IELTS is one of the most prominent English proficiency tests accepted for admission to universities abroad. The IELTS exam comprises four sections; Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening, with a scoring scale ranging from 0-9. The IELTS Speaking section is one of the important sections of the IELTS exam, and it is important to perform well in it to improve your overall IELTS exam score.
How is the IELTS Speaking test scoring done? What are some of the common mistakes in IELTS Speaking?
Are you eager to learn more about the IELTS Speaking section, including the IELTS Speaking sample questions, IELTS Speaking test format, etc.? Then read on further and learn more!
What is the IELTS Speaking Test?
The IELTS Speaking test is one of the prominent sections of the entire IELTS exam. Your ability to speak in English without making any mistakes and hesitancy, and your ability to develop an idea and speak on a topic is assessed in this section. You should obtain a pretty good score in the section in order to get a good overall score. Additionally, several universities take into consideration your scores in individual sections as well.
IELTS Speaking Test Sections
The IELTS Speaking section is divided into three parts; Introduction, Cue Card, and Follow-up. We have given a detailed explanation of the IELTS Speaking test format below for your convenience.
- Introduction: This section takes about five minutes. You will be asked questions about your background, hobbies, education, etc. The examiner will introduce themself and ask you to do the same.
- Cue Card: This segment takes four to five minutes. You will be given two minutes to answer a question. You will also be given a pen and paper to note down your ideas.
Follow-up: This section is more of a continuation of the previous one. It assesses how you generate and establish your idea. This will take around five minutes.
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Scoring and Evaluation in the IELTS Speaking Test
The IELTS Speaking test scoring is on a 9-point scale and takes approximately 11-14 minutes. We have tabulated the IELTS Speaking test scoring pattern below.
|
Band Score |
Skill Level |
Details |
|
9 |
Expert |
Has full command over the language & the use of English is accurate, fluent and appropriate |
|
8 |
Very Good |
There are unsystematic inaccuracies & inappropriate usage |
|
7 |
Good |
There are occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage & misunderstandings in some situations |
|
6 |
Competent |
Has an effective command over the language in spite of inaccuracies, inappropriate usage & misunderstandings |
|
5 |
Modest |
Partial command of the language, although there are likely to be mistakes |
|
4 |
Limited |
Competence is limited to familiar situations |
|
3 |
Extremely Limited |
Conveys and understands only general meaning in familiar situations |
|
2 |
Intermittent |
Great difficulty in understanding spoken and written English |
|
1 |
Non-User |
No ability to use the language except a few isolated words |
|
0 |
Did not Attempt the Test |
Did not answer the question |
Tips and Strategies for IELTS Speaking Test Preparation
However much information is provided on the IELTS Speaking test, it would be beneficial for you if you get a few tips that can help secure a good score on the test. It is worth keeping in mind that we have listed a few IELTS test preparation tips below.
- Do not use unfamiliar words or big words by thinking that they make a good impression.
- Use the accent you usually speak in, and do not fake one.
- Focus on grammatical structures like lexical resources, pronunciation, grammatical accuracy, and fluency and coherence.
- Expand your answers by giving all the details.
- Speak confidently by avoiding fillers.
- Take time to pause and think if needed.
- Practise well with IELTS Speaking sample questions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in the IELTS Speaking Test
There are several common mistakes in the IELTS Speaking test that you can avoid to secure a good score. You can keep them in mind while you prepare for the IELTS Speaking test.
- Trying to memorise answers.
- Going off-topic by talking about things that do not stick to the topic that is asked.
- Repeating the same words and phrases several times.
- Using the same phrases used in the question.
- Poor pronunciation.
- Not speaking aloud and with confidence.
- Explaining Yes or No answers without a good elaboration.
- Overusing transition words.
Sample IELTS Speaking Topics and Questions
The IELTS Speaking test has three parts, and the topics asked will vary. It will be beneficial for you to get a rough idea about the types of questions asked in these sections. As such, we have listed them below.
IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics
- Work
- Home
- Childhood
- Study
- Food
IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topics
- Places: Country, City, Building, House, Tourist Destination, Hotel, etc.
- Things: Food, Film, Gift, Book, Goals, etc.
- People: Family, Your Inspiration, A Famous Person, etc.
- Situations: Birthday, When you Helped Someone, Wedding, An Important Decision in Your Life, etc.
IELTS Speaking Sample Questions: Part 1
- How do you spend your weekends?
- Have you always liked visiting museums?
- Have you ever changed cities?
- Do you have any hobbies that you would like to change into your job?
IELTS Speaking Sample Questions: Part 2
- Describe an interesting place you have been to recently.
- Describe a well-known person you like or admire.
- Describe an event that you attended.
- Describe your favourite festival.
IELTS Speaking Sample Questions: Part 3
- How do celebrities influence public opinion?
- Do you think shopping malls affect local businesses?
- What are the advantages of running a business?
- Do people read more nowadays?
We hope to have included all the information you need to know about the IELTS Speaking test, including the IELTS Speaking test format and common mistakes in the IELTS Speaking. If you have any further questions or doubts, you can contact AECC. We have expert counsellors who will guide you on every step of your journey to study abroad. Do not hesitate to contact us for FREE assistance!
FAQs
How long is the IELTS Speaking Test?
The IELTS Speaking test is 11-14 minutes.
Can I bring notes or a dictionary to the Speaking Test?
You cannot carry notes or a dictionary to the IELTS Speaking test.
How is the Speaking Test evaluated?
The IELTS Speaking test is evaluated based on a few factors, like fluency and coherence, grammatical range and accuracy, lexical resource, and pronunciation.
What is the average band score for the IELTS Speaking Test?
The average band score of the IELTS Speaking test is 5.0.
