for IELTS:

Speaking Score Calculation

A test taker receives a score from 0 to 9 points based on the above-mentioned four criteria. Following it, an arithmetic mean is calculated to determine the section’s total score. For example, if your marks are: FC – 8, P – 7, LR – 6, and GR – 7, your total score will be (8+7+6+7)/4 = 7.

For example, if your marks are:

1. Fluency and Coherence: 7.5,

2. Pronunciation: 7.0,

3. Lexical Resource: 7.0,

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy – 7.5.

Then your total score for IELTS Speaking is (7.5+7.0+7.0+7.5)/4 =7.25, which will be rounded to 7.5. Thus, your speaking band will be 7.5. 

More Resources to Read for IELTS:

Conclusion

IELTS speaking is a compulsory section that tests the English language’s communication skills. The test takers are evaluated on fluency and coherence, lexical resources, grammar range and accuracy, and pronunciation. The average IELTS speaking band score is 6.5. Applicants need to prepare for all four eligibility criteria to get a winning band in the IELTS speaking section.

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