Why a Higher IELTS Reading and Writing Score Doesn’t Always Translate to a Better Speaking Band Score

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a global standard for assessing the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. It evaluates candidates through four main criteria: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. While many test-takers focus heavily on improving their reading and writing scores, they may not always see a corresponding improvement in their speaking band score. This article explores why increasing scores in reading and writing might not necessarily enhance one's speaking band score in the IELTS.

Understanding the IELTS Speaking Module

The IELTS Speaking module, which is assessed by a human examiner, is structured to evaluate candidates in several key areas: fluency and coherence, lexical resource (vocabulary), grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. The speaking test takes place as a one-to-one conversation and typically consists of three parts:

Part 1: An introduction and interview (about 4-5 minutes) Part 2: A long turn with a monologue (about 3-4 minutes) Part 3: A discussion about broader IELTS topics (about 4-5 minutes)

This module is unique because it captures a candidate's ability to communicate spontaneously and naturally, without the controlled environment of written tasks like reading or writing tests. Therefore, improving one's speaking skills requires a different approach from refining reading and writing abilities.

Particularities of the Speaking Module

Oral Communication Skills: Unlike written tasks, speaking requires real-time communication. Factors such as confidence, nerves, and the ability to think on your feet play a significant role in your speaking performance. If a candidate’s nerves were particularly high during the previous test, it could have negatively impacted their speaking score, even if their overall knowledge and skills improved significantly since then.

Consistent Practice: Speaking skills improve with consistent practice and exposure to authentic speaking environments. If a candidate has not been engaging in enough speaking practice between test sessions, they might not have shown visible improvement, especially on the speaking test for which the speaking part might have been memorized or influenced by exam techniques rather than true fluency.

Evaluator-Dependent Score: The speaking test is evaluated by a human examiner who may have varying standards or personal biases. If the same examiner evaluates both tests, their impression of the candidate might have changed, impacting the score.

Improving the Speaking Band Score

To improve your speaking band score, it is crucial to focus on different aspects of communication:

Fluency and Coherence: Practice speaking in a natural and unbroken flow. Try to connect ideas smoothly and logically. Vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary by learning new words and practicing integrating them into conversation. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Focus on using a variety of grammatical structures correctly to convey your ideas effectively. Pronunciation: Work on your intonation, stress, and clarity of pronunciation.

Additionally, taking part in mock speaking tests with native speakers or language partners can provide valuable feedback and help you become more comfortable in real-time conversations.

Conclusion

While a higher reading and writing score on the IELTS indicates strong comprehension and writing skills, it does not guarantee a better speaking band score. The speaking module requires a different set of skills involving spontaneous communication, confidence, and real-time performance. Understating these differences can help candidates focus their efforts more effectively and achieve a higher overall score. By addressing the specific needs of the speaking test, candidates can enhance their communication abilities and potentially improve their speaking band score.