Understand IELTS scores

IELTS scores in detail

International students often come across the term 'IELTS band score'. Many universities require this score to prove English language proficiency for international applicants.

After you take the IELTS test, you'll get a score between 0 and 9 overall, and you'll also get scores for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The IELTS scale helps organisations know how well you know English.

Understanding your IELTS band score

IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training are scored on a band scale of 0-9.

How to Calculate IELTS Band Score?

The overall IELTS Band Score is the average of the marks of four sections, rounded to the nearest whole or half band. The sectional scores are weighted equally.

If the average of the sections ends in 0.25 or 0.75, the overall IELTS Band Score is rounded up to the next half band or the next whole band, respectively. If the average, however, ends with a fraction below .25 or .75, the overall score is rounded down.

Example:

The Overall Band Score is the average of the marks of four sections, rounded to the nearest whole or half band. The sectional scores are weighted equally.

If the average of the sections ends in 0.25 or 0.75, the Overall Band Score is rounded up to the next half band or the next whole band, respectively. If the average, however, ends with a fraction below .25 or .75, the overall score is rounded down.

IELTS Band score chart

Calculating your overall score

You'll get a score for each part of the test - Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Your overall IELTS score is the average of these scores, rounded to the nearest half-point.

IELTS Listening Band Score

The IELTS Listening section consists of 40 questions related to audio clips that will be played to the candidate. Your answers are either correct or incorrect, where for every correct answer, one mark is allotted.

The table below indicates the average number of marks required to achieve the desired IELTS band score in the Listening test:

IELTS Reading Band Score

The IELTS Reading section consists of 40 questions, for which you receive one mark per correct answer. Various question types are used, for example, multiple-choice, True/False/Not Given, matching, and sentence completion. The table below indicates the average number of marks required to achieve the desired IELTS band score in Academic Reading:

Academic Reading scores

General Training scores

IELTS Writing Band Score

Your Writing test response is scored in the following areas-

• Task Response

• Coherence and cohesion

• Lexical resource

• Grammatical range and accuracy

The IELTS Writing test is marked by qualified IELTS examiners worldwide. They are intensively trained and monitored to ensure consistency and quality of marking. To ensure high-level accuracy and fair play, a minimum of two examiners will mark your writing test, and a maximum of three to four will be used.

IELTS Speaking Band Score

The Speaking test in IELTS follows a conversational style. In the test, the candidate is made to sit in a private, quiet room with a qualified examiner who will engage with them in a conversation about everyday life. The speaking skills are marked against several criteria, which are as follows:

• Fluency and coherence

• Lexical resource

• Pronunciation

• Grammatical range

• Accuracy

Tips to Improve IELTS Scores

To improve your IELTS Band Score, you must prepare effectively. Here are some tips:

1. Practice tests: Familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing.

2. Review the official guide: Understand scoring criteria and expectations.

3. Manage your time: Allocate time based on point values per section (e.g., spend more time on Task 2 in Writing).

4. Listening: Use the example to adjust to speakers and accents. Only spend time on some details; focus on answering questions.

5. Reading: Review the provided answer example to understand the structure and expectations.

6. Writing: Before writing, organise your thoughts with a brief outline. Proofread to avoid errors and ensure you meet word count requirements.

7. Speaking: Avoid speaking to the recording equipment. Make eye contact and explain your answers beyond "yes" or "no."

8. Stay focused: During listening, concentrate on the current part and use breaks to prepare answers.

9. Follow instructions: Read carefully to understand answer format requirements (using your words vs. words from the text).

10. Practice grammar and spelling: Ensure accuracy when transferring answers.

Importance of IELTS Band Score to Study Abroad

IELTS Band Scores are important for people aiming to study, work or migrate to an English-speaking country.

Studying: IELTS band scores play a significant role in the admission process, as they demonstrate a student's proficiency in the English language. Universities and colleges use them to assess the language skills of prospective students. Institutions set specific minimum band score requirements for admission, varying depending on the course and institution.

Working: IELTS band scores are also important for professionals seeking employment opportunities in English-speaking countries. Many employers require proof of English language proficiency, and a good IELTS score can enhance a candidate's prospects in the job market.

Immigration: IELTS scores can also impact visa applications. Many countries, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, require international students to submit IELTS scores for their visa application.

Conclusion

The IELTS band score is a valuable benchmark whether you are applying to universities, seeking employment, or simply aiming to improve your English language communication skills. By understanding its significance and familiarising yourself with the scoring system, you can prepare effectively and achieve your desired score.

Book your test now and achieve your desired IELTS band score!