Which four criteria does the examiner use in my IELTS Speaking test, and how much is each worth?
The IELTS Speaking test is assessed on four criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource (vocabulary), grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Each is typically worth 25 percent of the speaking score, and the test is the same for Academic and General Training candidates.
Your IELTS Speaking score rests on four equally weighted areas, each worth 25 percent. The test is the same whether you take Academic or General Training, and you speak face to face with an examiner.
The Four Criteria
| Criterion | Weight | What the examiner checks |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency and Coherence | 25% | Can you speak continuously without too many pauses and connect your ideas well? |
| Lexical Resource (Vocabulary) | 25% | Can you use different words to explain ideas and discuss topics clearly? |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 25% | Do you use varied grammar structures and avoid frequent mistakes? |
| Pronunciation | 25% | Is your speech easy to understand, with natural intonation? |
How Scores Are Reported
- You receive a score from 0 to 9 for each part of the test: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- Your overall band score is the average of those section scores
- Scores are typically reported in whole and half bands
My Advice
Practise all four criteria together rather than focusing only on vocabulary. Record yourself, listen back for hesitation and unclear sounds, and check the official IELTS website for the latest test details.
What IELTS band do universities actually need?
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