What One Needs to Know about the IELTS Speaking Test

They could be from any country in which English is the native language, so they are undoubtedly native English speakers. The IELTS examiners are all invariably experienced teachers with advanced degrees of education. They know the difficulty level of the test and will be patient with the candidate as long as they can allow. They will want us to do well and be fair and honest with us. They would have received special IELTS training for judging on the day of the exam.

They may not be pleasant sometimes, due to various reasons. They may seem rude or unpleasant, but one must not worry about it, as their mood will not change one’s score.

What They Expect from Us:

1. Pronunciation – They will want us to pronounce simple and words with little complexity correctly. They will look for pronunciation errors, so we must be careful.
2. Vocabulary – It is not wise to show off vocabulary unless one knows how to use difficult words properly. Using words inappropriately will only cause lowering of one’s score.
3. Sentence Structure – Usage of good sentence structure shows that one is well versed in the language and has good communication skills, exactly what the interviewer seeks in the candidate.
4. Fluency – Fluency is most desired. Make sure you do not stammer or say incoherent words.

How Does this Section Affect Your Score?

Band 4

Bad sentences, hesitation in speaking up and mistakes and errors in speech and grammar would earn you only a band 4.

Band 5

To score a Band 5, you can make small mistakes and have hesitations while speaking, but you must make simple sentences easily and without major mistakes.

Band 6

To be Band 6, you must be able to use longer sentences with fewer hesitations. Words of more complexity must be used with little mistakes.

Band 7

For Band 7, using a variety of words with proper sentences with very few mistakes and good fluency will help.

Band 8

For a band 8 score, you need a very good vocabulary and the ability to speak fluently on any topic. You may make no errors at all, if those errors do not get in the way of communication.

One example showing the type of questions that could be asked:

Section I

Good morning. My name is … could you tell me your name please?
Please show me your identification/ passport? That’s fine thanks you.
Do you work or are you a student?
What subject are you a studying?
Why did you choose that subject?
Are there things you don’t like about it?

Section II

What do you think for ordinary people the most effective media to get news is?
Whether all people will be interested in national or international news in your country?