IELTS aspirants need to have a comprehensive understanding of the speaking section and how it is scored. The IELTS speaking band descriptors provide detailed guidelines on the specific criteria used to evaluate a candidate’s performance.
In the IELTS speaking test, 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.
Let’s discuss the IELTS speaking score calculation and how you can ace this section of the exam.
The Speaking test in the IELTS examination involves a short, face-to-face interview aimed at determining the candidate's ability to speak English. It is done in a structured way.
This test consists of three parts: Introduction and Interview, speaking on the given topic, and a two-way Discussion. Each of them is concerned with different aspects of speaking.
Why is Speaking Score Important?
For non-native English-speaking students, IELTS is a basic requirement to study abroad. Most universities worldwide have a 6.0-6.5 IELTS band requirement for international students.
Speaking proficiency for the IELTS test is thereby essential, as its score will directly affect your chances of obtaining visas and admissions to top universities worldwide.
A good score in the IELTS Speaking section shows that the candidate can communicate effectively and clearly. Thus, taking note of the IELTS speaking band descriptors and the test format can strengthen your preparation and help you achieve the desired course.
What are Components of IELTS Speaking Test?
The IELTS speaking test has the following components:-
Interview
In this part, the examiner introduces themselves and asks the candidate to do the same. This section involves answering general questions about familiar topics such as home, family, work, studies, and interests. This usually lasts for 4–5 minutes.
Topic Presentation
The second part requires the candidate to speak about a specific topic for 1-2 minutes. The candidate is given a task card with a topic and a minute to prepare before speaking.
Two-Way General Discussion
The final part involves a deeper discussion of the topic from part two. The examiner and candidate converse, exploring more abstract ideas and issues. This can last for 4-5 minutes.
How Long Does Speaking Test Take
The IELTS Speaking Test takes approximately 11-14 minutes. Each part is designed to progressively assess different communication skills within this timeframe.
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 trained and certified examiners assess the candidate for the IELTS Speaking section. IELTS Speaking band score consists of no negative marking and is 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.
Scoring Methodology
Each criterion is scored individually, and the average of these scores forms the final speaking band score.
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.
Fluency and Coherence
The scoring for this criteria ranges from 0-9. You can get a band 9 if you speak fluently without any repetition.
Lexical Resource
This is scored on a scale of 0-9, with band 9 being awarded to candidates who demonstrate the use of exceptional vocabulary and idiomatic language accurately.
Grammar Range and Accuracy
Candidates can secure a 9 band for this criteria by using a range of structures appropriately. This is also scored from 0-9.
Pronunciation
By pronouncing words correctly with precision, candidates can get a band 9. This part is also scored from 0-9. Let’s understand how IELTS speaking scores are calculated.
For example, if a candidate’s marks are:-
Fluency and Coherence
7.5
Pronunciation
7.0
Lexical Resource
7.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
7.5
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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What are IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors?
The IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors provide detailed descriptions of the performance required for each band score from 0 to 9. These descriptors help candidates understand what is expected at each level.
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:-
IELTS Speaking Band Score
Fluency and Coherence
Lexical Resource
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Pronunciation
9
Develops a topic adequately and speaks without any hesitation; Talks fluently with no to very few repetitions; Speaks coherently using appropriate cohesives that are easy to understand.
Uses of vocabulary that is completely flexible and accurate to the topic. Keeps the language natural and grammatically correct.
Uses the complete range of grammar and accurate sentence structures.
Uses an accurate and complete range of pronunciation; sounds effortlessly understandable with flexible use of pronunciation features.
8
Develops a topic coherently and adequately; hesitation is normally content-related; talks fluently with occasional repetition.
Uses a vast range of vocabulary that is flexible and accurate to convey. Keeps the language less natural with occasional inaccuracies; Rephrases when needed.
Uses a vast range of structures with no errors and occasional inaccuracies in sentences.
Uses a vast range of flexible pronunciation features with rare lapses and is easy to understand; L1 accent has the least impact on intelligibility
7
Talks effortlessly at a stretch without noticeable coherence loss; Uses various connectives and discourse markers; Demonstrates very few repetitions or language-related hesitations.
Discusses various topics and uses vocabulary resources flexibly; Uses less common and natural vocabulary; Uses rephrasing wherever needed; shows understanding style and collocation with few inaccurate choices.
Uses various complex structures with flexibility; Usually builds error-free sentences with some grammatical mistakes.
Combines a few positive features of Band 8 and all positive features of Band 6.
6
Tries to speak at length but loses coherence sometimes; shows self-corrections, occasional repetitions, or hesitations; Uses various connectives and discourse markers with some inaccuracy
Discusses topics at length and uses a vast range of vocabulary; Makes the meaning understandable despite being inappropriate; Usually rephrases successfully.
Uses a combination of simple and complex structures but not with much flexibility; Makes repeated mistakes with complex structures; Does not cause understanding problems.
Uses various pronunciation features with mixed control; Starts with effective use of features that don't last; Makes understandable but has few wrong pronunciations that decrease the clarity.
5
Speaks in a flow with repetitions or self-corrections; Overuses some of the connectives and discourse markers; Builds fluent speech but gets affected by complex communication.
Speaks about common and uncommon topics with limited vocabulary flexibility; Tries rephrasing but with mixed success.
Builds basic sentences with some accuracy; Uses a limited range of complex structures with errors and comprehension problems.
Combines a few positive features of Band 6 and all positive features of Band 4.
4
Speaks slowly and responds with noticeable pauses; Uses frequent repetition and self-correction; Uses connectives repetitively to link basic sentences; Shows coherence breakdowns
Talks about familiar topics; Conveys the basic meaning of unfamiliar topics; Makes frequent errors in choosing words; Attempts rephrasing.
Builds basic and correct simple sentences; Makes occasional subordinate structures and frequent errors that lead to misunderstanding.
Uses a limited range of pronunciation features; Tries to control features but with frequent lapses; Makes frequent mispronunciations, leading to difficulty for the listener.
3
Talks using long pauses; Links simple sentences with limited ability; Gives simple responses and is unable to convey the basic message.
Makes use of simple vocabulary for conveying personal information; Has significantly less vocabulary for not-so-familiar topics.
Tries basic sentence forms with limited success; Depends on memorized vocabulary; Makes countless errors except in memorized responses.
Combines some positive features of Band 4 and some positive features of Band 2.
2
Pauses for a long before most of the words; Communicates little.
Speaks isolated words or memorized responses.
Unable to build basic sentence form
Speaks with no meaning
1
Does not communicate, and language cannot be evaluated.
Does not communicate, and language cannot be evaluated.
Does not communicate, and language cannot be evaluated.
Does not communicate, and language cannot be evaluated.
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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:-
Divide the allotted time and adhere to it throughout.
Get good sources of grammar and practice from there.
Try developing storytelling skills; it will bring up many ideas and won’t build repetitive sentences.
When giving the IELTS speaking answer to the examiner, avoid answering by memorizing it.
Use a wide range of grammar language and sound natural with your accent.
Practice communicating with your friends, colleagues, or family members daily.
While practicing, try recording and evaluating your performance and then work on your weak points.
While taking the test, make sure to ask the examiner to repeat the question if you don’t understand it.
Review the IELTS speaking band descriptors thoroughly and focus on scoring the desired marks accordingly.
Stay calm while answering the questions. There’s no need to rush. Make sure the examiner understands your pronunciations.
What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid in Speaking Test?
Some of the common mistakes candidates make in the IELTS speaking section include not answering questions fully, speaking too briefly, overusing fillers like "um" and "ah," and making frequent grammatical errors.
Candidates should practice speaking at length, using a wide range of vocabulary, and maintaining clear pronunciation.
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.
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The IELTS Speaking grading system is based on how well candidates can articulate their thoughts on a particular topic. Constant practice and not being shy while talking are the keys to scoring high in the speaking section of IELTS. Since the exam is not about testing a candidate’s knowledge, Remember to talk from past experiences and maintain coherence
How to get band 9 in IELTS Speaking?
To get a band score of 9 in IELTS Speaking, candidates should keep their answers relevant. They need to stick to facts and never give memorized answers and avoid giving one-word answers. Students generally have one minute to frame their answers. This time can be utilized to make notes. Candidates should speak at length fluently and avoid repetition, give an opinion and support it with an argument.
How can I improve my IELTS speaking from 6.5 to 7?
Improving the IELTS speaking score from 6.5 to 7 is not a difficult task. All that a student needs to do is to reflect on their weakest point and then work on it. Understanding the assessment criteria for the IELTS Speaking section is another way that can help students improve their scores.
Is the IELTS speaking band score of 6 good?
Yes, an IELTS band score of 6 is considered decent for admission to most universities abroad.
What is a 7 band score on IELTS Speaking?
A band score of 7 indicates a good command of the English language with occasional errors but generally effective communication.
What is the IELTS Speaking band 8 descriptor?
A band score of 8 reflects a very good use of English with only occasional inaccuracy and inappropriate usage.
What are the 4 criteria for IELTS Speaking?
The four criteria are fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and accuracy and pronunciation.
How is the IELTS speaking score marked?
The score is marked by a certified IELTS examiner based on the four criteria, each on a scale from 0 to 9.
Is IELTS speaking part 1 scored?
Yes, all parts of the IELTS exam speaking test are scored, including part 1.
How can I predict my IELTS speaking score?
Practice by yourself or with a qualified tutor, record and review your speaking practice, and compare your performance against the IELTS speaking band descriptors.
Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.
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