Focus on Assessment

Assessment Criteria

The four criteria used in IELTS Speaking to assess candidates are as follows:

• Fluency and Coherence
• Lexical Resource
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy
• Pronunciation

The criteria have equal weighting in their contribution to the final band, which is currently given as a whole band. From 1 July 2007, speaking Scores will be reported on a scale including half bands. IELTS Official Practice Materials include recordings of sample speaking tests with final speaking bands, and examiner comments on their performance.

Fluency and Coherence
This refers to the candidate’s ability to talk with normal levels of continuity, speech rate and effort, and to link ideas and language together in coherent, connected speech.

Lexical Resource
This refers to the range of vocabulary the candidate can use and how clearly meanings and attitudes can be expressed. This includes the variety of words used and the ability to get round a vocabulary gap by expressing the idea in a different way.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy
This refers to the range of structures available to the candidate and how accurately and appropriately s/he can use them. Assessment takes into account the length and complexity of utterances as well as the effect of grammatical errors on communication.

Pronunciation
This refers to the candidate’s ability to produce comprehensible utterances and to use a range of pronunciation features to communicate meaning. Assessment takes into account the amount of strain caused to the listener, and the noticeability of L1 influence.