In the context of the Speaking section, what does 'coherence' refer to?

Coherence in the context of the Speaking section refers specifically to the logical flow and organization of ideas. This means that when a candidate speaks, their ideas should connect in a way that makes sense to the listener. A coherent response typically follows a clear structure, allowing the listener to follow the speaker’s train of thought easily. This involves not only having clear connections between points but also ensuring that the overall message is understandable and effectively communicated.

While the use of complex vocabulary, clarity of pronunciation, and the number of points presented are all important aspects of speaking, they do not directly address the idea that makes a spoken response comprehensible and well-organized. Thus, coherence is about how well a speaker arranges their thoughts and connects ideas, making it essential for effective communication in the speaking component of language proficiency assessments.