Articles
How Is IELTS Scored in Speaking and Writing? Criteria, Weighting and Rounding
The short answer first, then the Speaking and Writing criteria tables, how Task 1 and Task 2 combine and how the overall band is rounded.
IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors Explained in Plain English
The IELTS Speaking test is marked on four criteria. Here is what each one means at bands 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, with short examples you can compare with your own answers.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: How Many Minutes to Speak (With a Practice Timer)
How long Part 2 lasts (1 minute to prepare, 1–2 minutes to speak), a practice timer, a four-step structure and a model answer.
IELTS Speaking Band 7: What Examiners Look For and 12 Tips
The four Speaking criteria, the real difference between Band 6 and Band 7 and twelve tips you can use today.
IELTS Band Score Explained: How Writing and Speaking Are Marked
How the overall band is calculated, what examiners look for in Writing and Speaking, and what each band level actually feels like.
How to Pass IELTS Speaking: A Complete Guide to Parts 1, 2 and 3
The three parts of the Speaking test, the marking criteria and 8 practical tips to help you prepare.
IELTS in 30 Days: A Daily Study Plan for Writing and Speaking
A four-week plan, a 90-minute daily schedule and an error log: a practical way to raise your Writing and Speaking scores fast.