Speaking Rate and Fluency in Automated Assessment and IELTS Speaking

By Dr. Linh Phung

Fluency refers to the ability to produce a sufficient amount of language and to express ideas smoothly without undue hesitations. In the IELTS Speaking test, it is included under the "Fluency and Coherence" criterion.

Although fluency is only one of the scoring criteria, its importance is worth highlighting because research shows it is the strongest predictor of overall proficiency.

In a summary on automated speaking evaluation, I pointed out that automated grading systems typically choose to measure certain linguistic features and use formulas to predict scores. For example, according to Kang’s study cited in the summary, the former TOEFL Speaking test uses 11 features and demonstrates that fluency is proven to be the leading predictor of language proficiency, often carrying the highest weight in scoring.

Fluency is usually measured by speaking rate (in English, a good rate is typically around 120–140 words per minute), mean run (sentence) length, and the number of long pauses. Therefore, the feedback section for the 2-minute speaking task on the Eduling app includes a speaking rate metric (pictured below).

Metrics shown for a two-minute speech for IELTS Speaking Part 2. Try it using the QR code.

Admittedly, looking strictly at a single number can be a bit mechanical. However, when working with students, I also point out that a low speaking rate means they are speaking slowly and pausing for too long. Consequently, they won't be able to express many ideas, and the examiner will perceive their fluency as lacking.

So, what is your speaking rate? What makes your speed fast or slow?

Several other factors that will affect your fluency include:

• Using too many filler words ("um," "uh," etc.)

• Taking excessively long silent pauses

• Repeating phrases in sentences, e.g., "I have I have..." (self-repetitions)

• Correcting yourself too frequently, e.g., "It help it helps..." (self-repairs)

When practicing, speaking faster is only part of the equation. It will be much more helpful if you:

• Speak in chunks and place emphasis on key words within each chunk (intonation unit or thought group)

• Use appropriate pausing after each chunk and at the end of the sentence

• Keep sentences short or moderately long, rather than overly long and complex, which may lead excessive self-repairs

• Avoid excessive filler words and self-repetitions

Eduling offers a wide variety of practice exercises focused on intonation units and pausing in the Pronunciation for Learners course.

A useful technique mentioned in IELTS Speaking Part 2 book available on Amazon or in Vietnam with this order form is the 4/3/2 method: Speak as much as you can for 4 minutes without worrying about errors, then repeat the response in 3 minutes, and finally, do it in 2 minutes. Your 2-minute version should be more organized, concise, and fluent.

The Eduling app downloadable from the App Store and Google Play Store provides feedback on your speaking rate and offers error corrections, so you should pay attention to these insights and try re-recording to see if you improve. Try this My Dream House task on the app for free.

The Eduling app is currently offering a gift worth 580,000 VND for anyone who purchases an annual subscription before July 31st, so grab it while you can!

For teachers interested in diving deeper, I have shared two research summaries related to this concept in the related posts.