IELTS Speaking: How It Works and How to Score Band 8–9

Speaking is an 11–14 minute interview with an examiner. The interview is recorded, and the examiner awards your band score against four band descriptors.

Three Parts

Four Band Descriptors

1. Fluency and Coherence. Not speed, but speaking without long hesitations while searching for words, and staying coherent and logical.
2. Lexical Resource. Precise and natural vocabulary and the ability to paraphrase.
3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy. A range of structures and a high proportion of error-free sentences.
4. Pronunciation. Clarity, word stress, intonation and rhythm. Any accent is acceptable if you are easy to understand.

Part 1: Short but Developed

Aim for 2–4 sentences: a direct answer + a reason or detail.

Do you like cooking? I do, although I enjoy it more at weekends than on weekdays. During the week it's mostly about getting something on the table quickly, but on Sundays I'll try out a new recipe.

Part 2: Notes, Not a Script

During the one-minute preparation, write 2–4 keywords for each bullet point on the cue card. Do not write full sentences. Keep speaking until the examiner stops you — that is normal. The last bullet point (explain why...) is where you show reasoning, not just description. This is where your level becomes clear.

Part 3: Think Out Loud

Use this structure: position → explanation → example → qualification. Use generalisations (on the whole), comparisons (compared to a generation ago), hypothetical language (if..., we'd probably...) and hedging (I'd say, to some extent).

What Lowers Your Score

• one-word or very short answers in Part 1;
• memorised answers and formulaic phrases;
• long pauses while searching for words;
• constant self-correction;
• flat, monotonous intonation.

How to Practise Without a Partner

1. Record yourself and listen back to the whole recording. This is the most underrated tip.
2. Listen to each recording focusing on one descriptor at a time: hesitations, word repetition, grammar slips, pronunciation.
3. Transcribe one recording per week and count how many times you said very or people.
4. For each topic, prepare vocabulary and 2–3 personal stories, not a full script.

What Next

Sample answers at Band 8 with analysis, pronunciation guidance (sounds, word stress, intonation), strategies for difficult moments and a three-week plan — in the Speaking guide.