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IELTS Reading band scores explained

The Reading test is made up of 40 questions which are based on three long texts. The questions range from multiple choice to identifying information and a writer’s views or claims, matching information, headings, features and sentence endings, sentence, summary, note, table, diagram label or flow-chart completion, and short-answer questions.

You will get one mark for each correct answer in the Reading test. The total correct answers will determine your raw score from which your band score will be determined. It is very important to try and answer every question as a blank answer will get no marks.

The Reading part of the IELTS test will be different for the Academic and General Training tests. However, the number of questions and the questions types will remain the same for IELTS test types.

You will answer 40 questions in the Reading test which are based on three long texts. Each question has only one correct answer. You will receive one mark for each correct answer. The total number of marks will determine your IELTS Reading score. This score is then used to arrive at your overall band score.

Your IELTS Reading band score contributes to your overall IELTS band score.

IELTS Reading score table converter

Academic Reading

Number of correct answers (Raw Score)

IELTS Reading Band Score

15

5

23

6

30

7

35

8

General Training

Number of correct answers (Raw Score)

IELTS Reading Band Score

15

4

23

5

30

6

34

7

38

8

Band scores