by IDP IELTS India 30 Nov, 2023 As a first-time international student, you might have repeatedly encountered the term ‘IELTS band score’. This score helps you become eligible to apply to your preferred university.
The IELTS test assesses the language ability of a candidate who plans to study or work in an English-speaking country. It’s a universally acclaimed fact that IELTS is the most popular English language proficiency test in the world, recognised and accepted by more than 11,500 organisations and institutions worldwide, which include immigration authorities, universities, professional bodies, employers and other government agencies.
Additional Read: What is IELTS?
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.
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 end 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.
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
Average of four components (total of the four individual component scores divided by four) |
Band score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.5 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 5.0 | 6.125 | 6.0 |
| 6.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 8.0 | 6.25 | 6.5 |
If the average of the four sections ends in .25, the overall band score is rounded up to the next half band, and if it ends in .75, the overall band score is rounded up to the next whole band.
The table below will help you understand the band scales and significance of each:
| Band score | Skill level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Expert | The test taker has fully operational command of the language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding. |
| 8 | Very good | The test taker has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well. |
| 7 | Good | The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning. |
| 6 | Competent | The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. |
| 5 | Modest | The test taker has a partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field. |
| 4 | Limited | The test taker’s basic competence is limited to familiar situations. They frequently show problems in understanding and expression. They are not able to use complex language. |
| 3 | Extremely Limited | The test taker conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication. |
| 2 | Intermittent | The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. |
| 1 | Non-user | The test taker has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words. |
| 0 | Test not attempted | The test taker did not answer the questions. |
This 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:
| Band Score | Raw Score Out of 40 |
|---|---|
| 5 | 16 |
| 6 | 23 |
| 7 | 30 |
| 8 | 35 |
This section consists of 40 questions, for which you receive one mark per correct answer. A variety of 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 | |
| Band Score | Raw Score Out of 40 |
|---|---|
| 5 | 15 |
| 6 | 23 |
| 7 | 30 |
| 8 | 35 |
| General Training | |
| Band Score | Raw Score Out of 40 |
|---|---|
| 4 | 15 |
| 5 | 23 |
| 6 | 30 |
| 7 | 34 |
| 8 | 38 |
Your Writing test response is scored in the following areas-
The Writing test is marked by qualified IELTS examiners no matter where in the world. They are intensively trained and monitored to ensure consistency and quality of marking. A minimum of two examiners will mark your writing test, and a maximum of three to four will be used to ensure high-level accuracy and fair play.
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:
You will receive an IELTS Test Report Form (TRF), which reports a score in each of the four modules, i.e., listening, reading, writing and speaking, and an overall band score. Also, half-band scores may be awarded, indicating strong performance within a specific band.
If you aren’t satisfied with the results, then you can apply for a re-mark at the same centre where you took the test. But do make your application no later than six weeks after the test date. Also, you can choose which test components are re-marked, and there is a fee for this service, which will be refunded if your score in any of the components is increased.
Note: To plan, keep in mind that Enquiries on Results (EoR) take six to eight weeks to complete.
Understanding your IELTS band score is essential for achieving your academic and professional goals in an English-speaking environment. This article has provided a comprehensive overview of the IELTS band score system, its calculation process, and the different components that make up your overall score.
Whether you are applying to universities, seeking employment, or simply aiming to improve your English language communication skills, the IELTS band score serves as a valuable benchmark. 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!
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