A1. The overall IELTS band score is calculated from the average of the scores you will receive in the listening, reading, writing and speaking sections. They are rounded to the nearest half or whole band. For example, if you receive 5.75, it will be rounded to 6 and if you receive 6.25, it will be rounded to 6.5.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most renowned language exam in the world. It is recognised by more than 12,000 organisations in 140 countries to test the English proficiency exam of the candidate. These organisations include universities, colleges, training institutions and other educational institutions. Government departments, immigration authorities, multinational companies and employers also use IELTS to assess candidates' English level.
So, if you are planning to take the test to study, work or migrate to English-speaking countries, you need to know about the IELTS band score. Understanding these scores and how they are calculated will help you set realistic goals and prepare for the test to achieve your desired results. Join us today at English Path as we explore the details of IELTS band scores, calculation methods and some useful tips to prepare for the test.
What are IELTS band scores?
IELTS band scores measure your proficiency in the English language in four key areas: listening, reading, writing and speaking. The test will score you individually for each section and will take the average of all your scores to give an overall band score.
Calculation of IELTS band scores
The IELTS band score scale ranges from 0 to 9 and each band represents a specific level of English proficiency. Remember that your overall score will be rounded to the nearest half or whole band. For example, if you scored 6.75, it will be rounded up to 7 and if you scored 7.25, it will be rounded up to 7.5.
Understanding each IELTS band score
Understanding what each IELTS band score means will help you set achievable goals and prepare better for the test.
|
IELTS band score |
Skill level |
Description |
|
9 |
Expert |
The test taker has a perfect command of the language, just like a native speaker. They understand any kind of complex language, even with subtle nuances and can use English appropriately, accurately and fluently. |
|
8 |
Very good |
The test taker has a perfect command of the language. They understand almost everything they hear or read, including difficult or technical topics demanding with only occasional inaccuracies and inappropriate usage in unfamiliar situations. |
|
7 |
Good |
The test taker has a good command of the language. They can understand complex ideas in familiar and unfamiliar situations with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. |
|
6 |
Competent |
The test taker has a good command of the language, with only a few inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. They can understand complex language in familiar situations, such as everyday conversations and work-related topics. |
|
5 |
Modest |
The test taker has only partial command of the language and makes many mistakes. They can handle simple conversations and tasks related to familiar topics. |
|
4 |
Limited |
The test taker’s understanding of the English language is limited to only familiar situations. They often make mistakes and cannot understand many English phrases and expressions. |
|
3 |
Extremely limited |
The test taker can only communicate and understand familiar words and phrases. They have difficulty holding a conversation. |
|
2 |
Intermittent |
The test taker faces great difficulty understanding spoken as well as written English. |
|
1 |
Non-user |
The test taker shows no English language skills and can only understand limited words and phrases. |
|
0 |
Did not attempt the test |
The test taker did not take the test or answer any questions. |
Understanding each section band scores
The table above explains the overall band scores, but you will also be scored individually for each section. Let’s learn a little bit more about that as well.
Listening section:
For the IELTS Listening test, you will have to answer 40 questions in total. You will be rewarded with 1 mark each for each correct answer. You will receive an overall score out of 40, which will be converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. Remember, the scores are reported in whole and half bands.
Listed below are the average number of marks you can score at different levels of the IELTS scale in the Listening section. The exact number of marks needed to achieve these band scores may vary slightly from test version to test version.
Marks out of 40
- Band Score 5: Listening 16
- Band Score 6: Listening 23
- Band Score 7: Listening 30
- Band Score 8: Listening 35
Reading section:
Just like the Listening section, the IELTS Academic Reading test also has 40 questions. You will receive 1 mark each for each correct answer. The overall score you will receive out of 40 marks will be converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. Remember, the scores are reported in whole and half bands.
Listed below are the average number of marks you can score at different levels of the IELTS scale in the Academic Reading section. The exact number of marks needed to achieve these band scores may vary slightly from test version to test version.
Marks out of 40
- Band Score 5: Reading 15
- Band Score 6: Reading 23
- Band Score 7: Reading 30
- Band Score 8: Reading 35
Writing section:
When grading your IELTS Writing test, the examiners use assessment criteria to give you a score. There are four main criteria they use:
- Task achievement (for task 1) and task response (for task 2)
- Coherence and cohesion
- Lexical resource
- Grammatical range and accuracy
For each task, you will be graded separately and the scores from both tasks will be combined to give an average score. Task 2 carries more weight and is given more importance than Task 1 when determining your overall score.
Speaking section:
Similar to the Writing Section, when grading your IELTS Speaking test, the examiners use assessment criteria to give you a score. There are four main criteria they use:
- Fluency and coherence
- Lexical resource
- Grammatical range and accuracy
- Pronunciation
Each of these criteria is equally important and your overall average in these areas determines your IELTS Speaking score.
By understanding how IELTS band scores are calculated, you can enhance your test preparation. Don't forget to check out the IELTS Preparation course offered by English Path to improve your test skills and achieve your desired results. Good luck with your IELTS journey!
Frequently asked questions about IELTS band scores
Q1. How is the overall IELTS band score calculated?
Q2. What is a good IELTS band score for university admission?
A2. A good score is subjective and varies from institution to institution. You will have to get in touch with the university or college you're applying to find out their acceptable IELTS band score. In general, if you score 6.5 or higher, it is considered very good for university admission.
Q3. Can I retake the IELTS if I am not satisfied with my band score?
A3. Yes, you can retake the IELTS as many times as you want to improve your band score or until you achieve your desired score.
Q4. What do the different IELTS band scores mean?
A4. Each band score represents a level of English proficiency. They range from non-users (band 0) to expert users (band 9).
Q5. How can I improve my IELTS band scores?
A5. You can improve your IELTS band score by practising regularly. You can also go for formal training such as the IELTS Preparation course offered by English Path to achieve your desired result. Their structured curriculum can help you improve your test skills. You will be learning from a team of qualified and experienced language teachers. You will also have access to multiple mock tests, which can help you focus on weak areas of improvement and practise English daily.