FAQ

Do I need perfect grammar before I start?

No. The AI tutor corrects grammar and models better phrasing in real time throughout your session. Start at your current level. Waiting until your grammar is "perfect" before speaking adds anxiety and delays the very practice that builds accuracy.

How is the IELTS Speaking band calculated?

Your band estimate is calculated across four criteria: Fluency & Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range & Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Each is scored on a scale of 1–9 in half-band steps. The overall band is the mean of the four scores.

Official IELTS scores from an accredited test centre use the same four criteria, assessed by a certified human examiner. Treat AI estimates as detailed coaching guidance, not as an official result.

What CEFR level should I start at?

Take the placement assessment. It takes approximately 8 minutes and places you accurately. If you skip it, start one level below where you think you are — building confidence on slightly easier material produces faster long-term gains than struggling on material that is too difficult.

How do I switch between CEFR and IELTS tracks?

Open the lesson catalog and use the track selector at the top to switch between General English (CEFR) and IELTS. Progress, assessment scores, and lesson history are tracked separately for each track.

Can I redo a lesson I have already completed?

Yes. All completed lessons remain in the catalog. Revisiting a lesson 2–3 weeks after first completing it is an effective way to measure skill improvement — the same scenario, but with noticeably better vocabulary or fluency, is a clear signal of progress.

Why does the IELTS cue card show bullet points?

The on-screen cue card matches the format of the real IELTS exam card. In the real exam you receive a physical card with the topic and 3–4 bullet points. Practise reading it for 30–60 seconds before speaking — do not read it word for word when you answer.

Is my spoken audio stored?

Audio is processed in real time for transcription and coaching. See the Privacy Policy in the footer for full details on data handling and retention.

What if I see a connection or API error?

In most cases this resolves within 5–10 seconds. If it persists:

1. Press Disconnect.
2. Refresh the page.
3. Press Connect again.

If you are on a restricted network (corporate VPN, school Wi-Fi), try switching to a mobile hotspot. See the Troubleshooting guide for more detailed steps.

Can I export my session feedback?

Yes. On the Progress screen after each session, press Download Report to save a PDF of your statistics, AI summary, and improvement suggestions.

How long until I see improvement?

Most learners notice measurable fluency improvement — fewer filler words, longer answers, more natural pauses — within 2–3 weeks of daily 10–15 minute sessions.

IELTS band movement is slower: consistent daily practice focused on targeted drills typically produces a half-band improvement within 4–8 weeks. Use the monthly assessment to measure actual band movement rather than relying on session-to-session score variation.

What browsers does SpeakNow support?

Chrome and Edge offer the best WebRTC performance and are recommended. Firefox is supported. Safari on iOS works but may require you to allow microphone access in Settings → Safari → Microphone.