In today’s tutorial, we look at IELTS Speaking band 9 vs band 7 sample answers with ex-examiner Robert.

You will learn:

The real difference between a Band 7 and a Band 9 speaking answer

Sample IELTS Speaking Band 9 Answer

Why this answer would score a Band 9

Why this answer would score a Band 7

The real difference between a Band 7 and a Band 9 speaking answers

If you move from Fluency and Coherence through to Pronunciation, the Band 9 descriptors are practically describing native speaker competence. There is not one topic that will stop a Band 9 test taker from sounding perfectly natural and appropriate when it comes to grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and, of course, fluency. 

A Band 7 is a mere mortal in comparison. It’s a very good level of competence in a second language. Yes, there are the occasional errors in grammar and vocabulary, and you may hesitate from time to time mentally searching for a word, an expression or the best way to say something or other, but you can make yourself very well understood. 

You can check the IELTS speaking band descriptors here. This is an important part of your IELTS preparation. Knowing what the examiner is looking for and what you are capable of, helps you to identify those areas you need to improve to push your band score up. 

Studying sample speaking band scores is a useful part of this identification process. 

Let’s take an extract from a Band 9 interview and identify what makes it a Band 9 and then do the same with a Band 7. Both test takers are answering similar Part 3 questions after a Part 2 topic on describing a famous person they admire. 

Sample IELTS Speaking Band 9 Answer

Examiner: What kinds of people are famous in your country?

TT: In …… definitely the politicians and also some actors and actresses are very famous.

Examiner: Was it the same in the past as it is now?

TT:   I think definitely in the past, especially if we’re talking about the 50s and 60s, movies were the number one communication tool between villages or towns. So, people were definitely more familiar with actors and actresses rather than, say, politicians. These days, I think it’s more a question of universal access to TV and the internet where people follow politicians’ personal lives even maybe more than actors and actresses.  

Examiner: And what about in the future?

TT: Well, there’s no doubt the world is becoming more globalised and so trends that are popular in other countries, like the US or Canada, will catch on here, are already catching on here in fact. I mean, reality shows where anybody can be famous for a while. In those countries, it’s the norm and pretty soon we will be into that too. 

Why this answer would score a Band 9

Fluency: The test taker speaks fluently with little or no hesitation. Any hesitation is not to search for the language but to think of ideas. The speech is coherent, with fully appropriate cohesive features

Vocabulary: He uses vocabulary with complete flexibility and precision in all topics with a wide range of idiomatic language (the world is becoming more globalised; catch on here; the norm; be into that). 

Grammatical Structure: His grammatical structures are precise and accurate at all times. He uses a full and natural range of structures and sentence types and makes no noticeable errors. 

Pronunciation: As for pronunciation and intonation, he uses a full range of phonological features with precision and subtlety. The rhythm of his language is sustained throughout, and stress and intonation are invariably used to good effect. This and his very clear production of individual words and sounds result in him being effortless to understand.