Understanding the IELTS Speaking Rubric

• IELTS speaking is scored from the recording • This section is scored according to a rubric (see below). • A score of 0 to 9 is given for each of the 4 categories in

the rubric. • Half scores are not given for categories, but they may

happen for a band score: e.g. Fluency 7 Coherence 6 Lexical Resource 7 Pronunciation 6 Speaking score. 6.5

• Scores within a band skill are always rounded down.

How does my English relate to the scoring system? To achieve a band 7+ in speaking, try to incorporate the features in the table below. It is a very good idea to practice by recording yourself, so you can identify problem areas of grammar and pronunciation.

Rubric Criteria

Tasks

Fluency & Coherence

1. Discourse markers – Try to use a variety of words and expressions

for introducing your answers and connecting your ideas. a) Starters – These words or phrases start your answers

e.g. of course, actually, honestly speaking, I think, in my opinion, on the one hand etc.

b) Coordinators and subordinators – These words link clauses within a sentence.

e.g. but, and, because, whereas etc.

2. Topic development – For a higher band score, try to extend your

answers as much as possible.

3.Fluency– Try to relax as much as possible and speak at a natural speed. It is normal to think for a short time before you answer but long pauses will be viewed as language hesitation. If you make a mistake, you can correct yourself. It is also ok to ask the examiner to repeat a question, but repeated requests will affect your fluency score.

Lexical Resource

1. Paraphrasing – Try not to use exactly the same words as the question, especially as a discourse marker. It is ok to be direct in your response if an appropriate discourse marker is used.

2. Try to use a wide range of vocabulary – Unlike the writing section, a wide variety of vocabulary including idiomatic expressions is encouraged.

3. Synonyms – Try to use different words with exactly the same meaning to avoid repetition. 4. Less common lexical terms and natural idioms e.g There is an abundance (large number) of methods. e.g. The bottom line is that vegetarianism is a healthier option. (idiomatic expression) 5. Formality and format – The speaking section is less formal than writing. You can use contractions and less formal vocabulary. However, try not to use slang. 6. Word forms – Check that you are using the right form of the word you choose. e.g. People should choose to be vegetarian if they care about their healthy. (The word healthy is an adjective. You need a noun.)

1. Try to use a wide range of simple, compound and complex sentences, for example: a) Simple sentences e.g. Many people choose a vegetarian diet. b) Compound sentences e.g. FANBOYS - I completely agree that vegetarianism is better for our health, and it also helps to decrease environmental damage. c) Modals e.g. would, can, should – People should consider the environment when they make the choice whether or not to eat meat.

Grammatical

Range & Accuracy

d) Subordinates e.g. because, before, although – People choose a vegetarian diet because they believe it to be healthy. e) Comparatives e.g. healthier – People believe that a vegetarian diet is healthier than a diet including meat. f) Superlatives e.g. the healthiest – Vegetarianism is the healthiest option. g) Relative Clauses e.g. that, which – Vegetarians tend to have fewer health problems, which helps to reduce the number of work hours lost through absenteeism. h) Participle Clauses e.g. eating, eaten, having eaten – Having eaten meat for the majority of my life, I find it very difficult to contemplate the idea of switching to a vegetarian diet. g) Conditionals e.g. if – If everyone decided to become vegetarian, the world would be a better place. 2. Grammar – the speaking section is NOT as strict as the writing section. However, try to maintain a high level of grammar. a) Subject – verb agreement e.g. The government is responsible for changing ideas about diet. b) Plural/Singular – Make sure you check the agreement in the nouns e.g. There are many reasons for choosing a vegetarian diet. c) Articles – all singular nouns need an article (a/an/the) e.g. The main reason for choosing a vegetarian diet is a healthy body. d) Prepositions e.g. of/to/for – The main reason for choosing a vegetarian diet…... 4. Parallelism – Remember to use parallel structure when making sentences. e.g. People eat meat because it is delicious, cheap and healthy. (adjective parallelism)

Pronunciation

1. Accents

You will not be penalized for having an accent. English is a global language and used by many nationalities. If your accent does not interfere with understanding, it will not affect your score. Try recording yourself to makes sure your pronunciation is clear and coherent.

2. Pronunciation Features There are many features the examiner will check including:

a) Syllables – Individual English words have a specific number of sounds. e.g. comfortable has 3 sounds and is pronounced comf/ta/bull

b) Stress – Individual English words with more than one syllable have a raised tone on one of them e.g. photography – this word has 4 syllables and the second syllable is emphasized.

c) Intonation – A phrase or sentence has an appropriate flow of rises and drops depending on the structure.

d) Chunking – Some groups of words or phrases are common usage and are therefore spoken quickly together. In natural English speech, the flow of sentences will be characterized by these ‘chunked’ expressions separated by other phrases.

e) Word pronunciation – Mispronunciation of individual words making them difficult to understand will be penalized.

Basically, if you can be understood with minimal effort, your pronunciation score will be high.