Scoring Band 9 in IELTS Speaking Test: Ensuring Situationally Appropriate Speech and Cohesion

Introduction

One of the key criteria for scoring Band 9 in the IELTS Speaking Test is to ensure “speech is situationally appropriate and cohesive features are fully acceptable.” Interpreting this criterion, your speech should adapt according to the given situation, and the ideas should connect and flow smoothly. In this article, we will delve into what these components mean and how you can achieve them effectively to score high in your IELTS speaking test.

Comprehending the Criterion

The criterion’s first half, “speech is situationally appropriate,” implies that your responses must align with the context. Depending on the test part, your talk may be informal (like sharing about your hobby) or more formal (like discussing a serious global issue). The second part, “cohesive features are fully acceptable,” emphasizes that your speech should be logically connected and coherent.

Strategies for Situationally Appropriate Speech

1. Understand the Context

Prior to forming your response, understand the context. Is it a casual chat about your favorite holiday destination or a structured response about the effects of global warming? Understanding this will guide your language, tone, and content.

Tip: Be mindful of the type of language (informal or formal) commonly associated with different scenarios and practice accordingly.

2. Adapt Your Language Style

Depending on the situation, adapt your language – use colloquial language and idioms for informal situations and more refined and precise vocabulary for formal situations.

Tip: Practice speaking about the same subject in different styles. For example, how would you discuss ‘music’ with a friend versus in an academic lecture?

Developing Cohesion in Speech

3. Use Connecting Words and Phrases

Linking words and phrases such as ‘however’, ‘in addition’, ‘for instance’, play a vital role in maintaining cohesion in your speech.

Tip: Regularly practice using connecting words to improve the flow and coherence of your speech.

4. Plan Your Answer

A well-structured answer contributes to overall speech cohesion. A simple, effective structure could include an introduction, elaboration, examples, and a conclusion.

Tip: Practice organizing your thoughts swiftly. With constant practice, this will become more natural.

5. Reference Previous Points

Referencing points made earlier in your speech can effectively build cohesion and demonstrate a high level of oral proficiency.

Tip: Use phrases like ‘as I mentioned earlier’ or ‘returning to my previous point’ to refer back to something you’ve already talked about.

Conclusion

Meeting the criterion of ensuring “speech is situationally appropriate and cohesive features are fully acceptable” is integral for scoring Band 9 in the IELTS Speaking Test. By understanding the context, adapting your language style, and focusing on producing connected, coherent speech, you can meet, and potentially exceed, this criterion. Remember, achieving proficiency in these areas is the result of regular practice and dedication. So, persist in your efforts, and you’ll be rewarded with a high score in your speaking test.