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Essay writing can be nerve-wracking at times. The IELTS writing task is no less of a challenge. In this test task, an…
IELTS Band Score System: How is the Test Scored?
Acquiring a good score on the IELTS test is an essential step for those who wish to study, work, or immigrate to an English-speaking nation. However many test-takers are confused by the scoring system. What is the meaning of an IELTS Band Score of 6.5? How are Listening and Reading scores different from Writing and Speaking scores? How is the overall IELTS band score calculated?
The IELTS Band Score System takes a systematic approach to measuring your English language abilities in four areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each area is scored independently, and your overall IELTS score averages the individual scores. Getting to know the scoring system can assist you in establishing realistic expectations and maximizing your chances of attaining your desired band score.
In this blog, we are going to decompose the IELTS Band Score System, outline how the component scores are computed, and give you tips on how to use IELTS score calculators to estimate your scores properly.
Get to Know the IELTS Band Score System
The IELTS test adopts a 9-band marking system, where each section—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking is marked with a distinct score, and this is then averaged to find the overall band score. Scores are given from 0 (non-user) to 9 (expert user).
Following is an approximate overview of IELTS band score meanings:
- Band 9 – Expert user: Fully operational command of English with complete fluency and accuracy.
- Band 8 – Very good user: Occasionally inaccurate but fully capable of using complex language.
- Band 7 – Good user: The Command of English is good with the occasional misunderstanding.
- Band 6 – Competent user: Can use and understand English but with some mistakes.
- Band 5 – Modest user: Limited command of the language with frequent errors.
- Band 4 and below – Limited to non-users: Major problems with understanding and communication.
Each part of the IELTS test is marked separately before combining it to determine the score.
Let’s see how all the sections are marked.
Component Scores Breakdown
1. IELTS Listening Band Score
The IELTS Listening section consists of 40 questions, with each correct answer earning one mark. The total raw score (out of 40) is then converted into the IELTS 9-band scale.
Here’s an estimated IELTS Listening band score chart:
| Raw Score | Band Score |
|---|---|
|
39-40 |
9.0 |
|
35-38 |
8.5 |
|
30-34 |
7.5 |
|
23-26 |
6.0 |
|
16-19 |
5.0 |
2. IELTS Reading Band Score
Like Listening, the Reading section also has 40 questions, and each correct answer is worth one mark. However, the scoring scale differs between the Academic and General Training versions.
IELTS Band Score Chart for General Reading and Listening
3. IELTS Writing Score
The writing section is rated on four broad IELTS Band Descriptors:
- Task Achievement (Task Response for Task 2) – How Well you answer the question.
- Coherence & Cohesion – Logical and structural flow of ideas.
- Lexical Resource – Vocabulary range and accuracy.
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy – Accurate use of grammar.
All the criteria are graded 0 to 9, and the average is the final Writing band score.
4. IELTS Speaking Score
The Speaking section uses identical grading descriptors as Writing:
- Fluency & Coherence
- Lexical Resource
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy
- Pronunciation
Each criterion is graded independently, and the overall Speaking band is an average of all four.
Overall Band Score Calculation
Your Overall Band Score is the average of your four section scores, rounded to the nearest 0.5 or whole number.
Calculating Your Overall IELTS Band Score (Example)
Suppose a candidate has:
Listening: 7.5
Reading: 6.5
Writing: 6.0
Speaking: 7.0
Total: (7.5 + 6.5 + 6.0 + 7.0) / 4 = 6.75
As 6.75 rounds up to 7.0, the Overall Band Score finally turns out to be 7.0.
Utilizing IELTS Score Calculators
Online IELTS Score Calculators allow the test taker to estimate the potential band score. You can enter your raw scores for Listening and Reading and estimated scores for Speaking and Writing and calculate your potential overall score.
Some of the best-known IELTS score calculators include:
- IELTS.org Score Calculator
- IELTS Advantage Band Score Calculator
- British Council IELTS Score Converter
These calculators help test-takers monitor progress and achieve realistic goals.
Importance of Knowing the Band Score System
Knowing the IELTS Score Calculation system is significant in the following manners:
- Having realistic goals – knowing the required visa application or university entry score.
- Monitoring progress – Make use of IELTS score calculators to evaluate your performance in mock tests.
- Boosting weak spots – Determine what section requires practice to increase your overall band score.
Best IELTS Coaching Center in Kerala
If you’re searching for the best IELTS coaching center in Kerala, Neethu’s Academy is the best place to go for students who want to score high bands. Here’s why:
- Expert Faculty – Seasoned professionals deliver intensive coaching and detailed feedback.
- Individualized Attention – Personal mentoring to discover and rectify weak spots.
- Comprehensive Study Materials – Thoroughly designed resources for all IELTS modules.
- Regular Mock Tests – Live exam simulations to increase confidence and time management abilities.
- Flexible Study Options – Offline and online IELTS study options are offered.
- Guaranteed Success Rate – Track record of past success in helping students attain the desired IELTS scores.
- Dedicated Speaking Practice – Private lessons for improving fluency, pronunciation, and confidence.
- Latest Test Strategies – New test strategies to obtain maximum marks in every section.
Join Neethu’s Academy, the top IELTS coaching center in Kerala, and take a step towards your target score!
Conclusion
Having an idea about the IELTS scoring system helps you prepare accordingly for your dream score. By knowing this, you can allocate time for high-yielding topics and focus on topics you are confident in. If you want to take your preparation one step ahead, consider joining Neethu’s Academy, the best IELTS Coaching center in Kochi. We will help you prepare from the start to the end, with expert guidance and intensive training. Start your IELTS journey today and take the exam with confidence! Good luck
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the IELTS band score calculated?
The IELTS band score is computed by taking the average of the four section scores (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) and rounding to the nearest whole number.
What does 30 out of 40 in IELTS Reading equate to?
A raw score of 30 out of 40 in IELTS Reading generally corresponds to a band score of 7.0 in Academic and 6.5 in General Training.
What is A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 in IELTS?
These are CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) levels, in which A1–A2 refers to a basic level, B1–B2 denotes intermediate to upper-intermediate level, and C1–C2 denotes advanced level.
Is band 7 a good IELTS score?
Yes, a band score of 7.0 is a good score, showing good English command, appropriate for entry to universities and professional needs.
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