IELTS speaking tips for teachers - grammatical range and accuracy

Examiners look for your ability to use diverse sentence structures naturally, rather than relying only on basic subjects and verbs.

Two friends smiling and talking together outdoors.

The importance of grammatical range and accuracy in IELTS speaking

This video looks at grammar in IELTS speaking. Grammar is one of four areas that individuals are evaluated on in the speaking test, alongside fluency and coherence, lexical resource and pronunciation. In particular, this video looks at grammatical range and accuracy.

As the video explains, individuals should use a variety of complex sentence structures to show a range of grammar in IELTS speaking.
Control is important, but the examiner will not expect 100% accuracy, so individuals can correct themselves if they realise they have made a mistake.

In IELTS, a band 7 score - which is rated ‘Good’ - allows for some grammatical mistakes within the context of frequent error-free sentences. However, the nature of each mistake is important. For example, an error that can block communication is considered more serious than one that is easily passed over in conversation.

Tips for using grammar in IELTS speaking

To prepare for success, individuals should understand both the overall format of the test and which type of question to expect in each section.

The speaking test comprises three sections:

An introduction and general questions

The long turn. In part 2, many questions relate to the past, so it’s important for speakers to use the past tenses of common verbs.

An analytical discussion. In part 3, some questions will require individuals to speculate about the future, meaning future tenses are appropriate. It’s therefore really important for those taking the test to listen closely and respond accordingly.

When it comes to practicing tenses, the British Council’s Johnny Grammer quiz app can be a helpful tool. It includes 12 grammar topics and is available free of charge on both Google Play and the App Store.

Merit-based testing for everyone

While IELTS results range from band scores of 1 to 9, the questions asked are the same for everyone and are not tailored to specific levels of difficulty.

Results are based on each individual’s performance. There are no quotas, so everyone is judged on their own merits – no matter where in the world they are taking the test.

The video brings all these points to life and can help support the successful use of grammar in IELTS speaking. Videos are also available to help individuals prepare for the other test criteria, such as fluency and coherence, lexical resource and pronunciation.