How to Score Band 7+ in IELTS Speaking: Secrets You Need to Know in 2024

So, you’ve got your sights set on a Band 7+ in the IELTS Speaking Test. That’s awesome! But you’re probably wondering—how do I actually make it happen? Scoring above Band 7 means you’re aiming to be a strong communicator, not just someone who can get by. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with some advanced tips, straight from the playbook of top scorers. Let’s get into it!

What Does Band 7+ Really Mean in IELTS Speaking?

Before we dive into strategies, let’s break down what Band 7+ actually means. A Band 7 score is described as a “good user,” meaning you can speak fluently and use complex structures, even if you make a few small mistakes. Once you hit Band 8 and higher, you’re considered a “very good user” or even “expert.”

But what’s the difference between Band 6.5 and 7+, you ask? Well, at Band 7+, the examiner is looking for:

• Fluency: You can talk at length without awkward pauses or hesitations.

• Coherence: Your ideas flow naturally, and you don’t jump around.

• Rich Vocabulary: You can comfortably use less common or idiomatic language.

• Grammar Accuracy: Fewer mistakes and more complex sentence structures.

• Pronunciation: Your speech is clear and easy to understand, even if you have an accent.

So, if you want that Band 7+, it’s all about taking your communication to the next level.

Advanced Tips for Fluency and Coherence

Alright, now let’s talk fluency and coherence, which make up a huge chunk of your speaking score. To hit Band 7+, you need to sound like you can have a natural, flowing conversation.

1. Keep Talking, But Stay On Track
   One thing you’ll need to avoid is long pauses. But that doesn’t mean you should rush through your answers or go off-topic. The goal is to keep the conversation flowing, just like you would in real life. Here’s a tip: if you’re stuck, rephrase the question or introduce a new idea rather than pausing.

2. Organize Your Thoughts Before You Speak
   You don’t have forever to answer, but a quick mental outline will save you from losing your train of thought. It’s totally okay to take a second before you start speaking—just make sure your ideas flow logically. Think: point, example, explanation. This shows you’re coherent, not just rambling.

3. Use Connectors and Fillers (But Naturally!)
   Words like “well,” “actually,” “on the other hand,” help keep your answer organized. But don’t overdo it—using them too much can sound unnatural. A smooth mix of connectors will help your ideas flow, and your fluency score will thank you!

Vocabulary for Band 7+: Get Fancy Without Overdoing It

If you want a Band 7+ score, your vocab game has to be on point. This doesn’t mean throwing in big words left and right—it’s about using a variety of vocabulary naturally.

1. Use Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
   Using idiomatic language shows you’re comfortable with English, but it’s important to use it correctly. For example, instead of saying “I’m excited,” say “I’m pumped about it.” Don’t force it though—overusing idioms can come off as awkward. Sprinkle them in like salt, not the whole shaker!

2. Show Off Synonyms
   If you’re asked about something you “like,” use alternatives like “enjoy,” “am fond of,” or “appreciate.” This variety boosts your score. The trick is not repeating the same words over and over—it shows range, which is key for hitting Band 7+.

3. Avoid Overly Complicated Words
   You don’t need to sound like a professor. In fact, using complicated words incorrectly can hurt your score more than help. Stick to words you’re comfortable with and use them confidently.

Pronunciation Matters: How to Sound Clear Without Stressing About Accents

Now, let’s talk pronunciation. Here’s some good news: you don’t need a perfect accent to score high. The IELTS examiners aren’t expecting you to sound like a native speaker—they just want to understand you clearly.

1. Work on Your Intonation
   Intonation is the way your voice rises and falls when you speak. It can add emotion, emphasis, and clarity to your words. Practice adding stress to important words in a sentence. This helps avoid the dreaded “monotone” effect, which can make you sound less natural.

2. Practice Difficult Sounds
   Every language has tricky sounds that can be hard to master in English. Figure out which sounds give you trouble and practice them. YouTube tutorials, pronunciation apps, or even mimicking native speakers can help you sharpen your clarity.

3. Don’t Stress About Your Accent
   Seriously—don’t sweat it. It’s totally fine to have an accent as long as your words are clear. Focus on making yourself understood, not on erasing your natural way of speaking.

Boosting Your Confidence for a Higher Band Score

Let’s be real—confidence is half the battle. The more confident you are, the smoother your speaking will be. But how do you boost your confidence?

1. Practice with a Partner
   Get comfortable speaking English in casual situations. Whether it’s a friend or a language exchange partner, regular practice makes you feel more natural, which shows during the test.

2. Visualize Success
   I know it sounds cheesy, but picturing yourself speaking confidently can actually help. Go into the test room with the mindset that you’re just having a conversation, not being judged.

3. Breathe and Take Your Time
   Nerves can make you rush through your answers, and that’s when mistakes creep in. Take a breath, pause if you need to, and focus on the next sentence. You’ve got this!

Sample Band 7+ Answers and Why They Work

Let’s break down some sample Band 7+ answers so you know exactly what works and why:

Question: “What’s your favourite type of holiday?”

Sample Answer: “Well, I’m really into adventure holidays. I love being outdoors, hiking through mountains, or even exploring new cities. For me, it’s about the thrill of discovery and stepping out of my comfort zone.”

Why it works:

Fluency:

The answer flows smoothly, without awkward pauses.

Vocabulary:

Words like “thrill of discovery” and “stepping out of my comfort zone” show variety and confidence with idioms.

Coherence:

The ideas are clearly linked, starting with a preference and moving into why.

Practice Like a Pro: What High Scorers Do Differently

What’s the secret sauce for Band 7+ scorers? They’ve got some habits you’ll want to steal.

1. Evaluate Yourself Ruthlessly
   Top scorers don’t just practice—they analyze. Record yourself answering practice questions, then listen back to identify weak spots. Be honest with yourself: Where are you pausing? Which words are you overusing?

2. Seek Feedback
   If you can, ask a tutor or native speaker for feedback. High scorers know their blind spots, and feedback helps you improve quicker than practising alone.

3. Focus on Quality Over Quantity
   It’s not about practising for hours and hours—it’s about practising smart. Focus on fluency, vocabulary, and grammar, but give yourself enough time to rest and reflect.

That’s it! If you follow these tips and commit to smart practice, you’ll be well on your way to scoring Band 7+ in the IELTS Speaking Test. The best part? You’ve got the tools now—just put them into action. You’ve got this! 💪