Your native accent is not the problem. The real issue is how you control stress, rhythm, and pitch.
IELTS examiners do not grade a candidate’s native accent. The Pronunciation band score, especially at Band 7 and above, is determined by intelligibility and prosodic control. This includes accurate word stress, sentence stress, logical chunking of phrases, and natural intonation patterns. Candidates are not expected to sound British or American. Instead, they must demonstrate clear speech rhythm, appropriate rising and falling pitch, and effective grouping of words into meaningful units. Errors in stress placement or robotic delivery reduce clarity and may limit pronunciation to Band 6. High-scoring candidates maintain natural rhythm and flexible intonation while remaining easy to understand.
One of the most dangerous myths in IELTS preparation is the belief that you must fake a British or American accent. Many candidates try to copy YouTube speakers, exaggerating vowel sounds or forcing artificial rhythm. This usually destroys their natural intonation pattern. When speech becomes unnatural, stress falls on the wrong syllables and pitch movement disappears. Examiners do not reward imitation. They reward clarity and controlled rhythm. Faking an accent often reduces pronunciation to Band 6 because it disrupts natural speech flow.
Word stress determines meaning. Consider the difference between PHO-to-graph and pho-TOG-ra-pher. Shifting the stress changes the structure of the word. Another example is RE-cord (noun) versus re-CORD (verb). Incorrect stress placement makes speech harder to understand, even if your accent is strong. Band 8 speakers consistently stress the correct syllable.
Chunking refers to grouping words into logical phrases separated by micro-pauses. Compare robotic delivery: "I think technology is very important for modern society.” A Band 9 speaker would naturally group it: "I think / technology is very important / for modern society.” These subtle pauses improve clarity and coherence. Speaking word-by-word reduces rhythm and impacts fluency.
Intonation involves rising and falling pitch. Statements typically fall at the end, while yes/no questions rise. Lists rise until the final item, which falls. Contrast requires pitch change: "It is useful, but it can be dangerous.” Flat delivery signals mechanical speech. Dynamic pitch signals confidence and engagement. Band 8 speakers vary intonation to show emphasis and structure.
Band 7 and above requires that pronunciation features are used flexibly. This does not mean perfect accent replication. It means consistent stress accuracy, effective chunking, and natural pitch variation. When these elements are controlled, communication becomes effortless and examiner comprehension improves significantly.
No. Accent is not graded. Intelligibility and stress control are evaluated.
No. Any accent is acceptable if it remains clear and consistent.
Yes. Stress and chunking drills can significantly improve clarity within weeks.
Incorrect stress placement, flat intonation, and lack of rhythmic grouping.
