Understand IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors
Understanding how IELTS speaking test is scored is a vital part of your preparation for the test. To find out exactly what the examiner is looking for, read about the speaking band score descriptors, and learn what you need to include to improve your IELTS band score.
Table of Contents
1. The IELTS Speaking Test
This part of the IELTS test will take approximately 12-14 minutes and consists of 3 parts:
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Answer questions about you and topics you know
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Prepare and present a cue card monologue (LINK to article)
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Answer more complex questions about the monologue topic
2. What are IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors?
The IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors are a set of marking criteria that the examiner will use to assess your speaking level. The speaking criteria is the same for both General IELTS and IELTS Academic. The examiner will score your speaking ability from 0-9. Here are the IELTS speaking band descriptors .
The IELTS assessment criteria is divided into 4 areas; Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range & Accuracy and Pronunciation. Each area is worth 25% of the speaking mark. For more details, use IELTS Speaking Overall Band Calculator.
Fluency and Coherence
The examiner will score your fluency on your ability to speak spontaneously considering to what degree you hesitate, correct and/or repeat yourself.
Your level of coherence is marked on how well you logically and fluidly express your ideas. To score highly, you will need to use a variety of connecting words or cohesive devices.
Lexical Resource
This criteria relates to vocabulary. The examiner will judge your lexical resource on how well you express yourself using appropriate and varied vocabulary. It is a valuable preparation to study the common IELTS vocabulary topics so that you can use suitable lexis and improve your band score.
They will also pay attention to whether the collocations you use are correct – the words you use naturally go together and are in the correct order.
To score a band 7 or above, using idiomatic language, phrasal verbs and be able to paraphrase – say something in your own words by using paraphrasing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
This band descriptor required you to use a range of grammar structures; both simple and more complex. If your grammatical range is varied, you will score highly.
The examiner is listening for accuracy – the number of errors you make. You are not expected to be perfect but the fewer mistakes the better your score! Recording yourself and identifying your errors is a good way to prepare.
Pronunciation
Don’t worry – you don’t need to use a native accent. The examiner will mark you on how easily it is to understand you. This criteria requires you to pronounce the words clearly and correctly to get a high score. This descriptor includes correct stress and emphasis and intonation.
3. How is the IELTS Band Score Calculated?
Each of the 4 criteria will be given a mark between 0-9. The 4 scores will be averaged to give you a score for the speaking part of the IELTS test.
Example:
| Fluency & Coherence | Lexical Resource | Grammatical Range & Accuracy | Pronunciation | Total score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7.5 |
The total score then contributes 25% of your final test score. Check out the IELTS score calculator.
4. How to Improve your IELTS Speaking Score
Here are some IELTS speaking tips to improve your IELTS band score:
- Practice Pronunciation
- Listen to English Everyday
- Broaden your vocabulary for IELTS speaking
- Use more linking words
- Read Practice Tests
- Invest in IELTs test books
- Record your voice
- Talk to native speakers
- Understand the marking criteria
- Try our IELTS Speaking Practice Tests
(Create links for each point to article – How to Improve your IELTS Speaking in 10 Steps)
5. Try our IELTS Speaking Practice
Book a speaking test simulation with our expert team!
What we offer:
- A realistic IELTS practice test
- Individualised feedback
- Score predictions
- Realistic evaluations
- Hints and tips to boost your speaking skills
- Common vocabulary subjects
6. FAQs
Is 6.5 a good speaking band?
This score comes between ‘Competent User’ and ‘Good User’ and is described below.
| 7 | Good user | The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situation. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning. |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Competent User | The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situation. |
What are speaking band descriptors?
They are the marking criteria that the examiner uses to score your test. (LINK above section)
How can I calculate my speaking band in IELTS?
The speaking score is an average of the 4 criteria; Fluency & Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range & Accuracy and Pronunciation. (LINK above section)
You can also use our IELTS calculators here.
More questions about the IELTS Speaking test? Don’t forget to follow the complete series for IELTS BLOG – all the tips, tricks, sample questions and advice you need to prepare and tasks to complete to practise your skills.
