According to the IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors, a Band 8 speaker:

• Speaks fluently and naturally with only rare repetition or self-correction.

• Develops topics coherently and fully.

• Uses a wide range of vocabulary flexibly and precisely.

• Makes only occasional errors in word choice or grammar, but these do not reduce understanding.

• Uses a full range of grammar structures naturally with very few mistakes.

• Has clear pronunciation that is easy to understand, with only slight traces of first-language influence.
  
  

  1️⃣ Fluency & Coherence

  • Speak without long pauses.

  • Use linking words (however, moreover, actually) to connect ideas.

  • Expand answers naturally.

  2️⃣ Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)

  • Use precise and varied vocabulary.

  • Avoid repeating basic words — use synonyms and idiomatic expressions naturally.

  • Show the ability to paraphrase.

  3️⃣ Grammatical Range & Accuracy

  • Use complex sentences accurately (e.g., conditionals, relative clauses, passive voice).

  • Avoid frequent grammar slips.

  4️⃣ Pronunciation

  • Speak clearly and at a natural pace.

  • Use intonation, stress, and rhythm to sound natural.

  • Correctly pronounce tricky sounds.
    
    

    1️⃣ Fluency & Coherence

    • Speak without long pauses.

    • Use linking words (however, moreover, actually) to connect ideas.

    • Expand answers naturally.

    2️⃣ Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)

    • Use precise and varied vocabulary.

    • Avoid repeating basic words — use synonyms and idiomatic expressions naturally.

    • Show the ability to paraphrase.

    3️⃣ Grammatical Range & Accuracy

    • Use complex sentences accurately (e.g., conditionals, relative clauses, passive voice).

    • Avoid frequent grammar slips.

    4️⃣ Pronunciation

    • Speak clearly and at a natural pace.

    • Use intonation, stress, and rhythm to sound natural.

    • Correctly pronounce tricky sounds.