Hey there! Do you know how the IELTS writing and speaking tests are evaluated? Have you known that there are band descriptors for this purpose? If you are not aware of these, here is a brief insight in to them. Band descriptors for the IELTS writing test -task 2
1. Task response
2. Coherence and cohesion
3. Lexical resource
4. Grammatical range and accuracy
Band descriptors for IELTS writing test – task 1
1. Task achievement
2. Coherence and cohesion
3. Lexical resource
4. Grammatical range and accuracy
Band descriptors for the IELTS speaking test
1. Fluency and coherence
2. Pronunciation
3. Lexical resource
4. Grammatical range and accuracy
Have you observed that the lexical response and grammatical range and accuracy are similar for both the writing and the speaking tests? Have you ever wondered why is this? Let us get to know about this point here.
Lexical resource First, let us understand what lexical resource is. The meaning of the term lexis is a stock of words in a language. Resource refers to the range and the variety. Hence, combining both these words together, it can be understood that lexical resource refers to the range of vocabulary that you should use while writing and speaking in English.
Why is lexical resource so important in the IELTS writing and speaking tests? As a test taker, you should know about this. Lexical resource is one of the four marking criteria, that is, the criteria based on which a score is given to you. It is also called lexical response. It contributes to twenty-five percent of your overall score in the IELTS writing and the IELTS speaking tests.
So, you should use a range of vocabulary. In general, we use many words as a part of day to day conversations. It is advisable to include some uncommon and rarely used words in the test, as the IELTS is primarily an English proficiency test. You need to prove that you have the ability to use a word in the right context. That is why this component lexical resource is very essential.
What about the use of lexical resource in the IELTS speaking test? Just like the writing test, in the speaking test also, you need to speak fluently and display your ability to use the language without hesitation.The topic is a very common one. But, you need to speak about it eloquently and demonstrate your language skill. A person with poor communication skills, who cannot extend the sentence and talk will definitely face a problem in the main test. In order to avoid that, you should pay close attention to learning words. Not just learning the words, but you should know when to use it(in the appropriate time) and how to use the words.
With the rapid growth in technology, people can now search for a word online. In fact, there are several online dictionaries for this purpose. However, you need to understand that finding the right synonyms is very crucial. Just replacing the word with a synonym would not work in all the situations.
Hence, the words should be learnt together in a sentence. By this, you will also understand how the word can be used. Instead of using a dictionary, use a thesaurus. This will give you the exact parallel expressions (synonyms) for the words.
How to learn new vocabulary? There are various sources and methods to learn the language. You could listen to some radio and television channels like the British Broadcasting Channel (the BBC) or the voice of America. While doing so, you can note down the new words which you are not familiar with, and learn their meanings and synonyms.
You can read some good novels and magazines to learn the vocabulary. You can understand their contextual meaning much better this way. Once you have learnt any new word, make it a practice to use the word while talking to your friends or anyone who can listen to how you are talking and evaluate your performance.
Grammatical range and accuracy Now, what about grammatical range and accuracy? Why do you think that this criterion is the same for both the writing and the speaking tests in the IELTS test? Any idea? Let us find out.
Firstly, grammatical range and accuracy has a specific meaning. Let us divide this marking criteria into two parts. 1. Grammatical range 2. Grammatical accuracy.
Now, the first part of this band descriptor is grammatical range. It means that you should use a wide range of grammar when writing the essay and the task
1. Grammar includes several things, such as tenses
2. Types of sentences (simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, complex-compound sentences, conditional sentences, passive sentences,etc ). We generally assume that if an idea is expressed in the form of simple sentences, then the idea can be explained very clearly. Though this is acceptable for a usual English essay, such as those written as a part of academics, it is not the same in the case of the IELTS test. Here, you should display your ability to use grammar effectively without errors.
The second part of the band descriptor is grammatical accurately . Accuracy means that the sentences which are formed must be appropriate and well written. The more accurate the sentence is, the better you will score. An added note here is, if you can write the essays using complex sentences, then more than one related ideas can be combined together, and this can help you to get a higher score for grammatical range and accuracy.
Also, there is no set number of complex sentences that you have to write. However, you should write at least 5 sentences with subordinating clauses. Some examples of these clauses are although, even though, even if, because, in order that, etc. In order to form a complex compound sentence, you should not just use subordinating clauses, but you should use coordinating conjunctions as well.
All in all, lexical resource and grammatical range and accuracy are similar for both the writing and the speaking tests, and your overall performance is affected by them. Hence, practice to be perfect in these criteria.
