IELTS Examiners assess Speaking and Writing by comparing student communication to the relevant descriptors – see below:
Speaking Descriptors
| Fluency and Coherence
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Fluency = talking without long pauses at normal speed. Occasional short pauses will not count heavily against you.
Coherence = sequencing information. Content is easy to follow in terms of ideas through the use of connecting words like “because”, “in fact”, “even so” etc.
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| Lexical Resource
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Use of vocabulary is flexible, varied and appropriate. The vocabulary you use determines how clear and precise your communication is. When you can’t think of a particular word, you can find another to get your idea across.
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| Grammatical Range and Accuracy
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Range = the variety of sentence structures you use and the variation in length.
Accuracy = how many mistakes you make and whether or not they interfere greatly with communication. |
| Pronunciation | To what extent does your pronunciation make it difficult for the examiner to understand you. Use of appropriate stress and intonation. Voice needs to be clear and strong, with good rhythm.
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Writing Task 1 and 2 Descriptors
| Task Achievement/
Response |
Task 1: How well you have understood and responded to the question.
Task 2: Your point of view is clear, well developed and relevant to what the question asks.
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| Coherence and Cohesion | To what extent is the essay easily understood and well organised?
Coherence = the essay works well in its overall structure, making sense in the way it is organised. Cohesion = the sentences are linked well and easy to follow. It flows well from one part to the next.
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| Lexical Resource
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The range of words used to cover the topic. The use of correct and appropriate (meaning and formality) word forms. Spelling accuracy.
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| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | Range = the variety of sentence structures you use and the variation in length.
Accuracy = how many mistakes you make and whether or not they interfere greatly with communication (including punctuation).
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