How is the Speaking test marked and scored?

In the Speaking test, the examiner listens to your English in parts 1, 2 and 3 and gives you a score of 0-9 for each of the four marking criteria. Your Speaking score is an average of the four marking criteria score.

The four marking criteria are:

• Fluency & Coherence (FC): Can you speak at length? Do your sentences make sense? Do your sentences connect to each other?
• Pronunciation (P): Do you use the features of English pronunciation when speaking (e.g. correct word stress, correct sounds, linking between words)? Are you easy to understand?
• Lexical Resource (LR): Do you use a wide range of vocabulary? Do you use the correct words for what you are trying to say? Do you use those words in correct collocation?
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): Do you use a range of grammatical structures, including verb forms? Is your grammar generally accurate?

For example, you might score - FC: 6    P: 6    LR: 7    GRA: 7    So, your overall score would be - Overall: 6.5 

You can learn more about this in our classes on the Marking Criteria of the Speaking test. You can find these in our Study area, in the Speaking section. They are called 'Fluency, Coherence and Pronunciation' and 'Vocabulary and Grammar'. 

You can also follow these classes with training and practice exercises.

See also: How do I study on this site?