How Your IELTS Speaking Band Score is Calculated

The IELTS Speaking exam is an interview which happens face-to-face with an examiner who happens to assess your spoken English proficiency.

It happens for up to 11-14 minutes and is divided into 3 parts:

IELTS Speaking Marking Criteria

Now that you have read an overview about the IELTS Speaking section, let us look at the top 4 criteria used to assess your speaking in the test.

1. Fluency and Coherence

It assesses how clear you speak and how structured your speech is.

How to score higher?

• Use linking words and sign postings to connect your sentences.
• Add relevant details to extend your answers
• Use pauses perfectly and speak smoothly.

2. Lexical Resource

This criteria tests how good your vocabulary is.

How to score higher?

• Try to use a wide range of IELTS vocabulary.
• Choose words accurately based on the context.
• Do not overuse IELTS idioms while you speak.

3. Pronunciation

This assesses how natural your sound is.

How to score higher?

• Make sure you have a clear pronunciation.
• Do not try to imitate native speakers
• Stress on important words and use intonations while you speak.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

These criteria test how good and accurate your grammar is.

How to score higher?

• Use complex sentences if possible.
• Try to use proper grammatical structures.
• Do not over complicate your sentences with fancy language.

IELTS Speaking Criteria

Your performance in the IELTS Speaking test is evaluated based on four important criteria and each of them is scored on a scale from 0 to 9.

The final IELTS Band Score of the Speaking test is the average of these four components.

1. Fluency and Coherence
2. Lexical Resource
3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy
4. Pronunciation

IELTS Score Calculation

Each of these criteria receives a score from 0 to 9 points and then the total is calculated to determine the section's final score.

For example:

Total Score Calculation: (7 + 8 + 7 + 6) / 4 = 7

Final Rounded Score: 7

This shows how the IELTS Speaking score is calculated and rounded.

All in all, understanding how the IELTS Speaking band score is calculated can help you set a proper goal for your test. Also remember that accuracy is key, and each correct answer can significantly impact the overall score. So start practicing regularly, and be consistent with your preparations to ace the IELTS test on the whole!