If you look at the 'fluency and coherence' column of the band descriptors, you'll see the following:
- Band 7: may demonstrate language-related hesitation
- Band 8: hesitation is usually content-related
Do you understand the difference between these two types of hesitation? Here's how I would summarise them:
- Language-related hesitation: the candidate pauses because he/she is struggling with vocabulary or grammar.
- Content-related hesitation: the candidate pauses to think about his/her answer to the question.
Tip: Try recording yourself as you answer some IELTS speaking questions. Listen to the recording and pay attention to your hesitations. Ask yourself whether you paused to find language or to consider your response to the question.
Dear Simon, could you explain about the changes that have been made recently to listening test?
Thanks
Posted by: bahar | January 03, 2020 at 17:39
Hi Simon,
I’m curious about how examiners would know whether it’s a language-related or content-related hesitation. Could you give examples for both? Thanks
Posted by: Crystal | January 03, 2020 at 19:20
Crystal. The difference is very clear to native speakers. Pausing for language almost always occurs in an 'unnatural' place, such as the middle of an idea. Pausing for content almost always happens before an idea. Also, high level speakers will almost always say something while pausing for content to indicate they are thinking, such as 'well' or 'you know' or 'let me see...'.
Posted by: sjm | January 04, 2020 at 04:13
bahar,
There are 3 tiny changes. You can read about the on the official IELTS site here:
https://www.ielts.org/about-the-test/test-format
.....
Crystal,
Sjm’s answer is perfect, so there’s nothing for me to add!
Posted by: Simon | January 10, 2020 at 14:26