Skill level Expert user Description Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.

Skill level Very good user Description Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.

Skill level Good user Description Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.

Skill level Competent user Description Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

Skill level Modest user Description Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.

Skill level Limited user Description Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.

Skill level Extremely limited user Description Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.

Skill level Intermittent user Description No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.

Skill level Non-user Description Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.

Skill level Did not attempt test Description No assessable information provided.

IELTS Reading band scores and what they mean

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 Reading band score. This score is then used to arrive at your overall band score.