Learn the IELTS Speaking scoring criteria to get a high score

Why is Speaking such a difficult skill? One of the reasons causing difficulties for students comes from the lack of understanding about IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors . The following article will help candidates better understand the requirements of IELTS Speaking, and at the same time eliminate common misunderstandings about how to score in this exam. 

1. What is IELTS Speaking Band Descriptor?

Speaking band descriptor is a set of criteria that examiners use to judge candidates' speaking ability. The criteria in the IELTS Academic and General descriptors are similar. The criteria include: 

• Fluency and coherence (fluency and coherence)
• Lexical resources (vocabulary)
• Grammatical range and accuracy
• Pronunciation (pronunciation)

Learn more about the scoring criteria for the IELTS Speaking test

2. What is IELTS Speaking Band Descriptor used for?

Thanks to the clarity and detail of the IELTS Speaking Band Descriptor , the examiners can evaluate you on each criterion and give you a total Speaking score. Note, each criterion will also be scored on a scale from 0 to 9.

What is IELTS Speaking Band Descriptor used for?

See also :

IELTS Speaking Structuresoften appear in exam questions

3. Details of IELTS Speaking scoring criteria

Below are details on the scoring criteria for the IELTS Speaking section.

4 current IELTS Speaking scoring criteria

3.1. Fluency and Coherence

In IELTS speaking band descriptors , this criterion is evaluated based on 2 smaller criteria:   

• Fluency : The examiner will assess the candidate's fluency based on the ability to speak continuously or self-correct to continue with the answer after the candidate pauses to think.
• Coherence : The examiner will assess the coherence of the speaking test based on how candidates provide words and ideas and develop them using words or phrases to connect and organize .

Fluency and coherence is an important factor

Some examples of linking words:

• First of all,...
• To begin with,...
• However,...
• Last but not least,...
• On balance,...
• Be that as it may,...

Note: These are just a few examples of linking words, you should research other types of connecting words to use a variety.

Part of the 'fluency' that the IELTS Speaking test is measuring is how quickly you can understand the question and answer it. This means that when the IELTS examiner asks you a question, you need to answer it immediately, even if you don't understand the question you can say "Well, I'm not sure", "Huh, let me think." about that",...

3.2. Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)

Lexical Resource criteria are considered according to 3 factors: 

• Use correct words: This is the most common mistake in IELTS Speaking because candidates are still influenced by translation-speech thinking. Using words that do not fit the context will confuse the examiner and reduce the level of information transmission. Therefore, you need to make sure that the vocabulary you use is correct, contextual, easy to understand, and relevant to the topic at hand. In addition, you also need to show the examiner that you have the ability to speak word forms correctly and use collocations well.
• Subject-specific words: Candidates who are able to use topic-specific vocabulary will be more appreciated by the examiner.
• The ability to paraphrase and use idiomatic languages: Paraphrasing topics using advanced synonyms or other words will show that you have a clear understanding of the subject matter and that you have a wide vocabulary. Also, as you know, idioms/idioms are one of the best ways to make your speech more natural. Therefore, when you can use idioms in the right context, you will be greatly appreciated.

Vocabulary is one of the scoring criteria of the test

See also: Summary of ebooks of 40 must-know topics for IELTS Speaking 7.5+

Speaking criteria you can see in the following video:

3.3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

This criterion of IELTS Speaking Rubric mainly evaluates the sentence structures candidates use when answering questions given by the examiner. Some things candidates should keep in mind are: 

• Use complete simple and compound sentences.
• Flexible use of advanced clauses and sentence structures.
• Take care to avoid making mistakes in tenses or basic grammar mistakes, as few as possible.

Diversity and accuracy of grammar is an essential element for perfect speech

3.4. Pronunciation (Pronunciation)

Basically, simple pronunciation is judged by how well the examiner understands you. Also, don't worry about your accent, the IELTS examiner will not evaluate this factor in IELTS Speaking. In the IELTS speaking criteria , this criterion is divided into 3 smaller factors:

• Correct pronunciation of vowels and consonants in English
• Hit the right stress
• Speak at a moderate pace, with appropriate intonation and rhythm

Pronunciation is the key to deciding how many points you get

Details of the scoring criteria in the IELTS Speaking section:

4. Frequently asked questions

What are IELTS speaking band descriptors?

Is a set of criteria that the examiner uses to assess the candidate's speaking ability. Score band descriptors are the same for all IELTS Speaking tests (Academic & General)

Which part of the test has the highest weight in IELTS Speaking?

Part 3. This is an opportunity to improve your score by providing the examiner with a better vocabulary, grammar, fluency and pronunciation.

How is IELTS Speaking scored?

In IELTS Speaking, the examiner will evaluate 4 criteria: fluency and coherence, vocabulary source, grammatical range and accuracy, pronunciation. Each criterion will have a band score from 1 (lowest) to 9 (highest).

Are hand gestures allowed in IELTS speaking?

There is nothing wrong with using hand gestures while speaking. However, do not use hand gestures instead of speaking! The same goes for nodding and shaking the head.

The above article has clearly introduced the IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors - the IELTS Speaking grading criteria, as well as analyzed the misunderstandings that many candidates and their self-study IELTS candidates make in this test.