You should aim for band 8 or 9 for your IELTS pronunciation score.
This will boost your overall IELTS Speaking score.
If you know what the Examiner is looking for, this is very possible.
Today we’ll go over the IELTS scoring system for the speaking exam.
We’ll share tips to help you prepare to score highly on pronunciation.
Today’s question
Hello, I am listening to this podcast at midnight. It is really useful. You are life savers.
I wonder if you could do a podcast on pronunciation. How can we make our pronunciation better?
Mubashir327
IELTS pronunciation
The Examiner is listening for specific things.
Today we’ll look at the scoring system.
We’ll share what it takes to score band 8 or band 9 on pronunciation.
You should be aiming for a high pronunciation score.
This will increase your overall IELTS Speaking score.
Band 8 pronunciation score
To score band 8, you must use a wide range of phonological features to convey precise, subtle meaning.
You must be able to sustain appropriate rhythm.
Flexible use of stress and intonation is required in long utterances, though occasional lapses are allowed.
You must be easily understood throughout your answers.
You can have an accent but it must have minimal effect on intelligibility.
Band 9 pronunciation score
To score a band 9 on pronunciation, you must use a full range of phonological features to convey precise, subtle meaning.
You must show flexible use of connected speech throughout your answers.
You must be effortlessly understood throughout.
Your accent can have no effect on intelligibility.
What is the difference?
Notice the very slight differences in wording.
- wide range vs. full range
- occasional lapses allowed for band 8
- easily vs. effortlessly
- minimal effect vs. no effect
As you can see, this scoring system is slightly subjective.
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#1: Phonemes
Individual sounds must be clear to the Examiner.
If you struggle with sounds you need to drill words that have them.
It might be ch/sh, r/l, b/v or other difficult sounds.
Identify sounds that are problematic for you and make a list of words containing these phonemes.
You can then drill these words by saying them repeatedly and enunciating clearly.
#2: Stress, rhythm and intonation
Word stress and syllable stress must be accurate to score highly on pronunciation.
Pay attention to how words are stressed.
Each word will have only one stressed syllable.
To work on this, do some mimicking, also called shadowing.
Listen to 10 seconds of native speech and repeat it back the way it is said.
Imitate their tone as well, varying tone instead of using monotone.
You must vary your tone for higher pronunciation scores.
#3: Connected speech
There are many ways speech is connected in English.
- elision
- assimilation
- linking
As an example, linking is when two words are linked with no pause between.
Examples are “know it” which sounds like “knowit” and “work at” which sounds like “workat.”
Knowing the rules of connected speech will help you recognize and use it.
Takeaway
Understanding the IELTS Speaking scoring system is vital.
This will help you know what the Examiner is listening for.
For the highest pronunciation scores, you must be clearly understood and use native speech patterns.
Practice answering IELTS Speaking questions using today’s tips.
For all the strategies you need on IELTS, sign up for 3 Keys IELTS.
What questions do you have from today’s episode?
Please leave a comment below.
