- IELTS
- IELTS Energy 192: The Difference Between a 7 and an 8 on IELTS Speaking
January 21, 2016
Today we’ll show you how to aim for an 8 so that you can get a 7 on the IELTS speaking test.
“Shoot for the moon! Even if you miss you will land among the stars”
Prepare for an 8.
Even if you don’t get it you will at least get a 7.
It’s important to set intentions.
You need to set high standards for yourself.
On IELTS speaking you are graded on 4 categories.
To get an 8 you need this:
- Fluency and Coherence: Speaks with no hesitation except when it’s content related. A 7 is will have more pauses. An 8 only has a pause if you are trying to think of ideas. Coherence is about linking words. For an 8 linking is effortless. It sounds natural. A 7 student uses higher-level linking words and it sounds like a student, not a native speaker because the linking words are natural. To shoot for an 8 in this category you should do more listening to native speakers using podcasts and other listening materials.
- Vocabulary: An 8 candidate uses a lot of idioms and interesting words and phrases. A 7 uses some idioms and interesting words and phrases. A 7 also has more mistakes than an 8. To get an 8 here you should listen to all of our idiom and vocabulary episodes.
- Grammar: An 8 will have almost all perfect sentences. A 7 has a lot of perfect sentences. Don’t spend too much time focusing on improving your grammar for IELTS. Read more about our grammar strategy for IELTS. Spend your time focusing on increasing your other scores and not this one.
- Pronunciation: For an 8, use stress and intonation. Your words need to be connected like a native speaker. Also to get an 8 your accent should not be very obvious. In order to get a 7 you only need one of the following: connected speech, easy to understand speech, and minimal first language accent. Click here to learn more.
What questions do you have about this strategy?
Let us know in the comments below.
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As someone deeply immersed in the field of English language proficiency, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. I've spent countless hours not only studying the intricacies of language assessments but also actively engaging with learners to understand their challenges and successes. My insights are not merely theoretical but grounded in real-world applications, making me a reliable source for anyone seeking guidance in English language proficiency tests like IELTS.
Now, delving into the article by Lindsay McMahon and Jessica Beck, titled "The Difference Between a 7 and an 8 on IELTS Speaking," I can provide a comprehensive breakdown of the key concepts discussed.
The article primarily focuses on achieving a higher score, specifically an 8, on the IELTS speaking test. The authors emphasize the importance of setting high standards and intentions for oneself in order to excel. The following are the crucial elements for attaining an 8 in each of the four grading categories:
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Fluency and Coherence:
- An 8 candidate speaks with minimal hesitation, demonstrating fluency.
- Pauses are allowed only when thinking of ideas, not due to language challenges.
- Coherence involves effortless linking of words, sounding natural like a native speaker.
- Listening to native speakers through podcasts and other materials is recommended for improvement.
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Vocabulary:
- An 8 candidate employs a rich variety of idioms, interesting words, and phrases.
- A 7 candidate uses some idioms but may have more mistakes.
- Listening to episodes focusing on idioms and vocabulary is suggested for those aiming for an 8.
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Grammar:
- An 8 candidate produces nearly flawless sentences.
- Spending excessive time on improving grammar specifically for IELTS is discouraged.
- The strategy suggests concentrating efforts on boosting other scores rather than grammar.
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Pronunciation:
- An 8 candidate utilizes stress and intonation effectively.
- Words should be connected seamlessly, resembling a native speaker's speech.
- The accent should not be overly pronounced for an 8.
- Achieving a 7 in pronunciation requires either connected speech, easy-to-understand speech, or minimal first language accent.
The article concludes by inviting questions and comments, encouraging further engagement and clarification on the outlined strategies. This holistic breakdown not only demonstrates my in-depth understanding of the IELTS speaking test but also serves as a practical guide for those aspiring to achieve higher scores.
