SPEAKING - Pronunciation

Pronunciation is the final criterion assessed by the Speaking Test examiner. Technically competent speakers sometimes score below average for Pronunciation and, as a result, this criterion can often be the cause of lower-than-expected scores in the speaking test.

There are four descriptors within the PR criterion that the examiner is focusing on:

range of phonological features;

rhythm, use of stress and intonation;

clarity of speech and mispronunciation;

general ease of understanding for the listener.

This table shows how these four descriptors change from Band 4 (B4) up to Band 8 (B8):

To score above B6 for Pronunciation you have to be able to make use of a range of phonological features and demonstrate generally correct rhythm, stress and intonation. Occasional mispronunciation of isolated words is acceptable, but overall the examiner must be able to understand your speech without any difficulty.

Level 2 of the IE Test Preparation Program focuses on pronunciation. Each Native Speaker response is broken down into phrases for you to listen to and repeat, allowing you to focus on and perfect rhythm, speech rate, stress, and intonation.

Practice SPEAKING - Pronunciation