IELTS Speaking – Session 1 – How is your Speaking performance assessed?

Your IELTS Speaking performance is assessed by the average score of four criteria. Each criterion is calculated based on your overall level throughout the performance (all three parts) and it accounts for 25% of your overall score.

Pronunciation

• How clear and accurate your pronunciation is throughout the exam.
• How effortlessly you pronounce words in general.
• Word and sentence stresses.
• Your intonation throughout the exam.
• How well you connect your speech (e.g., linked sounds).

Fluency and Coherence

• How fluent you are, including how frequently and how long you pause between speeches.
• How effortlessly you understand the questions and answer the.
• How coherent your answers are, including elaborating your answers to make them clearer, how logical your answers are.
• How efficiently your sentences and answers are linked, including using Cohesive Devices such as linking words.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

• Use a wide range of grammar points (tenses, structures) from basic (simple sentences) to advanced (complex sentences with advanced grammar points).
• All grammar points must be used correctly. Any mistake, either basic or advanced, accounts for a reduction in your score.

Lexical Resource

• Use a wide range of vocabulary, including meaning and usage, both general and topic-specific.
• Make sure the words are used properly and naturally in the sentences.
• Any mistake accounts for a reduction in score.
• The more repeated keywords are the more chance of a reduction in score.

Before we move on to the next part, this is a reminder for you that you don’t need to use fancy grammar and vocabulary to achieve a high score for IELTS Speaking. The best way to look at it is to use the best of your English to get the score that you deserve. 

It is always best to have a practice partner to motivate you. You can find a partner by joining this free group.