Many English learners tell me the same thing:

“I can speak fluently and communicate at work with no problem, but I still can’t get a high band score in the IELTS Speaking test.”

If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. Being able to speak English naturally in daily life doesn’t always translate to a Band 7 or 8 performance in IELTS. The reason lies in what IELTS measures not how comfortable you feel speaking English, but how well your speech matches the official band descriptors.

Let’s look deeper into why this happens.

1. Fluency and Coherence

At work, conversations are spontaneous and informal. You might switch between languages, use fillers, or rely on gestures. And that’s okay! It’s real communication.
But in IELTS, fluency and coherence mean more than just talking easily. Examiners look for:

• Clear organisation of ideas
• Smooth transitions between sentences
• Minimal hesitation (except when thinking logically)
• Logical development of answers

For instance, many test-takers answer questions quickly but give short, undeveloped responses.
When asked “What do you like about your hometown?” they might say:

“It’s beautiful and peaceful. The people are friendly.”

This is fluent, but not coherent enough for Band 7+. A higher-band answer adds depth and structure:

“What I really love about my hometown is the atmosphere. It’s peaceful and surrounded by nature, which helps me relax after a busy week. People are also warm and always willing to help.”

Notice how this version expands ideas and connects sentences logically. That’s fluency and coherence combined.

2. Lexical Resource

Being fluent doesn’t guarantee lexical flexibility. At work, your vocabulary might revolve around your field. Say, marketing, hospitality, or education. However, IELTS Speaking covers general and abstract topics: environment, culture, technology, or lifestyle.

Candidates who rely on familiar words often sound repetitive or basic, which limits them to Band 6.

For Band 7 or higher, you need to show that you can:

• Use a wide range of vocabulary naturally
• Choose precise words to express ideas
• Paraphrase when necessary
• Occasionally use idiomatic language appropriately

Compare these two answers:

“I like to travel because I can learn many things.”
vs.
“I enjoy travelling because it broadens my perspective and allows me to experience different cultures firsthand.”

Both are correct, but the second demonstrates stronger lexical resource, which is a key feature of higher bands.

3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

This is where many fluent speakers lose points without realising it. You may speak quickly and communicate ideas well, but subtle grammatical errors can significantly lower your score.

The IELTS descriptors for Band 7+ expect:

• Variety in sentence structures (simple, compound, complex)
• Accuracy: frequent small errors are acceptable, but not basic or systematic ones

For example, errors like “He go,” “She don’t,” “People is,” or missing articles (“I bought car”) are typical of lower band speakers.

Even fluent speakers make these slips when they speak too fast or without monitoring grammar. The best way to improve is through targeted correction and self-awareness. Record your answers, listen carefully, and identify recurring mistakes. Then practise constructing longer, more complex sentences such as:

“If I had more free time, I would probably travel more often.”
or
“What I find most interesting about online learning is how accessible it has become.”

That’s the kind of range IELTS rewards.

4. Pronunciation: Intelligibility Over Accent

Many fluent speakers worry about their accent, but IELTS doesn’t penalise you for sounding Indonesian, Indian, or Thai. What examiners care about is intelligibility, that is, how easily you can be understood.

The pronunciation criterion focuses on:

• Word and sentence stress
• Intonation patterns
• Sound linking and rhythm

A strong local accent with clear pronunciation and natural rhythm can score well. But if your speech is monotonous, lacks stress on key words, or has unclear vowel sounds, your message becomes harder to follow.

Listen to native speakers not to copy their accent, but to understand their intonation (how their voice rises and falls to show meaning or emotion). Use stress to highlight important words:

“I really enjoy learning English.”
“It’s not as easy as people think.”

Small adjustments like these can make a big difference.

Communicating vs. Performing

In everyday life, communication is about getting your message across and if people understand you, you succeed.
In IELTS, however, the test is a performance measured by specific linguistic standards. You must demonstrate control, accuracy, range, and coherence all at once, within a few minutes.