Pronunciation: Stress, Intonation, and Connected Speech

Pronunciation is the fourth equally weighted criterion in IELTS Speaking. Many candidates neglect pronunciation in their preparation, focusing only on vocabulary and grammar. This is a mistake — pronunciation can make a full band of difference. This lesson covers the specific features that examiners assess and how to improve them.

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What the Examiner Assesses

Pronunciation Band Descriptors
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Band 5   Shows some effective use of pronunciation
         features but control is limited; mispronounces
         words frequently; limited ability to make
         meaning clear through pronunciation

Band 6   Uses a range of pronunciation features with
         mixed control; can generally be understood
         but mispronunciation of individual words
         occasionally causes difficulty

Band 7   Shows all the positive features of Band 6
         and some, but not all, of Band 8; uses a
         RANGE of pronunciation features with some
         fine control; is generally easy to understand;
         L1 accent has minimal effect on intelligibility

Band 8   Uses a WIDE RANGE of pronunciation features;
         sustains flexible use of features throughout;
         is EFFORTLESS to understand; L1 accent has
         minimal effect