IELTS is one of the most trusted English language exams accepted by over 12,000 organisations in 160 countries. It tests the reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills. More than 3 million people prepare for this test because its scores can help them get a work or study visa. However, most of them struggle to prepare for the IELTS speaking section. So, they take regular doubt-clearing sessions from experts. They guide them to the key factors to calculate the speaking scores. In addition, they advise taking mock tests for their IELTS speaking practice. Let's understand how to calculate the scores for the speaking section and why experts advise us to do so.
The average scores of all four sections are the overall IELTS band scores. Test takers get their scores on a scale of 0-9 in the speaking section. However, examiners look for four skills to award the speaking scores-
These are also known as the IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors. Well, let's know about them in detail. It will help you understand how experts calculate the speaking scores.
Firstly, experts look for fluency and coherence. These two are the most important skills for the IELTS speaking section. Fluency helps to identify whether the test taker is speaking the sentence at a regular pace. Furthermore, coherence helps determine whether a sentence makes sense or not. Thus, they should practice speaking at a regular and equal pace to get a high score.
Secondly, test-takers should focus on lexical resources. They play a very crucial role in evaluating the English language proficiency of the test takers. These are hard-to-pronounce words, synonyms, and phrases used while answering the questions. However, test takers should learn new words daily to master this skill.
Thirdly, test takers must have a good command of English grammar. Many people from non-English-speaking nations appear for the IELTS exam. However, they face several challenges in using correct grammar while speaking. Well, every test taker should know the Grammar rules and frame the sentences accordingly to achieve good marks.
Lastly, test takers have to work on their pronunciation. The English dictionary contains more than 171,476 words. Some words like Fair and Fare sound similar, and there are ample words like Aberrant and Scissors, which are hard to pronounce. However, test-takers should speak loudly and clearly while answering the questions in the listening section. It will help the examiner to award you the final scores for the speaking section.
The IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors help examiners to evaluate the speaking proficiency of the test takers. So, they follow several practices to master all the skills and secure a good score. However, let us discuss some of the following. It will help you follow the best practices for your exam preparation.
You can say that a good score in the IELTS speaking section is the key to acing the exam. Test takers follow several practices, such as understanding the exam pattern and taking mock tests, to prepare for this section. It helps them greatly on exam day. However, let us highlight some of the best exam preparation practices below.
The IELTS speaking section is conducted either on the same day or 7 days before or after the test date. It is an 11 to 14-minute task. During this time, test takers face 3 parts.
Well, they have to use their listening skills well and answer all the questions to get their dream scores.
Secondly, test takers stay consistent while preparing for the speaking section of the IELTS exam. They try to learn 15-20 words daily. It helps them expand their range of vocabulary to showcase their language skills on exam day.
Thirdly, many test takers visit multiple platforms for their IELTS speaking practice. It helps them become familiar with the exam pattern. In addition, it helps them to prepare for multiple cue card questions. Due to this, they build confidence and increase their chances of getting a high score.
Lastly, many test takers connect with the finest trainers for their exam preparation. They follow several practices, including regular sessions of speech training, mock tests, and more. Thus, it helps the aspirants with the best exam preparation.
To sum up, the speaking section is an important part of the IELTS exam pattern. It helps examiners evaluate speaking skills and award scores. Every year, thousands of test takers struggle to prepare for this section. So, they connect to experts at Gradding. They offer regular classes for speech training and administer speaking mock tests, which include an IELTS band score calculator. It helps the test takers to analyse their progress and build confidence to ace the exam.