Understanding what examiners expect at each band level and how to improve your score
Natural flow with purposeful pauses only for content preparation
Sustained speech with minor hesitation that doesn't affect coherence
Willing to speak at length but may lose coherence due to hesitation
Slow speech with repetition and mid-sentence word searches
Noticeable pauses, frequent repetition, and coherence breakdowns
Total flexibility with precise, idiomatic language in all contexts
Flexible vocabulary with some ability to use less common items
Sufficient vocabulary for length, though sometimes inappropriate
Limited flexibility, attempts paraphrase but not always successful
Basic vocabulary for familiar topics, frequent word choice errors
Precise and accurate structures with only native-speaker-like slips
Range of structures with frequent error-free sentences
Mix of structures with limited flexibility, complex forms have errors
Basic forms controlled, complex structures attempted with errors
Basic sentence forms only, subordinate clauses rare
Full range of features for precise meaning, effortlessly understood
Wide range of features with appropriate rhythm and stress patterns
Variable control but generally appropriate chunking
Some acceptable features but limited range and control
Limited range with frequent lapses in rhythm and clarity
Understand the structure, timing, and what to expect in each part of the speaking test