How IELTS Speaking Score Is Calculated

Are you curious about how IELTS speaking score is calculated? It may seem confusing, but don’t worry! In this blog post, we’ll explain the process and give you a clear understanding of how your speaking skills are evaluated.

The IELTS speaking test is an essential component of the IELTS exam. Your speaking ability is evaluated based on four criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Each of these criteria is equally important, and the examiner will assess your performance on a scale of 0 to 9. Understanding how these criteria are used to calculate your speaking score can help you to prepare effectively and improve your chances of success.

In this blog post, you are going to learn about the IELTS speaking marking criteria, the IELTS speaking band score, if IELTS speaking band 6 is considered a good band, and tips you should practice to achieve an IELTS speaking band 7 criteria. Finally, you are going to learn is IELTS speaking marked immediately or if you have to wait to receive your marks.

This blog post is all about How IELTS Speaking Score Is Calculated

This blog post is all about How IELTS speaking score is calculated

During the IELTS speaking test, you will engage in a face-to-face conversation with an examiner. The test consists of three parts, each designed to evaluate different aspects of your speaking ability. In Part 1, you will answer questions about yourself and your interests. In Part 2, you will be given a topic to speak about for two minutes, and in Part 3, you will engage in a discussion with the examiner about more abstract ideas related to the topic in Part 2.

It’s important to note that the IELTS speaking test is not a memory test, and there are no right or wrong answers. The focus is on your ability to communicate effectively in English. With the right preparation and practice, you can develop the skills you need to perform well on the test and achieve your desired score.

In order to achieve a high band, the first step is to understand the IELTS speaking marking criteria and what exactly is expected of you.

IELTS Speaking Marking Criteria

The IELTS Speaking Marking Criteria is divided into four categories: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Each category carries equal weightage of 25%, and the examiner will grade you on a scale of 0 to 9 for each criterion.

Fluency and Coherence assess your ability to speak fluently and maintain a coherent conversation.

Lexical Resource evaluates your vocabulary usage, and the ability to express yourself using appropriate words and phrases.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy evaluates your ability to use a wide range of grammatical structures correctly.

Pronunciation assesses your ability to articulate words clearly and accurately, using the correct intonation and stress. Understanding how each category is evaluated can help you to focus on improving specific aspects of your speaking ability and achieve a higher score.

Now that you have a solid understanding of the IELTS speaking marking criteria, you should have a good understanding of the IELTS speaking band score and how to ensure you have a full understanding between the criteria and the band score.

IELTS Speaking Band Score

As mentioned earlier, the IELTS Speaking Band Score ranges from 0 to 9 and reflects your overall performance on the test. Your performance is evaluated across four categories: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation.

For instance, if you score a Band 3, your responses will likely be brief, lack coherence and have frequent errors in grammar and pronunciation.

At Band 5, you can produce simple responses with limited vocabulary, but they are often repetitive and contain errors in grammar and pronunciation.

At Band 7, you are able to demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, produce extended responses with coherence and few errors in grammar and pronunciation.

Finally, at Band 9, you are able to speak fluently, convey complex ideas naturally, with precise use of vocabulary and impeccable grammar and pronunciation.

Understanding the descriptions of each band score can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and work towards improving your score.

Now that you’ve got an idea of how to achieve each band score, have a look at these IELTS speaking band 6 hometown answers.

IELTS Speaking Band 6 Answers

Here are some examples of IELTS speaking band 6 answers that relate to hometown questions:

What kind of place is your hometown? My hometown is a small and peaceful place. It’s located in the countryside and surrounded by green fields and hills. It’s not very busy or crowded like the cities, but it has its own charm.
What do you like the most about your hometown? I like the fact that people in my hometown are very friendly and welcoming. They are always ready to help each other and create a sense of community. Also, I like the local food, which is very delicious and unique.
How has your hometown changed in the past few years? In the past few years, my hometown has undergone a lot of changes. The infrastructure has improved significantly, and new buildings and facilities have been built. However, I think the changes have also affected the environment negatively, as more trees have been cut down, and there’s more pollution.
Would you recommend people to visit your hometown? Why or why not? Yes, I would definitely recommend people to visit my hometown. It’s a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the peaceful countryside. Also, there are many historical and cultural attractions to explore, which can be very interesting and educational.

What You Should Do To Achieve An IELTS Speaking Band 7 Criteria

Here are five tips for you to achieve an IELTS Speaking Band 7 Criteria:

Build your vocabulary: A wide range of vocabulary is essential for achieving a Band 7 in IELTS Speaking. Start by reading extensively, watching English TV shows and movies, and practicing new words in context.
Improve fluency and coherence: In order to score high, you need to speak smoothly and coherently. To improve your fluency, try to speak more quickly and avoid hesitating or pausing excessively. Also, use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas together and create a more coherent response.
Work on your grammar: Grammatical accuracy is crucial in achieving a Band 7 in IELTS Speaking. Focus on using a variety of grammatical structures, such as complex sentences, conditionals, and relative clauses, while avoiding basic errors like subject-verb agreement.
Practice pronunciation: Pronunciation plays a major role in the Speaking test, and you need to be able to produce sounds accurately and clearly. Practice your pronunciation by listening to native speakers, imitating their pronunciation, and working on your intonation and stress patterns.
Take practice tests: Practice makes perfect, and taking practice tests can help you become more familiar with the format of the IELTS Speaking test. Record yourself answering practice questions and listen back to identify areas for improvement. Also, get feedback from a teacher or tutor to help you refine your skills and focus on specific areas that need improvement.

You are probably wondering is IELTS speaking marked immediately and when you will get your results, keep reading to find out!

Is IELTS Speaking Marked Immediately?

It should be noted that the IELTS Speaking test is not graded instantly. The test involves a one-on-one interview between the candidate and an IELTS examiner, which usually lasts for around 11-14 minutes. Subsequently, the examiner records the candidate’s responses and submits them to the central IELTS office for evaluation.

Certified and experienced IELTS examiners assess the speaking test according to specific criteria such as fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. The evaluation process may take a few days, and the final results are usually available online approximately 13 days after the test date.

It is important to note that the IELTS Speaking test is one of the four components of the IELTS exam, which also includes Listening, Reading, and Writing. The scores of all four sections are combined to provide an overall band score, ranging from 0 to 9.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding how IELTS Speaking Score Is Calculated requires a combination of strong vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, fluency, and coherence skills. By following the tips outlined above and practicing consistently, you can work towards improving your score and achieving your desired band score. Remember to stay calm and focused during the test, listen carefully to the examiner’s questions, and take the time to organize your thoughts before responding. With dedication and hard work, you can succeed in the IELTS Speaking test and achieve your goals.