Module 2: How IELTS Speaking Part 2 is Graded

Understanding the grading criteria for IELTS Speaking Part 2 is crucial for success. This chapter provides an in-depth explanation of the assessment criteria, key skills candidates need, practical techniques to meet those criteria, and activities to practice achieving high scores.

1. Overview of Grading Criteria

IELTS Speaking Part 2 is evaluated based on four primary criteria:

a. Fluency and Coherence (FC)

• Definition: The ability to speak at length without hesitation and to organize ideas logically.
• Key Focus:
  • Speaking smoothly with minimal pauses.
  • Using cohesive devices (e.g., and, however, therefore, meanwhile) to link ideas.
  • Avoiding unnecessary repetition or self-correction.

b. Lexical Resource (LR)

• Definition: The range and accuracy of vocabulary used to express ideas.
• Key Focus:
  • Using topic-specific vocabulary (e.g., landmark, heritage for a “historic building” topic).
  • Avoiding overuse of simple words like good, bad, nice.
  • Using paraphrasing to show variety in vocabulary.

c. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA)

• Definition: The variety and correctness of grammatical structures used.
• Key Focus:
  • Using a mix of simple and complex sentences.
  • Ensuring verb tense consistency.
  • Avoiding frequent grammar mistakes that hinder understanding.

d. Pronunciation (PR)

• Definition: The clarity and naturalness of spoken English.
• Key Focus:
  • Stressing key words for emphasis.
  • Using intonation to convey meaning.
  • Avoiding mispronunciation of common words.

2. Skills to Master for High Scores

a. Building Fluency and Coherence

• Key Skills:
  • Speaking naturally without excessive hesitation.
  • Organizing ideas into a clear beginning, middle, and end.

b. Expanding Vocabulary

• Key Skills:
  • Using synonyms and topic-specific vocabulary.
  • Avoiding repetition by paraphrasing.

c. Mastering Grammar

• Key Skills:
  • Using relative clauses (which, who, that).
  • Employing conditionals (If I were, I would).
  • Incorporating varied sentence structures (e.g., compound, complex).

d. Perfecting Pronunciation

• Key Skills:
  • Correctly stressing syllables in multi-syllabic words.
  • Improving rhythm and pace to avoid monotone delivery.
  • Using phonetic symbols or tools to practice difficult sounds.

3. Techniques to Meet the Grading Criteria

Fluency and Coherence

1. Chunking Ideas

1. • Break your response into smaller, manageable “chunks” to maintain flow.
   • Example:
     • Introduction: “I’ll talk about my favorite trip.”
     • Details: “It was to the mountains during winter.”

2. Using Connectors and Discourse Markers

1. • Employ phrases like “to begin with,” “on the other hand,” “as a result” to guide your listener.

3. Practicing with Timed Exercises

1. • Gradually increase speaking duration from 1 minute to 2 minutes to build stamina.

Lexical Resource

1. Creating a Topic Vocabulary Bank

1. • Compile lists of words for common IELTS topics (e.g., Travel, Education, Technology).
   • Learn synonyms and idiomatic expressions for each topic.

2. Paraphrasing Practice

1. • Rephrase cue card prompts using different vocabulary.
   • Example:
     • Prompt: “Describe a memorable event.”
     • Rephrase: “Talk about an unforgettable experience.”

3. Incorporating Idioms and Phrases

1. • Examples: “over the moon,” “a blessing in disguise.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

1. Using a Grammar Checklist

1. • Practice sentence types:
     • Simple: “I visited Paris.”
     • Compound: “I visited Paris, and I loved it.”
     • Complex: “I visited Paris, which is known for its beautiful architecture.”

2. Shadowing Practice

1. • Listen to native speakers and mimic their sentence structures.

3. Error Identification

1. • Record your speaking and identify recurring grammar errors.

Pronunciation

1. Focusing on Intonation

1. • Practice rising intonation for questions and falling intonation for statements.

2. Minimal Pair Exercises

1. • Practice words with similar sounds (e.g., ship vs. sheep, live vs. leave).

3. Using Phonemic Transcriptions

1. • Learn how words are pronounced using phonetic tools like IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet).

4. Activities to Practice Grading Criteria

Activity 1: Self-Assessment with Cue Cards

• Objective: Identify strengths and weaknesses.
• Steps:
  1. Choose a random cue card.
  2. Record your response.
  3. Evaluate using the four grading criteria.

Activity 2: Vocabulary Mapping

• Objective: Build topic-specific vocabulary.
• Steps:
  1. Choose a topic (e.g., Environment).
  2. Create a mind map with related words (e.g., pollution, conservation, eco-friendly).

Activity 3: Grammar Expansion Game

• Objective: Use varied sentence structures.
• Steps:
  1. Write three ideas related to a cue card topic.
  2. Create three sentences: one simple, one compound, and one complex.

Activity 4: Pronunciation Practice with Tongue Twisters

• Objective: Improve clarity and pronunciation.
• Steps:
  1. Use tongue twisters like “She sells sea shells by the sea shore.”
  2. Gradually increase speed while maintaining clarity.

Activity 5: Mock Speaking Tests with Feedback

• Objective: Simulate the exam environment and get constructive feedback.
• Steps:
  1. Record your response with a study partner or teacher acting as an examiner.
  2. Review your performance against the grading criteria.

5. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

a. Overusing Fillers

• Examples: “Um, like, you know.”
• Solution: Practice replacing fillers with short pauses.

b. Staying Too General

• Solution: Add specific examples and details to strengthen your response.

c. Mispronunciation

• Solution: Focus on frequently mispronounced words and use pronunciation tools.

d. Ignoring Cue Card Points

• Solution: Use the 1-minute preparation time to create notes for all points.

6. Practical Tips for High Scores

1. Know the Grading Criteria: Review the four key areas before practicing.
2. Record and Reflect: Identify patterns in fluency, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
3. Seek Feedback: Have a teacher or study partner evaluate your performance.
4. Simulate Exam Conditions: Regularly practice with cue cards and a timer.

Conclusion

Grading in IELTS Speaking Part 2 revolves around four key areas: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. By understanding and targeting these criteria through strategic practice and activities, candidates can maximize their scores.

Next Steps: In Module 3, we will delve deeper into common topics for Speaking Part 2 and strategies for handling challenging cue cards.