IELTS::SPEAKING

Duration and format
The Speaking test takes between 11 and 14 minutes and
consists of an oral interview between the candidate and an
examiner.
All Speaking tests are recorded.
 
Task types
There are three parts to the test and each part fulfils a specific
function in terms of interaction pattern, task input and candidate
output.

In Part 1 candidates answer general questions about
themselves, their homes/families, their jobs/studies, their
interests, and a range of familiar topic areas. This part lasts
between four and five minutes.

In Part 2 the candidate is given a verbal prompt on a card and is
asked to talk on a particular topic. The candidate has one minute
to prepare before speaking at length, for between one and two
minutes. The examiner then asks one or two rounding-off
questions.

In Part 3 the examiner and candidate engage in a discussion of
more abstract issues and concepts which are thematically linked
to the topic prompt in Part 2. The discussion lasts between four
and five minutes.

Research has shown that the speech functions which occur
regularly in a candidate’s output during the Speaking test are:
Other speech functions may emerge during the test, but they are
not forced by the test structure.

Marking and assessment
Speaking performances are assessed by certificated IELTS
examiners. All IELTS examiners hold relevant teaching
qualifications and are recruited as examiners by the test centres
and approved by British Council or IDP: IELTS Australia.
Detailed performance descriptors have been developed
which describe spoken performance at the nine IELTS bands.
Public versions of these descriptors are available on the IELTS
website.

Fluency and Coherence

This criterion refers to the ability to talk with normal levels of
continuity, rate and effort and to link ideas and language
together to form coherent, connected speech.
The key indicators of fluency are speech rate and speech
continuity.
The key indicators of coherence are logical sequencing of
sentences, clear marking of stages in a discussion, narration
or argument, and the use of cohesive devices (e.g. connectors,
pronouns and conjunctions) within and between sentences.

Lexical Resource

This criterion refers to the range of vocabulary the candidate
can use and the precision with which meanings and attitudes
can be expressed.
The key indicators are the variety of words used, the adequacy
and appropriacy of the words used and the ability to
circumlocute (get round a vocabulary gap by using other words)
with or without noticeable hesitation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

This criterion refers to the range and the accurate and
appropriate use of the candidate’s grammatical resource.
The key indicators of grammatical range are the length and
complexity of the spoken sentences, the appropriate use of
subordinate clauses, and the range of sentence structures,
especially to move elements around for information focus.
The key indicators of grammatical accuracy are the number
of grammatical errors in a given amount of speech and the
communicative effect of error.

Pronunciation

This criterion refers to the ability to produce comprehensible
speech to fulfil the Speaking test requirements.
The key indicators will be the amount of strain caused to the
listener, the amount of the speech which is unintelligible and
the noticeability of L1 influence.