Calculation of IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors
IELTS speaking score is credited based on 4 criterias; fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. The IELTS speaking band score is calculated by deriving at an arithmetic mean of all the mentioned skills of candidates. For example, if an applicant receives 6, 7, 7, and 8 in each of the parts, 6 + 7 + 7 + 8 = 28, which is equal to 7, when divided by 4. The IELTS speaking band descriptors have been provided here to assist students in comprehending the band scores. Speaking band score ranges from band 0 to IELTS speaking band 9. IELTS speaking marking is based on the 3 sections in it having a total duration of 11 to 14 minutes. Some tips that we would like to suggest you are: avoid using complex words, do not try to mug up words, try to speak freely, etc. The below given graph shows the average IELTS speaking score in male and female:
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IELTS Speaking Score Chart
Speaking band descriptors comprises bands ranging from 0-9. IELTS Speaking band descriptors are mean calculation of all the skills portrayed by candidates in IELTS speaking. IELTS speaking score criteria is accommodated based on the understanding of a variety of accents. Moreover it depends upon candidates’ ability to communicate during a face-to-face conversation for a perfect IELTS score. Speaking band score criteria gives an idea about respective bands score in IELTS speaking and IELTS speaking band 6 as well:
| IELTS Speaking Band Description | Fluency and coherence | Lexical resource | Grammatical range and accuracy | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Speaking Band 9 | Speaks fluently with only rare repetition or self-correction; Any hesitation is content-related rather than to find words or grammar Speaks coherently with fully appropriate cohesive features Develops topics fully and appropriately | Uses vocabulary with full flexibility and precision in all topics Uses idiomatic language naturally and accurately | Uses a full range of structures naturally and appropriately Produces consistently accurate structures apart from ‘slips’ characteristic of native-speaker speech | Uses a full range of pronunciation features with precision and subtlety Sustains flexible use of features throughout Is effortless to understand |
| IELTS Speaking Band 8 | Speaks fluently with only occasional repetition or self-correction; Hesitation is usually content-related and only rarely to search for language Develops topics coherently and appropriately | Uses a wide vocabulary resource readily and flexibly to convey precise meaning Uses less common and idiomatic vocabulary skilfully, with occasional inaccuracies Uses paraphrase effectively as required | Uses a wide range of structures flexibly Produces a majority of error-free sentences with only very occasional inappropriate or basic/non-systematic errors | - |
| IELTS Speaking Band 7 | Speaks at length without noticeable effort or loss of coherence May demonstrate language-related hesitation at times, or some repetition and/or self-correction Uses a range of connectives and discourse markers with some flexibility | Uses vocabulary resource flexibly to discuss a variety of topics Uses some less common and idiomatic vocabulary and shows some awareness of style and collocation, with some inappropriate choices Uses paraphrase effectively | Uses a range of complex structures with some flexibility Frequently produces error-free sentences, though some grammatical mistakes persist | Shows all the positive features of band 6 and some, but not all, of the positive features of band 8 |
| IELTS Speaking Band 6 | Is willing to speak at length, though may lose coherence at times due to occasional repetition, self-correction, or hesitation Uses a range of connectives and discourse markers but not always appropriately | Has a wide enough vocabulary to discuss topics at length and make meaning clear in spite of inappropriate Generally paraphrases successfully | Uses a mix of simple and complex structures, but with limited flexibility May make frequent mistakes with complex structures though these rarely cause comprehension problems | Uses a range of pronunciation features with mixed control Shows some effective use of features but this is not sustained |
| IELTS Speaking Band 5 | Usually maintains the flow of speech but uses repetition, self-correction, and/or slow speech to keep going May over-use certain connectives and discourse markers Produces simple speech fluently, but more complex communication causes fluency problems | Manages to talk about familiar and unfamiliar topics but uses vocabulary with limited flexibility Attempts to use paraphrase but with mixed success | Produces basic sentence forms with reasonable accuracy Uses a limited range of more complex structures, but these usually contain errors and may cause some comprehension problems | Shows all features of band 4 and some, but not all the positive features of band 6 |
| IELTS Speaking Band 4 | Cannot respond without noticeable pauses and may speak slowly, with frequent repetition and self-correction Links basic sentences but with repetitive use of simple connectives and some breakdowns incoherence | Is able to talk about familiar topics but can only convey basic meaning on unfamiliar topics and makes frequent errors in word choice Rarely attempts paraphrase | Produces basic sentence forms and some correct simple sentences but subordinate structures are rare Errors are frequent and may lead to misunderstanding | Uses a limited range of pronunciation features Attempts to control features but lapses are frequent Mispronunciations are frequent and cause some difficulty for the listener |
| IELTS Speaking Band 3 | Speaks with long pauses Has limited ability to link simple sentences Gives only simple responses and is frequently unable to convey the basic message | Uses simple vocabulary to convey personal information Has insufficient vocabulary for less familiar topics | Attempts basic sentence forms but with limited success, or relies on apparently memorized utterances Makes numerous errors except in memorized expressions | Shows some of the features of band 2 and some, but not all, of the positive features of band 4 |
| IELTS Speaking Band 2 | Pauses lengthily before most words Little communication possible | Only produces isolated words or memorized utterances | Cannot produce basic sentence forms | Speech is often unintelligible |
| IELTS Speaking Band 1 | No communication possible No rateable language | No communication possible No rateable language | No communication possible No rateable language | No communication possible No rateable language |
| IELTS Speaking Band 0 | Does not attend | Does not attend | Does not attend | Does not attend |
IELTS Speaking Practice Papers
Candidates can attempt free IELTS speaking practice online in order to acquire knowldged based on this section Further, provided below are few of the speaking practice tests that candidates can practice from for better IELTS speaking result.
IELTS Speaking Band Score Criteria
IELTS criteria speaking is broken down into 4 different types. You must know the speaking IELTS criteria as it would help you get the IELTS band score you desire. IELTS speaking marking criteria:
IELTS Speaking Credits
IELTS speaking score breakdown are based on the 4 different levels. IELTS average score is calculated by the arithmetic mean of all the 4 different criteria (For Instance: 6+7+&+8/4=7). Candidates can account for IELTS speaking score calculator themselves. Here is the IELTS speaking score chart to provide you with an idea:
| Fluency and Coherence | 6 |
| Pronunciation | 7 |
| Lexical Resource | 7 |
| Grammatical range and accuracy | 8 |
| Total IELTS Speaking Score | 7 |
IELTS Speaking Tips
To gain knowledge and experience with speaking section, it is recommended that candidates undertake practice from IELTS speaking mock test online. Mentioned below are few of the IELTS speaking tips which can provide solution to candidate on how to improve IELTS speaking score:
- Never Mug up your IELTS Speaking answer
- Avoid Using Complex Words during IELTS Speaking
- Speak Freely during IELTS Speaking
- Pause To Think your IELTS Speaking Answer
- Lastly, Practice Basic IELTS Topics
- Don’t bother about your accent
- Pause in order to think and add argumentative points to your answer
- Remeber to smile with each word your pronounce as it helps with effecrtive pronounciation
IELTS Speaking Samples
Candidates can refer to the below-mentioned links for IELTS preparation. Moreover, each sample has three model answers giving test takers a wide variety of approaches that they can use. You can also download various IELTS speaking scoring guide books and study materials for your preparation.
- Describe A Famous Person that You Are Interested In Cue Card
- Describe an Item on which you Spent more than Expected Cue Card
- Talk About A Toy You Liked In Your Childhood Cue Card
- Describe a Story or Novel that was Particularly Interesting You Cue Card
- Describe a Person Who Solved a Problem in a Smart Way Cue Card
- Describe A Place You Visited On Vacation Cue Card
- Describe an Interesting House or Apartment You Visited Cue Card
- Describe a Creative Person whose Work you Admire IELTS Cue Card
- Describe A Course that Impressed You a Lot Cue Card
- Describe A Difficult Decision That You Made Cue Card
- Describe Your Favourite Movie Cue Card
- Describe a Gift You would Like to Buy for Your Friend IELTS Cue Card
- Describe a Time You Missed an Appointment for Something Cue Card
- A Positive Change in Your Life Cue Card
- Describe a Time that You and Your Friend had a Disagreement Cue Card
- Describe an Interesting Song Cue Card
- Describe a Resolution you Made in The New Year Cue Card
- Describe A Time When You Felt Proud Of A Family Member Cue Card
- Describe a Situation When You Were Not Allowed to Use Your Mobile Phone Cue Card
- Describe An Exciting Experience In Your Life Cue Card
Before applying for the examination, you must carefully undergo IELTS speaking band score criteria. Following these criterias will help you to plan you strategy and prepare for the exam. You can also pursue online coaching for the speaking test in IELTS at centers like British Council, Kaplan, IELTS edge, etc.
FAQs
Ques. How is IELTS speaking scored?
Ans. IELTS speaking is score on the basis of 4 criterias; fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.
Ques. Is 6.5 speaking easy in IELTS?
Ans. To achieve a 6.5 in speaking will require a lot of practice and efforts. You must develop a proper study plan along with consistent practice to avail such scores.
Ques. What is 6 score in speaking IELTS?
Ans. Candidates who achieve a score of 6 in speaking IELTS are considered to be competent. They have an effective command and stability over English Language.
Ques. Is IELTS speaking marked immediately?
Ans. IELTS speaking test is recorded. The examiner evaluates the candidate’s performance and then decides their band scores.
Ques. Can I retake IELTS speaking only?
Ans. Yes, you can retake any of the IELTS sections whether it may be Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking.
Ques. What is the lowest mark in IELTS Speaking?
Ans. IELTS speaking score ranges from 0-9. It is irrescpective of any IELTS section.
Ques. Is IELTS speaking strict?
Ans. No, its not at all strict. You will need to show proper vocabulary skills, correct use of grammer and punctuation, etc. The examiner will also test your fluency in English.
Ques. What happens if I don't speak for 2 minutes in IELTS?
Ans. In case you are unable to speak for 2 minutes, you will eventually loose marks. However, there is no accurate information as to how many marks you will loose.
Ques. Can we give IELTS 2 times?
Ans. Yes, you can give IELTS exam multiple times. You must register in the official website of IDP for giving the IELTS exam.
Ques. Can you say "yeah" in IELTS?
Ans. No, you must restrict yourself from using such words. Instead of saying “yeah”, you must say “yes” to the examiner.
Comments
IELTS Speaking topics range from personal questions to topics related to places, events, people, and many more. Although it’s impossible to predict which topic the Examiner will give you, most of the topics fit into one of five categories: people, places, things, activities, and past events.
For more details, you can refer to this link: IELTS Speaking Sample Questions
To ace the ILETS Speaking section, you can follow the following IELTS speaking tips - You should never mug up your IELTS Speaking answer, avoid using complex words during IELTS Speaking test, speak freely during the examination, pause and take a few seconds or a minute to think and frame your answer, and lastly, practice basic IELTS topics to gain confidence.
For the IELTS indicator booking, you need to first check whether your selected university accepts the indicative scores or not. Then you need to proceed with the selection of the IELTS indicator test dates. The initial selection of dates will be for the listening, writing, and reading exams, followed by the selection of the speaking test which will be conducted separately. You need to create an account using IELTS indicator login details.
IELTS speaking section is calculated based on the following 4 criteria - fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. IELTS Speaking Score is calculated by the arithmetic mean of all the 4 different criteria (For Instance: 6 + 7 + & + 8/ 4 = 7). Your IELTS speaking score is given as band scores that range from 0 to 9.
The Speaking test takes between 11 and 14 minutes and consists of an interview between you and a trained and certified examiner. IELTS Speaking Part 1 lasts between 4 and 5 minutes, during which the examiner should ask you between 7 and 11 questions. You will then be asked to talk for 1-2 minutes on the topic for Part 2. Part 3 will be a two-way discussion which will be for 4 to 5 minutes.