⚛️Achieving a Band 7 is especially important for those aiming to study at universities in the UK, as many institutions require an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or higher.       

This often includes a minimum of Band 6.5 or 7 in the Speaking section, demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively in academic and professional settings. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the four marking criteria, provide specific examples for each band, and share actionable tips to help you achieve your target score.

⚛️ The Four IELTS Speaking Assessment Criteria

Examiners evaluate your performance based on:

1. Fluency and Coherence

2. Lexical Resource

3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

4. Pronunciation

Let’s look in more detail at how responses differ across Bands 5, 6, and 7+ in each area.

⚛️ 1. Fluency and Coherence

This criterion assesses your ability to speak smoothly and logically.

• Band 5: Frequent hesitation and repetition. Ideas are hard to follow.

  • Example: "I... I like... um... reading books, uh, because, uh, relaxation is good...."

• Band 6: Some hesitation but generally understandable. Linking words are used, but not always effectively.

  • Example: "I enjoy reading books because it helps me relax. For example, when I feel stressed, I read a novel to forget about my problems."

• Band 7+: Speaks fluently with minimal hesitation. Ideas are well-connected and easy to follow using cohesive devices.

  • Example: "Reading is one of my favourite hobbies as it allows me to unwind after a long day. I like losing myself in a good novel, in fact, I'm halfway through one of my favourite author's new releases at the moment."

Tip: Try to speak English out loud for just a few minutes every day, even if it's only to yourself!  Focusing on getting just 1% better each day can lead to great success and it's what we practise here at Atomic IELTS!

⚛️ 2. Lexical Resource 

This measures your vocabulary range and precision.

• Band 5: Limited vocabulary, with frequent repetition and misuse of words.

  • Example: "I like to read books. Books are good for relaxing."

• Band 6: Adequate vocabulary with occasional repetition and minor errors.

  • Example: "I enjoy reading books because they’re relaxing. Sometimes, I read books about history or science."

• Band 7+: A wide range of vocabulary used naturally and appropriately. Shows flexibility with less common words.

  • Example: "I find reading immensely relaxing, particularly historical fiction, which allows me to explore past events while enjoying a compelling narrative."

Tip: Expand your vocabulary by reading articles, watching English content, and learning topic-specific words.  You can also join our upcoming Atomic IELTS preparation programme.

⚛️ 3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy 

This criterion evaluates sentence structures and grammatical accuracy.

• Band 5: Limited range of grammar with frequent errors that hinder understanding.

  • Example: "I reading book. It help me relax."

• Band 6: Some variety in sentence structures but with occasional errors.

  • Example: "I enjoy reading books because they help me relax, but sometimes I don’t have time to read."

• Band 7+: Uses a variety of complex and simple sentences with good accuracy.

  • Example: " "

Tip: Practise using conditionals, comparatives, and complex sentences to enhance grammatical range.

⚛️ 4. Pronunciation 

Pronunciation measures clarity, intonation, and stress.

• Band 5: Pronunciation issues make it hard to understand. Monotonous delivery.

  • Example: "I like read books. It good relax."

• Band 6: Mostly clear but with noticeable issues in intonation or certain sounds.

  • Example: "I like reading books. It helps me to relax."

• Band 7+: Clear and natural pronunciation with effective intonation and rhythm.

  • Example: "I love reading books as they offer me a way to relax. For instance, a gripping mystery novel can completely absorb my attention."

Tip: Record yourself speaking and listen for areas to improve. Focus on stress and intonation patterns.

⚛️ How to Achieve a Band 7+ in IELTS Speaking 

To score a Band 7 or higher, you must demonstrate strong performance across all four criteria. Here’s how Atomic IELTS can help:

• Targeted Feedback: Identify and improve weaknesses with expert coaching.

• Mock Exams: Practise under exam conditions to build confidence.

• Comprehensive Resources: Access materials tailored to boost vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

You can find help and support with all of this in the Atomic IELTS community - come and join us!

⚛️ Join Our Next Preparation Course 

If you’re ready to achieve your dream IELTS score, Atomic IELTS is here to guide you every step of the way. Our next preparation course is enrolling now, and spots are filling fast! Don’t miss this opportunity to work with Rebecca and Sandra - your expert instructors who are passionate about helping people just like you to power your future!