What are IELTS descriptors

Here are 6 little known facts about IELTS with tips and snippets of IELTS advice to help you with the speaking exam in a handy infographic.

Every IELTS candidate ought to be aware of these. 

What are IELTS band scores?

There are 9 band scores in IELTS and each attempts to describe how well you perform in the IELTS language test. 

IELTS Band 9 is a benchmark given to expert users.

An expert user is not always a native speaker, but someone who can produce sufficient language in a controlled and precise manner that satisfies the IELTS task.  In the case of speaking, this means responding to questions fully in a relevant and meaningful way.

Other band scores are also used as important benchmarks too.

For example, band score IELTS 7.5 is a benchmark used for entrance to post-graduate university study and to practice in the medical profession.

An IELTS band score of 6.5 is often used for work visas, for example, migration to Australia and Canada.

In contrast, an IELTS score of 4.5 and 5.5 can be used as a university entrance benchmark for undergraduate Pre-sessional Courses in many countries such as the United Kingdom.

How are IELTS band descriptors used in Speaking

To improve your confidence and achieve a better IELTS score, you should read this post and understand how IELTS speaking is marked.

To get an overall IELTS Band score for IELTS Speaking, four IELTS band descriptors are used. 

These all carry an equal weighting of 25% and are added together to form an overall IELTS Speaking Band Score.

IELTS Speaking is 1 part of 4 parts in the IELTS test.

The speaking test score is added to a band score for Writing, and added to the points you score in IELTS Listening and Reading to give the overall IELTS Band Score.

IELTS Speaking Fact – Fluency and Cohesion

The first band descriptors that IELTS examiners use is called FC. This is fluency and coherence.

This refers to how well an IELTS candidate can respond to a question and explain their thoughts.

So, for example, an IELTS examiner will be looking to see how quickly you respond to their questions.

They will also note whether you pause, or hesitate or can’t answer because you haven’t the vocabulary or don’t understand the question.

The examiner will be noting how much and how long the answers you give are, in order to understand your fluency. 

They will also be looking at the content you produce. For example, the examiner will consider whether you explain you thoughts and opinions in a controlled, clear and logical way. Does what you say make sense or is it confused.

The questions the examiners asks themselves refer to coherence and how well you can be understood.

IELTS Speaking Fact – Lexical Resource

The next area the examiner considers is LR or Lexical Resource and is related to the words that you use in your response to IELTS questions.

A trained examiner looks for content words that indicate the level you are working at and assess if you are able to use a wide range of vocabulary, and more importantly, whether you use this vocabulary in a controlled and accurate way.

This is important as it indicates how well you can use vocabulary in a natural way.

Using vocabulary in a natural or expected way supports explaining your ideas and opinions, and so it helps with cohesion.

In contrast, using unnatural vocabulary or unexpected words can breakdown cohesion and lower your score.

IELTS Speaking Fact – Grammar 

GRA is also known as Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

A good score in this area is 7+. To achieve this the examiner needs to hear more than just the simple present, past and simple tenses but a good range of grammar used naturally and accurately.

Not many people know this, but the IELTS test is designed and conducted in such a way that the questions should produce a good range of grammar.

As questions move from Part 1 to Part 3, so the opportunities for grammar display increase if the candidate is aware and capable of them.

Using grammar inappropriately can lower the score in this area and can also affect the first band descriptor, fluency and coherence.

IELTS Speaking Fact – Pronunciation

Finally, the affect your pronunciation has on intelligibility is assessed in PR, or Pronunciation.

The basic point that the examiner is listening for is whether pronunciation is near to a general standard English pronunciation which could be understood by most people or are there aspects of your language that are affected by your first language.

Your L1 (first language) may have specific features which if they are present in your English may mean that your are not as easily understood as you could be.

This will affect you intelligibility. This is an area you may need to work on but don’t worry, even native speakers with strong regional accents can score badly in this area of intelligibility.

What is important is to be aware of your weak areas, so ask you teacher or someone who knows about languages and ask if you are clear and easily understood.

Conclusion

One of the biggest mistakes that IELTS candidates make is not being aware of how they are assessed.

Understanding how band scores are awarded and created using IELTS descriptors means students can focus on areas of assessment which are important.

Being aware of this means you can work on your weaker areas.

Simply by being more aware of the test, you’re likely to be more confident too.

I hope this was useful and feel free to share it!

The basic ‘must know’ preparation tips for a higher score in this part of the IELTS Speaking Test.

Look at these Introduction questions for Part 1 of the Speaking Test.

Can you give good answers to these?

Could you extend you answer where necessary?

There is no right or wrong answer, but there is a trick question!!

The difference between opening and development questions

What is your (full) name?
Can I have your name, please?
Could you tell me your full name, please?
What shall I call you?
How can I address you?

Does your name have any special meaning?
Is your name important to you?
Do Korean/Chinese (your nationality) people like changing their name? Why?
Have you ever changed your name? Why or why not?
Why do so many people change their name?
Do you work or study?

Okay, did you see the trick questions?

The trick questions are all the first five questions.

These are the questions that come before Part 1 of the Speaking Exam.

The examiner needs to follow a script to get the test going and two questions on the script are similar to the first five questions.  See how similar they are.

This part of the recording is not assessed by the examiner, therefore you don’t need to extend you answer.

What’s is you full name?

Can I have you name please?

Could you tell me your full name, please?

My name is Maria Katrina Lopez.

What shall I call you?

How can I address you?

You can call me Kat. My friends call me Kat.

Relax because these questions are not assessed.

That’s easy to remember, isn’t it!

Developmental Questions

Now you have established the opening IELTS questions about your name are not assessed, lets look at the questions which follow and how to extend the answers to get a good IELTS score in this area.

The format of the test means the first set of question will be related to your work or your studies.

The next two sets of questions will be on any number of randomly chosen topics from the examiners script.

In these three sets of IELTS scripted questions, if you can extend your answer you are already making your test easier.

Not only will the test seem to finish quickly, but the examiner will have less opportunity to ask the more difficult questions on their script, for example why or why not.

The most important reason to extend your answer is that you will probably score higher marks for fluency, an IELTS band descriptor the examiner uses to give an IELTS score.

Extending your answer will also create opportunities to display your vocabulary and grammar which is another IELTS band descriptor the examiner uses.

Let’s look at some random IELTS examples and the response and development.

Does your name have any special meaning?

No, it doesn’t really have any special meaning in my language, but it is a very common name for a girl. I know of at least three Marias, so, yes, it’s a popular name in my country, and in other languages too. I think it is used in English as well.

Yes, my middle name is Katrina, which means Catherine in English. But my close friends call me Kat. That’s the shortened name, and I suppose using Kat means my friends are close to me. I don’t like people to call me Kat if I don’t know them.

Is your name important to you?

Yes, its very important.

Firstly, because it’s the name of my grandmother, but also I believe it reflects my personality. I really am a Maria.

Do Korean/Chinese (your nationality) people like changing their name? Why?

Yes, I think that when we live abroad or study abroad, we like to change our name for a variety of reasons.

I think firstly it is easier for a teacher to remember, as well as friends who have western names.

It also makes it easier when you have to sign a document, you know if you have to sign a form or check in at a hotel for example.

Maybe it is a kind of fashion for young people. I’m not sure if older people change their names, they are more traditional, aren’t they but I know who have.

Extending Part 1 IELTS questions

So can use see how longer answers in IELTS Speaking part 1 are better than short answers.

Try these now.

Can you extend the answer to these questions using the prompts? 

Practice how you would answer them.

Have you ever changed your name? (Don’t forget the why or why not!)

Yes + to what + why + how did people react

No + why not + do you know people who have + is there a situation where you might

Why do so many people change their name?

Is this true in your culture + If yes, why +and give an example

If not, why do you think it is not + for what reason might this happen/not happen + is there an example you can use?

Remember at the beginning that the common IELTS topic is about work or study.

This question is  the first part of the speaking assessment.

Don’t overextend your answer here, as there are more questions to follow in the 3 to 4 minutes speaking time. 

These are good example to follow, notice you can use the past tense too. Of course, your examples are your 

Do you work or study?

I study + where + what do you study + for how long + why

I currently study Law at Leeds college. I’m in the second year and I plan to do an internship at the end of my degree.

I work + where + what do you do + for how long + why

I have worked for an NHS trust as a clinical operator for about 3 years now, but I am planning to relocate to Canada with the IELTS test.

I studied + where + what did you study + for how long + why

Before I started working in Toronto, I studied a Masters in Contemporary Performance Arts in Perth for two years. This has given me the experience to work in the arts sector.

I worked + where + what did you do + for how long + why

I worked for in Winchester for two years in an NHS trust as a General Nurse before moving to Southampton. I worked there as it was near to my graduating college.

Awards for Fluency

Fluency needs to be controlled but remember, if you can increase your fluency score, then the examiner can focus on awarding good marks for the other marking criteria such as use of grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.

Preparing and Practising for the long turn in IELTS speaking 

This is the second section of the IELTS speaking test and its the area that can be the most worrying and the most challenging. 

Students see the main point to this task as being able to speak for two minutes on a topic they have never seen before.

Now that is a challenge!

Yet, it shouldn’t be like this!

Why do I think so?

Well, my first thoughts are, it’s the perfect opportunity to display what you can do in terms of language, with no examiner interruptions.

I also think because there is only one question, which is the prompt, even if you go off topic, you shouldn’t get penalised.

Once you have understood the advice I give, there are practice cards for the most recent and popular topics as well as a checklist for the understanding the marking criteria and assessment.

You can practice these questions by yourself, but it’s even better to practice with a partner or a teacher.

Remember, when you practice you need to focus on the four Speaking Band scores and not just being able to talk for two minutes!

What do the IELTS Speaking Criteria mean?

Remember, when practicing, if you can record yourself you can notice the language you use and any errors you make!

There are some great apps that you can use to do this.

My particular favourite at the moment is Flipgrid. It’s really easy to use and share your recording with others for feedback.

I’ve  used this in class and in speaking feedback groups.

Here’s the link.

Final points

The most important thing I could say about this area of the test is not to worry.

As long as you know what to expect and have some idea of the question categories, you can focus on the providing language for the assessment.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Common Questions Categories

• Reading
• Television
• Work
• Family
• Sports
• Animals
• Technology
• Communication
• Health
• Food
• Travel

Describe a good law in your country.

You should say:

• what the law is
• how you first learned about this law
• who benefits from this law (or, who is affected by this law)

and explain why you think this is a good law.

Describe a time when you took a risk

and you knew something bad might happen but it had a positive result.

You should say:

• What risk you took
• What bad thing you thought might happen
• Why you decided to take this risk

and explain why the result was positive

Describe something you have been taught.

You should say:

• what the situation was
• what you were taught
• who taught you 

and explain how this has helped you.

Describe something you did with a group of people that you really enjoyed

You should say:

• What you did
• Who the people were
• Where and when you did this

and explain why doing this with a group of people was enjoyable

Describe an occasion where you received good service from a company or shop.

You should say:

• what the service was
• when and where you received the service
• whom you were together with

and explain why you think it was a good service

Describe a large company that you think is interesting

You should say:

• What the company does
• How do you know about the company
• Whether you think it would be a good place to work

and explain why you think this company is interesting

Describe a practical skill you have learnt e.g cooking, driving.

You should say:

• what the skill is
• how you learnt it
• why you learnt it

and how this skill has helped you

Describe an occasion when you waited for someone.

You should say:

• who you waited for
• when you waited for the person
• where you waited for the person

and explain why you waited for the person.

Television

Talk about a television channel that you like

You should say

• What the name of the channel is
• What types of programmes it shows
• When you usually watch this channel

and explain why you like this channel.

Describe something that you learned from television

You should say:

• What you learned
• When you learned it
• Which show or channel it was

and explain if what you learned was useful.

Reading

Describe a book that you remember well

You should say:

• What the title is and who wrote it
• What the books is about
• Why you read it

and explain why you remember it well.

Describe a magazine or newspaper article that you read

You should say

• When and where you read it
• What the article was about
• Why you read it

and explain if you enjoyed it or not.

Describe a book/magazine that you enjoyed reading.

You should say:

• what it was
• what it was about
• why you read it
• how often you read it

and explain what effect the book had on you.

Study and Work

Describe a subject you took in high or secondary school.

You should say:

• what the subject was
• how the teacher taught this subject
• how long you studied this subject

and explain why you didn’t like it.

Describe a job that you think is hard to do

You should say:

• What it is
• Who usually does this job
• Where you learned about this job

and explain why you think it is a hard job to do.

Describe a time that you helped someone

You should say:

• Who you helped
• When you helped them
• What you helped them with

and explain if it was difficult to help this person.

Describe a subject you didn’t enjoy (like) in high or secondary school.

You should say:

• what the subject was
• how the teacher taught this subject
• how long you studied this subject

and explain why you didn’t like it.

Family

Describe your favourite family tradition

You should say:

• How the tradition started
• When it occurs
• What you do

and explain why it is your favourite tradition.

Describe someone in your family who you admire

You should say:

• How this person is related to you
• What this person looks like
• What kind of person he/she is

and explain why you like this person.

Playing Sport

Describe a sport or physical activity you did as a child

You should say:

• Where you usually did the sport or activity
• How often you participated in it
• What it involved

and also say if you like this sport or physical activity or not.

Sports

Talk about a sports event that you would like to attend

You should say:

• Where the event usually takes place
• How often it occurs
• Who you would like to attend with

and also explain why you would like to attend this sports event.

Communication

Describe a conversation you had which changed your life

You should say:

• When the conversation took place
• Who you had the conversation with
• What the conversation was about

and explain why the conversation changed your life.

Describe an important letter/email that you sent to someone

You should say:

• When you sent the letter/email
• Who you sent the letter/email to
• What the purpose of the letter/email was

and explain if this was a difficult letter/email to write.

Animals

Describe a memorable experience with an animal

You should say:

• What type of animal it was
• When it happened
• What happened

and explain why you remember it.

Describe an animal you dislike

You should say:

• What type of animal it is
• What it looks like and where it lives
• How you know about this animal

and explain why you dislike it.

Technology

Describe an app or a programme that you like using on your phone or computer

You should say:

• What this app or programme does
• When you use this app or programme
• How you found out about this app or programme

and explain why you like using this app or programme

Describe a form of technology that is important to you

You should say:

• What the technology is
• What you use it for
• How often you use it

and explain why the technology is important to you.

Describe a device that you often use

You should say:

• What the device is and what it looks like
• How you got it
• What you use it for

and explain if you like this device or not.

Health

Describe something you do to keep healthy.

You should say:

• What the activity is
• When you do it
• How often you do it

and explain why you think it is a good way to look after your health.

Describe a time when you were not well

You should say:

• When this was
• What your symptoms were
• How long the illness lasted

and say how it affected your life at the time.

Food

Describe somewhere you like to shop for food

You should say:

• Where this place is
• What this place is like
• What you buy there

and explain why you like buying food at this place.

Describe a meal that you enjoyed eating in a restaurant

You should say:

• Where the restaurant was
• What you ate
• Who you had the meal with 

and explain why you enjoyed eating the meal so much.

Travel

Describe an experience abroad that you have had.

You should say:

• where you went
• why you went
• how long  you went for

and describe what the experience was like.

Describe an interesting journey you have been on

You should say:

• Where you went
• How you travelled
• Who you went with

and say how the journey affected your life.

Describe a city you know well and that has changed a lot.

You should say:

• were this city is
• why it has changed
• how it is changed

>and say it has changed for the better

Describe an occasion when you got lost in a place that you didn’t know

You should say:

• Where you were going
• When you knew you were lost
• How you found the right way

and explain how you felt about getting lost

Describe a place you have visited that is affected by pollution

You should say:

• Which place you visited
• Why you visited it
• What kind of pollution there was

and explain how you felt about the pollution in this place

Describe a foreign country which you would like to learn more about

You should say:

• What you already know about this foreign country
• How you would like to learn more about it
• How different it is from your own country

and explain why you would like to learn more about this foreign country

Describe a tourist attraction you visited

You should say:

• When you visited it
• Why it is a tourist attraction
• Who you went with

and say what you liked and didn’t like about the experience.

Describe a city you have visited which you would like to return to

You should say:

• Which city you visited
• When you visited the city
• What you did there

and explain why you would like to go back to this city again

Describe a beautiful place where you would like to live.

You should say:

• where this place is
• how you know about this place
• why you would like to live there

and explain why you would choose to live there.

Finally, 

What do you think of my advice?   Have you found it practical or useful?

Have you any experience of Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test?

Is there anything I’m missing?

Please share, it’s really useful, and you can comment with any suggestions or Task 2 questions I’ve not included.

The Perfect Speaking Part 1 Response

Being on Time and Punctuality

Did you know that the first part of the IELTS Speaking test can be the most difficult for candidates.

Not only is the candidate in a test situation, but the candidate is has to deal with listening to an examiner who may speak with an unfamiliar accent or at some speed.

But don’t despair it can also be the easiest part, and the most enjoyable.

There is a valid reason for this part of the IELTS test, and I will explain this below.

 

One reason for Part 1 is to ease the candidate into the test, and allow the candidate to tune into the voice of the examiner.

The three sets of questions are not particularly challenging, but are varied in topic and allow the candidate to ‘warm up‘ and ‘gain confidence‘ and additionally give the examiner ‘a feel‘ to immediate level.

One way to do well in this section is to relax.

A relaxed candidate always listens better and responds well.

Other tips are 

• Don’t give the examiner an opportunity to ask ‘why’ you think something.
• Connect your sentences.
• Attempt to use complex sentences rather than short, simply ones.
• Don’t hesitate too much, you can make some mistakes

and

• Don’t be afraid to correct yourself

If you don’t understand something, always ask the examiner to repeat the question. 

Being on Time and Punctuality

Think about these questions, what answer can you give,

1. How do you remind yourself to be on time?
2. Why are some people always late?
3. Do you think it is important to be punctual?
4. What will you do if you are waiting for someone?
5. Do you think people these days are as punctual as they were in the past?

TIP
IELTS Part 1 features three random topics chosen by the examiner.

There is a around a minute of speaking time allowed for each section of part 1, so if you can answer the question fully AND extend it, you will get asked fewer questions!

• How do you remind yourself to be on time?

I find it quite easy to organise my time as I have reminders on my phone and laptop which can be synchronised so I can get an alarm if needed. But I am quite an organised person generally.

• Why are some people always late?

Some people find it difficult to be on time for appointments because they leave things to the last minute and then end up forgetting what they need to do where they need to be. Others are just naturally relaxed about time. If you are this sort of person you will probably have to find ways of keeping on top of things otherwise other people will get fed up of you always being late.

• Do you think it is important to be punctual?

I think it is always important to be on time for meetings for example as it can show a lack of respect to others if you are always late.  If you are late for a job interview, this really sends out the wrong signal. If you are travelling by public transport it is a good idea to check out the timetables so that you can make sure that you arrive on time or even better, a little early so that you can make last minute checks if needed.

• What will you do if you are waiting for someone?

There are lots of things you can do if you are waiting around for someone or something.  I generally take a book to read and check my phone, e mails.  If it turns out to be a really long wait I find something useful to fill the time, I don’t like to waste time. I’m not really a big user of social media.

• Do you think people these days are as punctual as they were in the past?

No, I honestly don’t think so. Firstly, with so much technology such as social media, mobile phones, Instagram and on-demand TV, I think people tend to lose track of time, or at least place a lower value on it. They can do anything, anytime and that reflects to their attitude to time keeping. I think it’s mainly younger people who are influenced in this way, older people are probably just as punctual as before.

You can use tips and information on this website to help make it easier to obtain a higher score, but remember you still need to work at learning the language to be successful.

Please share to someone you know and in the meantime take a look at my Facebook Page and  Website for IELTS answers and you can also join my Facebook Group here too.

Good Luck

 

Jonathan

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