IELTS Format and Evaluation Criteria

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognized test that measures your English skills for study, work, or migration. For Vietnamese learners, the Speaking section can feel intimidating because it requires speaking naturally and fluently with an examiner. However, understanding the test format and how you are judged can help you prepare effectively. This guide explains the IELTS Speaking test structure and focuses on three key evaluation areas: pronunciation, extended answers (part of fluency and coherence), and vocabulary and grammar (assessed by range and accuracy). With examples and tips tailored for Vietnamese learners, you’ll be ready to improve your score!

IELTS Speaking Test Format

The IELTS Speaking test takes 11–14 minutes and is divided into three parts. It’s a face-to-face interview with an examiner, and everything you say is recorded. Here’s what happens in each part:

1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4–5 minutes)
   The examiner introduces themselves and asks you to talk about familiar topics like your hometown, studies, job, or hobbies. For example, they might ask, “What do you like about your hometown?” or “Do you enjoy traveling?”
2. Part 2: Individual Long Turn (3–4 minutes)
   You receive a cue card with a topic and some points to cover. You have 1 minute to prepare, then you must speak for 1–2 minutes. For example: “Describe a book you enjoyed reading. You should say: what the book was, why you read it, and how you felt about it.”
3. Part 3: Two-Way Discussion (4–5 minutes)
   The examiner asks more abstract or complex questions related to Part 2. For instance, after talking about a book, they might ask, “Why do some people prefer e-books over paper books?” or “How can reading improve a person’s life?”

For Vietnamese learners, this test is a chance to show your English skills, but it can be challenging due to differences between Vietnamese and English. Let’s explore how you’re evaluated and how to succeed in each key area.

Evaluation Criteria

The examiner scores you from 0 to 9 based on four criteria: fluency and coherence, pronunciation, lexical resource (vocabulary), and grammatical range and accuracy. This guide focuses on three of these: pronunciation, extended answers (part of fluency and coherence), and vocabulary and grammar (range and accuracy).

1. Pronunciation
   Pronunciation is about how clearly and naturally you speak. The examiner listens to your ability to make English sounds, use stress (emphasis on certain syllables), and intonation (the rise and fall of your voice). Vietnamese is a tonal language, where tones change word meanings (e.g., “ma” can mean “ghost” or “mother” depending on tone). English, however, uses stress and rhythm, not tones, which can confuse Vietnamese learners. Here’s how to improve:
   • English Sounds: Practice sounds that don’t exist in Vietnamese, like /θ/ (“think”) and /ð/ (“this”). Many learners say “tink” or “dis” instead. Try saying “I think this is easy” slowly, focusing on the “th” sound.
   • Stress: Words like “present” change meaning with stress: “PRE-sent” (a gift) vs. “pre-SENT” (to show). Practice saying, “I’ll present my project tomorrow” with stress on the second syllable.
   • Intonation: Use a rising tone for questions (“Do you like it?”) and a falling tone for statements (“Yes, I do.”).
     Example: A Vietnamese learner might say, “I live in Ha Noi” flatly, like Vietnamese tones. Instead, say, “I LIVE in Ha NOI,” stressing “live” and “Noi” to sound natural.
     Tip: Record yourself or use apps like Elsa Speak to hear and fix mistakes.
2. Extended Answers (Fluency and Coherence)
   Fluency and coherence measure how smoothly you speak and how well you connect ideas. The examiner wants long, detailed answers, not short ones. Vietnamese learners often give brief responses due to shyness, lack of practice, or translating from Vietnamese in their heads. In Parts 2 and 3, extended answers are essential. Here’s an example:
   • Question: “Do you like your hometown?”
   • Weak Answer: “Yes, I like it. It’s nice.” (Too short, no details)
   • Strong Answer: “Yes, I really like my hometown because it’s a small village with fresh air and beautiful rice fields. For example, every morning I can hear birds singing, which makes me feel calm. Also, the people there are very friendly, so it’s a great place to live.” (Detailed, connected ideas)
     How to Extend Answers:
   • Add reasons: “because it’s peaceful.”
   • Give examples: “for instance, I see mountains every day.”
   • Share feelings: “this makes me happy.”
   • Use connectors: “also,” “however,” “on the other hand.”
     Tip: Practice speaking for 1–2 minutes on topics like “your favorite food” or “a holiday you enjoyed.” Time yourself to build fluency.
3. Vocabulary and Grammar (Range and Accuracy)
   Vocabulary (lexical resource) and grammar are judged together by range (variety) and accuracy (correctness). Vietnamese learners sometimes struggle here because English has different word forms and grammar rules. Let’s break it down:
   • Vocabulary Range: Use a variety of words, not just simple ones. Instead of repeating “good,” say “fantastic,” “amazing,” or “beneficial.” For example:
     • Weak: “The park is good. I go there. It’s good to Mirosoft Wordn English (United States) good.”
     • Strong: “The park is stunning, and I often visit it because it’s a peaceful place to relax.”
     • Tip: Learn synonyms and topic-specific words (e.g., for travel: “journey,” “destination,” “explore”).
   • Grammar Range: Mix simple and complex sentences. For example:
     • Simple: “I like coffee.”
     • Complex: “Although I like coffee, I don’t drink it every day because it’s strong.”
   • Accuracy: Avoid common Vietnamese learner mistakes:
     • Articles: Say “I read a book,” not “I read book.”
     • Tenses: “Yesterday, I went to school,” not “Yesterday, I go to school.”
     • Subject-verb agreement: “She walks,” not “She walk.”
       Example: Instead of “My city very big and have many people,” say “My city is very large and has a lot of friendly people who enjoy outdoor activities.”
       Tip: Read English stories or news to see how sentences are built, and practice writing to spot errors.

Special Tips for Vietnamese Learners

• Pronunciation: Watch English movies or YouTube channels (e.g., BBC Learning English) and repeat sentences to copy native speakers.
• Extended Answers: Practice with a friend or teacher, or talk to yourself in a mirror. Start with easy topics like “your daily routine.”
• Vocabulary and Grammar: Use apps like Duolingo or Quizlet for new words, and check grammar with tools like Grammarly.

Practice Exercises

Try these exercises to improve your skills. Write or speak your answers, then check them with a teacher or friend.

1. Pronunciation Practice
   Say these sentences aloud, focusing on “th,” stress, and intonation:
   • “I think this book is thicker than that one.”
   • “My brother lives in the north of Vietnam.”
   • “Do you enjoy the weather today?”
2. Extended Answer Practice
   Answer these questions in 3–5 sentences:
   • “What’s your favorite season?”
   • “Describe a place you’d like to visit.”
   • “Why do people enjoy music?”
3. Vocabulary and Grammar Practice
   Rewrite these sentences with better vocabulary and correct grammar:
   • “My school big and nice.”
   • “I go park yesterday, it fun.”
   • “She like coffee but not drink much.”

Conclusion

The IELTS Speaking test is your chance to shine in English, but it takes practice. For Vietnamese learners, focusing on clear pronunciation, detailed extended answers, and a wide, accurate use of vocabulary and grammar will boost your score. Don’t be shy—speak confidently, learn from mistakes, and practice daily. With effort, you can achieve your IELTS goals and open doors to new opportunities!