An Overview of IELTS Speaking Module format IELTS Speaking is a one-to-one interaction between the candidate and an examiner.

The three parts give the candidate the opportunity to use a range of different speaking skills. IELTS Speaking is recorded. Timing 11 14 minutes Marks Candidates are assessed on their performance throughout the test. PART 1 Nature of Interaction Introduction and interview After introductions and identity check, the examiner asks the candidate questions about familiar topics. 2 Long turn The candidate receives a task card with a topic. S/He then has 1 minute to prepare and make notes before speaking about the topic for 1 to 2 minutes. 3 Discussion The examiner discusses with the candidate more abstract aspects of the topic in Part 2. 4 5 minutes 3 4 minutes Timing 4 5 minutes

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 given as a whole band. IELTS Specimen Materials October 2003 includes recordings of sample speaking tests with final speaking bands, and examiner comments on their performance. Fluency and Coherence This refers to the candidates 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 candidates 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.

DOs and DON'Ts Talk to the examiner youll feel more involved in the conversation. Listen carefully to the questions youre asked so that your answers are relevant. Answer the questions youre asked with some detail so that your answers are long enough. Practise speaking for 2 minutes for the long turn in Part 2. Use the preparation time in Part 2 to think about what is written on the card. Use the instructions and prompts on the card in Part 2 to help you to organise your long turn.

Practise ways of delaying answers to give yourself time to think in Part 3. Explain your opinions and give examples to support them. Don't learn answers by heart. Don't give very short answers except when the examiner interrupts you at the end of the 2 minutes in Part 2. At this point the examiner needs to move on to Part 3 of the test and only expects a short answer to his/her questions. Don't talk about something different from whats on the card in Part 2. Dont worry if the examiner stops you in Part 2. It means you have spoken enough, and s/he has to keep to the timing of the test. Dont worry if you cant think of a word, try to paraphrase and get round it. Dont write on the task card. Dont worry if you realise youve made a mistake. Its OK to correct yourself. If you can't correct yourself, forget it and carry on. Dont ask the examiner if what you say is correct.