Speaking & Writing — Part 1

Read Aloud

6–7 Tasks
Prep: 30–40 sec
Response: 40 sec

Official Instruction

“Look at the text below. In 40 seconds, you must read this text aloud as naturally and as clearly as possible. You have 40 seconds to read aloud.”

Scoring Criteria

What Is Being Assessed

Content

Accuracy of words read — replacements, omissions and insertions reduce score

Oral Fluency

Smooth, natural rhythm without hesitations or false starts

Pronunciation

Clear, intelligible production of individual sounds and words

Aug 2025 update: Read Aloud now contributes to Speaking score only — it no longer affects your Reading score.

Strategy

Key Tips

  • ➤Use the 30–40 second prep time to skim the text. Identify long or technical words and rehearse them silently before the mic opens.
  • ➤Read in natural thought groups, not word by word. Pause at commas, drop pitch at full stops, rise on questions.
  • ➤If you mispronounce a word, do not stop or go back. Keep moving — hesitation hurts fluency more than the error.
  • ➤Speak at a steady, confident volume. Flat, robotic reading scores poorly on Oral Fluency.
  • ➤There is no re-recording. Once the microphone opens, commit fully to your reading from the first word.

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