Understanding IELTS Speaking Criteria
As a student wishing to study abroad, understanding the IELTS Speaking Criteria is important before discussing how to get band 7 in IELTS speaking.
The IELTS Speaking test assesses your English speaking skills based on four criteria:-
1. Fluency and Coherence
This criterion evaluates your ability to speak fluently and coherently. Key indicators include:-
- You should maintain continuity while speaking.
- Avoid excessive interruptions like false starts or repetitions.
- You should ensure logical sequencing of sentences, clear marking of discussion stages, the relevance of sentences to the topic, and the use of cohesive devices.
2. Lexical Resource
This assesses your vocabulary range and precision. Key indicators include:-
- Variety of words used.
- Appropriacy of vocabulary for different contexts (referential meaning, style, collocation, attitude expression).
- Ability to paraphrase and use idiomatic expressions.
3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy
This evaluates your use of grammatical structures accurately and appropriately. Key indicators include:-
- Length and complexity of sentences.
- Use of subordinate clauses, verb phrases, and other grammatical structures.
- Range of sentence structures and grammatical accuracy.
4. Pronunciation
This criterion assesses your ability to convey meaningful messages clearly through pronunciation. Key indicators include:-
- Dividing speech into meaningful chunks.
- Using rhythm, stress timing, and linking sounds for connected speech.
- Using stress, intonation, and word/phoneme production effectively.
- Accent's overall effect on intelligibility.
How to Get Band 7 in IELTS Speaking: 13 Tips
If you are wondering how to get band 7 in IELTS speaking, here are some tips worth considering:-
1. Speak English Regularly
IELTS Band 7 achievers have a common trait - they incorporate the usage of the English language in their everyday life. Keep practicing steadily, and you will witness gradual improvements.
2. Clarify Things You Do Not Understand
The speaking test mimics a regular conversation. If you do not understand something, ask your examiner about the same. Just say that you are sorry before asking him to explain what a word means. You can also ask the examiner to repeat a question.
3. Warming Up is Essential
Most students usually need 10-15 minutes to warm up before giving their best performances. Make sure that you start this warm-up process before the actual Speaking test. Keep listening, reading, speaking, and writing in English for about 24 hours before the examination.
4. Always Give a Complete Answer
Do not go by only No and Yes in the test. Try and provide complete answers with examples.
5. Rectify Errors
Small mistakes are inevitable, especially if you get a little nervous during the test. Rectify any errors just as you make them. It will demonstrate your knowledge of grammar and your command of vocabulary to the examiner.
6. Design a Rigorous Study Plan
Emphasize the marking criteria and execute your study plan accordingly.
7. Assess Your Performance
Record speaking sessions and keep evaluating your performance honestly.
8. Evaluate Your Weaknesses
Try and zero in on weaknesses.
9. Speak Consistently
Your score improves if you keep talking throughout the examination, even if you make a few errors. IELTS tests what you are capable of doing instead of examining what you cannot do.
10. Always Use Idioms
Make sure to use some idioms in your speech while demonstrating knowledge of collocation and proper style. The examiner will look for clues that you can delve beyond simple textbook knowledge. They will appreciate your usage of actual English. You can pick up phrases online or even through dedicated learning apps.
11. Paraphrase Questions
If the examiner asks you a question, you can immediately think of how to paraphrase it. It means that you will be expressing the same thing in another way. It is a great way to show some of the core attributes that the examiner is looking for. You can attempt this 2-3 times during your Speaking test with good results.
12. Linking Words
As per the criteria for assessment, a suitable aspirant for Band 7 will be able to use connectors flexibly. Use expressions such as although, however, on the other hand, in other words, and more.
Your range is what will get you noticed. The examiner does not want you to say the same thing again and again. Record your speech and identify whether you are repeating any phrase a little too much. Consider replacing the same with another sentence. Linking words will always get you better scores.
13. Do Not Shy Away from Mistakes
You can still get Band 7 or even 7.5 even if you have made a few mistakes. Some candidates often get low scores since they worry excessively about not making any mistakes.
These IELTS speaking tips for band 7 will certainly help you improve your vocabulary, pronunciation, and, most importantly, your confidence!
Achieving a Band 7 or higher in the IELTS speaking test can be challenging due to several common issues. Here are these challenges and IELTS speaking tips for band 7 to overcome them:-
Limited vocabulary leads to repetitive language and hampers clear expression of ideas. Strategies to overcome this problem:
Inaccuracies in grammar, such as errors in articles, subject-verb agreement, and tenses, impact the overall score. IELTS speaking tips to overcome this problem:
Misinterpreting the question or missing out on key components results in a lower score. Strategies to overcome this problem:-
Lack of logical organization in answers leads to a disjointed response. Strategies to overcome this problem:-
Time management issues can lead to incoherent answers. Strategies to overcome this problem:-
Achieving a band 7 in the IELTS speaking section demands a clear understanding of assessment criteria and overcoming common challenges through strategic preparation and consistent practice.
The best way to improve your speaking skills is to practice until you feel comfortable enough and eventually enjoy it. While you practice, keep in mind my IELTS speaking tips, and you will surely ace the exam.