Everyone would agree that IELTS is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test. If you want to study or immigrate to a foreign country, you will need this test. Universities often require IELTS for admissions to gauge students’ ability to engage with course materials, while immigration authorities use it to evaluate adaptability to English-speaking environments.
In the IELTS test, your English-language skills are measured against band scores. But you how are the scores calculated? Understanding the scoring system is necessary, because it helps candidates set realistic goals and focus their preparation on areas that need improvement. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about IELTS band scores and how they’re evaluated.
IELTS Band Scale
In the IELTS test, your English-language skills are measured against band scores. These band scores range from a band 0 to a band 9 with each band score corresponding to a level of English-language competence. The table below shows what each band score means in terms of a student’s skill level. It also includes a description or narrative that you can share with the student.
Band score | Skill level | Description |
Band 9 | Expert user | You have a full operational command of the language. Your use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and you show complete understanding. |
Band 8 | Very good user | You have a fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. You may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. You handle complex detailed argumentation well. |
Band 7 | Good user | You have an operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally you handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning. |
Band 6 | Competent user | Generally you have an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. You can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. |
Band 5 | Modest user | You have a partial command of the language, and cope with overall meaning in most situations, although you are likely to make many mistakes. You should be able to handle basic communication in your own field. |
Band 4 | Limited user | Your basic competence is limited to familiar situations. You frequently show problems in understanding and expression. You are not able to use complex language. |
Band 3 | Extremely limited user | You convey and understand only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication. |
Band 2 | Intermittent user | You have great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. |
Band 1 | Non-user | You have no ability to use the language except a few isolated words. |
Band 0 | Did not attempt the test | You did not answer the questions. |
How the IELTS Bands Scores are Calculated?
In your IELTS results, you will get a band score for each part of the test as well as an overall band score. Each section is scored on a scale from 0 to 9, with increments of 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75. These individual scores are equally weighted, meaning each section contributes equally to the overall score.
The overall band score is an average of your band scores in the four sections. This average is then rounded to the nearest whole or half band according to specific rules:
- Scores ending in .25 are rounded up to the next half band.
- Scores ending in .75 are rounded up to the next whole band.
- Other averages are rounded to the nearest half band.
For example, if you get a 6.5 in Reading, 5 in Writing, 7 in Speaking, and 6.5 in Listening, the average of these 4 scores would be 6.25. This score would be rounded up to 6.5 for your overall band score.
Listening and Reading Band Scores
The Listening and Reading sections of the IELTS exam are designed to assess your ability to understand and interpret English in various contexts through a series of questions. In both sections, each question is worth one mark. Both the sections consist of 40 questions. The total raw score for each section is based on how many questions are answered correctly. These raw scores are then converted into band scores, which are reflected in your overall IELTS score.
IELTS Listening Score
In the Listening test, you will answer 40 questions that evaluate your ability to understand spoken English, with a variety of accents and situations. Each correct answer is awarded 1 mark. After completing the 40 questions, your raw score (the number of correct answers) is converted into a band score. The conversion is done according to a set of established guidelines to ensure consistency across different test forms.
The table below indicates the average number of marks required to achieve a particular band score in the Listening test:
Raw Score (Correct Answers) | Band Score |
39-40 | 9.0 |
37-38 | 8.5 |
35-36 | 8.0 |
32-34 | 7.5 |
30-31 | 7.0 |
26-29 | 6.5 |
23-25 | 6.0 |
19-22 | 5.5 |
16-18 | 5.0 |
13-15 | 4.5 |
IELTS Reading Score (AC)
In the Reading test, you will answer 40 questions that evaluate your ability to understand and interpret academic texts. A variety of question types are used, e.g. multiple choice, True/False/Not Given, matching, and sentence completion. Your answers are either correct or incorrect, so you will receive one mark for each correct answer. The total number of marks will determine your band score.
Here’s an example of how raw scores are converted into band scores for the Academic Reading section:
Raw Score out of 40 | Band Score |
39 – 40 | 9 |
37 – 38 | 8.5 |
35 – 36 | 8 |
33 – 34 | 7.5 |
30 – 32 | 7 |
27 – 29 | 6.5 |
23 – 26 | 6 |
19 – 22 | 5.5 |
15 – 18 | 5 |
13 – 14 | 4.5 |
10 – 12 | 4 |
8 – 9 | 3.5 |
6 – 7 | 3 |
4 – 5 | 2.5 |
IELTS Reading Score (GT)
The General Training Reading section is designed to assess your ability to comprehend a variety of texts, including everyday materials like advertisements, workplace documents, and general informational content. The number of questions and scoring method for the General Training Reading section remains similar to the Academic Reading section, only the scoring scale varies due to the nature of the texts. The General Training materials are often less complex, so the raw scores required to achieve specific band scores are higher. The raw score (total correct answers) is converted into a band score, using a conversion system tailored for the General Training module.
Here’s an example of how the raw scores are converted into band scores for the General Training Reading section:
Raw Score out of 40 | Band Score |
40 | 9 |
39 | 8.5 |
37-38 | 8 |
36 | 7.5 |
34-35 | 7 |
32-33 | 6.5 |
30-31 | 6 |
27-29 | 5.5 |
23-26 | 5 |
19-22 | 4.5 |
15-18 | 4 |
IELTS Writing Assessment Criteria
The IELTS Writing section consists of two tasks, each designed to evaluate your ability to write effectively in English:
- Task 1: Requires candidates to describe, summarise, or explain information presented in a graph, table, chart, or diagram (Academic) or write a letter (General Training). This task contributes 33% to the overall Writing score.
- Task 2: Involves writing an essay in response to a question or argument. This task carries 67% of the total weightage for Writing.
Both tasks are assessed using four marking criteria:
- Task Achievement/Task Response: Measures how well you address the task requirements, provide relevant ideas, and support them with examples.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Evaluates the organisation of your ideas and their logical flow, as well as effective use of linking words.
- Lexical Resource: Assesses your range of vocabulary and how accurately and appropriately it is used.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Focuses on the variety of sentence structures you use and how accurately they are written.
Each criterion contributes equally to your Writing band score.
Table Summary of Writing Marking Criteria
Criteria | Description | Band 9 Performance | Band 6 Performance |
Task Achievement/Response | Addresses all parts of the task, provides well-supported ideas, and achieves the purpose. | Fully addresses all aspects of the task with clear, relevant ideas. | Addresses the task but misses some parts or lacks detail. |
Coherence and Cohesion | Organises ideas logically and uses linking words effectively to ensure a smooth flow. | Ideas are well-organised, with seamless and logical progression. | Ideas may be disconnected, and linking words are overused or inaccurate. |
Lexical Resource | Demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary with accurate and appropriate usage. | Uses a variety of words naturally and precisely. | Limited vocabulary; errors in word choice or usage occur. |
Grammatical Range and Accuracy | Uses diverse grammatical structures correctly and appropriately. | Complex sentences are error-free, with consistent accuracy. | Grammatical errors and limited variety in sentence structures. |
The IELTS Writing test is marked by qualified IELTS examiners who are intensively trained and monitored to ensure consistency and quality of marking, no matter where in the world the test is taken. A minimum of two examiners will mark your Writing test, and sometimes even up to three or four to ensure the highest level of accuracy and fairness possible. Find out more about the key assessment criteria and how examiners assess the Writing section.
IELTS Speaking Assessment Criteria
The IELTS Speaking test is a face-to-face interview designed to assess your ability to communicate effectively in spoken English. The test is divided into three parts, each focusing on different aspects of speaking skills. IELTS Speaking tests are conducted by trained and certified IELTS examiners. When assessing your performance, they work with clearly defined criteria to assess your Speaking test.
The Speaking test is assessed using four key criteria:
- Fluency and Coherence: Measures your ability to speak naturally, organise ideas logically, and use linking words effectively to maintain flow.
- Lexical Resource: Evaluates your range of vocabulary and how accurately and appropriately you use it in different contexts.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Assesses the variety of sentence structures you use and the level of grammatical precision.
- Pronunciation: Focuses on how clearly you articulate words, your use of stress and intonation, and the ease with which you can be understood.
Each of the criteria carry equal weighting and the overall average gives the IELTS score for Speaking. Find out more about the key assessment criteria and how examiners assess the Speaking section.
Conclusion
Understanding the IELTS scoring system is crucial for effective and targeted preparation. This blog has outlined the calculation of band scores, the assessment criteria for each section, and the importance of knowing how your performance is evaluated. By having the knowledge of raw score conversions and marking criteria, you can set realistic goals and focus your efforts on areas needing improvement. Choosing the right IELTS course can help you achieve your desired band score with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Band 7 a Good Score in IELTS?
Ans: Yes, a Band 7 is considered a good score in IELTS. It indicates that you are a “good user” of English, capable of understanding complex ideas and expressing yourself effectively in most situations. This score is commonly required for academic admissions, professional registrations, and immigration purposes, particularly in countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK.
2. How Many Bands Are a Good Score in IELTS?
Ans: A good score in IELTS typically ranges from Band 7 to Band 9, depending on your purpose.
- Band 7: Demonstrates strong proficiency and is often the minimum requirement for universities and professional organisations.
- Band 8: Reflects a high level of English fluency and is ideal for competitive academic or professional settings.
- Band 9: Represents expert-level proficiency, equivalent to a native English speaker.
For immigration, Band 6 or above is generally acceptable, though higher scores improve your chances significantly.
3. What Is Most Difficult in IELTS?
Ans: The most challenging part of the IELTS test varies by individual, but common difficulties include:
- Writing: Task 2 often poses a challenge due to its requirement for clear argumentation, coherence, and grammar.
- Speaking: Nervousness during the face-to-face interview can affect fluency and coherence.
- Listening: Accents and fast speech can make it difficult to catch all the details.
- Reading: For Academic Reading, the dense and complex texts can be challenging, while for General Training, time management can be tricky.
Effective preparation and practice can help overcome these difficulties.
4. What Is a Poor Score for IELTS?
Ans: A poor score in IELTS is typically considered anything below Band 5. Scores in this range indicate difficulty in understanding and using English effectively, especially in academic or professional contexts.
- Band 4: Limited ability to communicate in English with frequent breakdowns in understanding.
- Band 3 or below: Extremely limited or negligible English proficiency.
If you score below Band 5, you may need significant improvement to meet the requirements for academic, professional, or immigration purposes.