How is the IELTS Speaking test assessed?

Your test will be marked according to the following speaking band descriptors criteria:

Fluency and coherence (25%)

Your fluency is assessed by your ability to speak smoothly with little effort and little to no hesitation. To increase your score for fluency and cohesion, make sure that you’re able to connect your sentences by using connectives in your sentences. Speak smoothly and continuously, while using pauses correctly and extending your answers with as many relevant details as possible.

 

Using Connective and Discourse Markers in IELTS speaking

Lexical resource (25%)

This refers to the speaking vocabulary that you have learnt to be able to communicate your ideas and opinions clearly. To achieve a high band score, it is important to use a wide range of vocabulary. You need to show that you’re able to communicate freely, using appropriate vocabulary. Using idiomatic language correctly in your speaking exam will increase your score.

 

Take a look at our comprehensive list of IELTS vocabulary to help you with your IELTS speaking and writing exam.

Grammatical range and accuracy (25%)

This criteria refers to how good your grammar is. It is important to avoid making grammatical mistakes and to use more advanced grammatical structures in your responses.

 

Read our article about advanced speaking techniques here.

Pronunciation (25%)

In the IELTS exam, pronunciation is a very important criteria to focus on. You need to be sure that the examiner can understand what you are saying so that they are able to assess you.

 

Take a look at our tips for IELTS pronunciation.

How is the IELTS Speaking test assessed?
How is the IELTS Speaking test assessed?