Original BandLadder material
Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.
Reading it online is free: create a free BandLadder account and the whole lesson opens in our study reader, on the web and in the app. Downloading the PDF to keep needs a plan; the free reader has every card.
The first 3 of 9 cards
what Pronunciation really means
Some learners think a high band needs a British or American accent. ielts.org says Pronunciation means being understood without too much effort.
To get a Band 8, I have to lose my accent.the myth
Aim to be easy to follow, not to sound native.
scored across all three parts
| Criterion | What it asks |
|---|---|
| Fluency and Coherence | Smooth speech, ideas in order |
| Lexical Resource | Word range and paraphrasing |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | Range and accuracy of grammar |
| Pronunciation | Understood without much effort |
Equal weight: the average is your Speaking band.
not for words
Hesitant: Yes, I like it. Because, um... it is... relaxing.hunting for words I cook, I cook pasta.repeats Fluent: Yes, very much./ It relaxes me,/ and I like choosing what to make/ once I'm home.
Card 4 of 9 onwards
Keep reading free
The other 6 cards open in the reader with a free account.
Create a free account →9 cards
Read the full Speaking bands decoded free
Create a free account and it opens in the study reader, with the rest of the BandLadder library. Download the PDF with any plan.
Create a free account →Free practice
Keep reading
Questions
Yes, to read online. Create a free BandLadder account and the full lesson opens in the study reader. No card details are needed.
The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.
The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.
Both versions of the test: it covers what they share and says where they differ.
IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. PTE is a trademark of Pearson. BandLadder is not affiliated with either.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy