This criterion assesses how well the candidate can speak at length without noticeable hesitation, repetition, or self-correction. It also evaluates how ideas are organized and linked together logically.
- Fluency: Refers to the ability to maintain a smooth flow of speech, with limited pauses, hesitations, or fillers like “um” and “uh”. Natural pauses are acceptable but should not impede communication.
- Coherence: Looks at how ideas are logically structured. This involves the use of discourse markers (e.g., first of all, secondly, on the other hand) and appropriate transitions between ideas to ensure that the speaker’s thoughts are easy to follow.
- Band 9: Speaks fluently with only rare repetition or self-correction; fully coherent and appropriately uses discourse markers.
- Band 6: Can maintain the flow of speech, but there may be hesitation, repetition, or self-correction, and the candidate may use simple linking words.