The IELTS Speaking section is a crucial part of the exam, where examiners assess a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English using specific IELTS speaking marking criteria. 

Understanding these criteria is essential to improve your band score. In this guide, we’ll break down the four key factors that examiners use to evaluate your performance: fluency, coherence, lexical resources, grammatical range, accuracy and pronunciation.  

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Understanding the IELTS Speaking Band Score System 

The IELTS examiners use a band score system that ranges from 0 to 9 to evaluate your speaking performance. Each band reflects a specific level of English proficiency, with 0 indicating no communication in English and 9 demonstrating expert-level fluency, as outlined in the IELTS speaking marking criteria.  

Examiners assign a band score based on your performance in these criteria. This Speaking score is then averaged with the scores from the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections to give an overall score for the IELTS exam. 

Most universities and immigration programs require a minimum Speaking band score of 5 or above. A score of 5 means you’re at an intermediate level, able to hold conversations but with some hesitations and mistakes, as identified by the IELTS speaking marking criteria.  

Scoring a 6 or a 6.5 demonstrates that you’re at a pre-advanced stage, capable of handling more complex language with fewer errors. Achieving a 7 or higher signals that your English is at an advanced level, allowing you to speak fluently and naturally in most situations.

Fluency and Coherence in IELTS Speaking 

Fluency and coherence play a crucial role in determining your IELTS speaking band score.  

Fluency refers to your ability to keep speaking without unnecessary pauses or hesitation, while coherence focuses on how logically your ideas are connected, both of which are vital aspects of the IELTS speaking marking criteria. 

At the highest levels, like band 9, candidates speak fluently, with minimal self-correction and only pause briefly to organize their thoughts, not to search for vocabulary or grammar. As you move down the bands, hesitations and repetition become more frequent.  

For example, a candidate at band 6 can maintain extended responses, but there may be occasional pauses or moments of self-correction that disrupt the flow of their speech. 

Lower band scores, like 4 or 5, indicate greater reliance on repetition, slower speech, and frequent breakdowns in coherence. 

You should practice speaking on a variety of topics, focusing on maintaining a natural flow without overthinking each word. Use transition words to ensure your ideas connect smoothly. 

Lexical Resource in IELTS Speaking 

Lexical resources refer to the range of vocabulary you can effectively use during your IELTS Speaking test. A higher band score reflects a broader and more accurate vocabulary that allows you to discuss both familiar and unfamiliar topics confidently, as required by the IELTS speaking marking criteria.  

Candidates aiming for band 9 will showcase a wide range of vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions and precise word choices that are appropriate for the topic. Even complex or unfamiliar topics are handled with ease.  

In contrast, a band 6 speaker will be able to use vocabulary to discuss familiar topics and attempt paraphrasing but may struggle to find precise words for more complex subjects. Lower bands, such as 4 or 5, will exhibit a limited vocabulary, with frequent errors in word choice. 

You should expand your vocabulary by learning synonyms, idiomatic phrases, and expressions, and practice using them in context during your speaking practice, in line with the IELTS speaking marking criteria. The ability to paraphrase effectively will also enhance your score. 

Grammatical Range and Accuracy in IELTS Speaking 

This criteria assesses both the range of grammatical structures you use and how accurately you use them. High scores require candidates to demonstrate control over both simple and complex sentence structures. 

A band 9 speaker will use a wide variety of structures accurately and flexibly, making only minor, rare errors that native speakers might also make. A band 6 speaker will still use a mix of sentence types, but errors will occur more frequently, especially in complex sentences.  

For band 5 or lower, errors in grammar will be more noticeable and may even obscure meaning, with candidates relying heavily on simpler sentence structures. 

It is recommended to work on incorporating a variety of sentence types, both simple and complex, in your speech. Pay attention to areas where you frequently make mistakes, such as verb tense or subject-verb agreement, and practice correcting those. 

Pronunciation in IELTS Speaking 

Pronunciation refers to how clearly and naturally you articulate English sounds. While having an accent won’t necessarily lower your score, clarity is key. Examiners will assess whether you can use intonation, stress, and rhythm effectively to convey meaning according to the IELTS speaking marking criteria.  

At band 9, pronunciation is near-native, with precise control over intonation, stress, and phonological features, making the speaker effortlessly understood, as outlined in the IELTS speaking marking criteria. 

A band 6 candidate will have generally clear pronunciation but may struggle with certain sounds or stress patterns, leading to occasional misunderstandings.  

At lower bands, like 4 or 5, mispronunciations are more frequent, causing the listener to exert more effort to understand what’s being said, directly impacting the overall score based on the IELTS speaking marking criteria. 

One recommendation to improve your pronunciation is to practice speaking at a natural pace, focusing on correct pronunciation of challenging sounds. Listen to native speakers to understand how stress and intonation work. Try to mimic their patterns. 

The Human Element in IELTS Speaking 

One of the essential features of the IELTS Speaking test, setting it apart from other exams like TOEFL, is its human touch.  

Unlike computer-evaluated tests, the IELTS speaking section is assessed by highly trained examiners who bring an invaluable understanding of linguistic nuances, which is a core aspect of the IELTS speaking marking criteria.  

These experts are not just evaluating words and grammar; they recognize accents, cultural expressions, and the diversity of spoken English, all considered in the IELTS speaking marking criteria. 

This human element allows for a more holistic evaluation of your speaking skills. Examiners are trained to listen for fluency and coherence while appreciating that English is spoken with a rich variety of accents and styles across the world.  

This ensures your unique voice and expression are recognized, which aligns with the IELTS speaking marking criteria. 

In IELTS, effective communication is valued as much as accuracy. Rather than being judged by algorithms, you’re assessed by professionals who understand the nuances of spoken language and are committed to providing a fair and balanced evaluation. 

Visit the IELTS Canada homepage to find out more 

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References:

British Council. (n.d.). IELTS speaking band descriptors. https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/ielts_speaking_band_descriptors.pdf