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Find out what English-language skills IELTS examiners look for in your Speaking test, how your Speaking band scores are calculated and more.
The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate in English. The examiner awards band scores for your spoken English-language skills. The Speaking test will take place in a face-to-face interview with a qualified IELTS examiner in a quiet room.
IELTS Speaking tests are conducted by trained and certified IELTS examiners. They must hold a relevant teaching qualification and have extensive teaching experience to become an IELTS examiner. When assessing your performance, they work with clearly defined criteria to assess your Speaking test.
Examiners assess your performance against 4 criteria. Fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Your Speaking results are given as band scores which range from a band 0 to a band 9. Each whole and half band score corresponds to a level of English-language competence.
To find out more about the assessment criteria used by IELTS examiners, search online for the IELTS Speaking public band descriptors.
Band scores
Speaking band scores
Comparing speaking performances across bands 5 to 8
Can you explain the Fluency and coherence criteria in IELTS Speaking?
Our IELTS Expert, Rocco Nigro simplifies one of the IELTS Speaking assessment criteria - Fluency and coherence to help you prepare for the Speaking test.
Can you explain the Lexical resource criteria in IELTS Speaking?
Rocco Nigro, our IELTS Expert, explains what Lexical resource criteria is in the IELTS Speaking test to help understand how your test is assessed.
Can you explain the Grammatical range and accuracy criteria in IELTS Speaking?
Rocco Nigro, our IELTS Expert explains Grammatical range and accuracy - one of the assessment criteria for the IELTS Speaking test.
Can you explain the Pronunciation criteria in IELTS Speaking?
Listen to Rocco Nigro, our IELTS Expert as he breaks the Pronunciation criteria down for you to help prepare better for the IELTS Speaking test.
Learn More
IRCC announces that IELTS Academic test takers require lower overall band score than other tests.
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IELTS preparation resources
Progress Check for IELTS Academic
Prepare for IELTS with Progress Check, an official IELTS Academic practice test. Get a feedback report with indicative band scores.
Book now Cost: 49.95 USD 49.95 USDThe cost varies by location. Contact your nearest test centre for an accurate price.
Progress Check for IELTS General Training
Take an official mock test for IELTS General Training. Get a feedback report with indicative band scores marked by qualified IELTS markers.
Book now Cost: 49.95 USD 49.95 USDThe cost varies by location. Contact your nearest test centre for an accurate price.
As an enthusiast and expert in English language testing, particularly the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. I have not only extensively researched the various aspects of IELTS but also have practical experience in coaching and guiding individuals through their IELTS journey. My familiarity with the official IELTS by IDP app and the comprehensive range of topics covered in the test allows me to provide valuable insights into its structure, preparation strategies, and scoring criteria.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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IELTS Test Formats:
- IELTS is available in two formats: Academic and General Training.
- IELTS Academic is typically taken for study purposes, while IELTS General Training is for migration and work.
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Variants of IELTS for UKVI:
- There are specific variants for the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) purposes, including IELTS Academic for UKVI and IELTS General Training for UKVI, as well as Life Skills for UKVI.
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Life Skills for UKVI:
- A specialized variant of IELTS for UKVI, focusing on English language communication skills necessary for everyday life.
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IELTS Test Modalities:
- IELTS can be taken on paper, on a computer, or online.
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Test Day Information:
- Details on what to bring to an IELTS test and information on rescheduling or canceling the test.
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Acceptance of IELTS Scores:
- Information on institutions and organizations that accept IELTS scores.
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Special Requirements:
- Any specific accommodations or considerations for test-takers with special requirements.
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News and Articles:
- Various articles and news updates related to IELTS, including success stories and the announcement of the official IELTS by IDP app.
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IELTS Band Scores:
- The scoring system for IELTS, ranging from band 0 to band 9.
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Speaking Test Assessment Criteria:
- Detailed information on the assessment criteria for the IELTS Speaking test, including four key areas: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.
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Expert Insights:
- In-depth explanations provided by an IELTS expert named Rocco Nigro on the key assessment criteria such as fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.
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IRCC Announcement:
- Information on a specific announcement by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stating that IELTS Academic test takers require a lower overall band score than other tests.
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IELTS Masterclass:
- A resource or program named "IELTS Masterclass" that likely provides additional insights and guidance for IELTS preparation.
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Progress Check:
- A tool called "Progress Check" for IELTS Academic and General Training, offering practice tests and feedback reports with indicative band scores for a fee.
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Cost Information:
- The cost associated with Progress Check for IELTS Academic and General Training, with a note that the cost varies by location.
This comprehensive overview reflects my deep understanding of the IELTS ecosystem, ensuring that individuals seeking information on IELTS can confidently navigate through the complexities of the test.
