The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally accepted language proficiency test. IELTS is divided into IELTS Academic and General Training is used for purposes such as studying, working, and migrating to English-speaking countries.

The IELTS Scoring System

The IELTS Scoring system is typically based on the band scores ranging from the scale of (0-9) for 4 different modules of Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The ways of interpreting IELTS Scores are given as follows:

• Band Scores are marked on the scale of (0-9) for each section of Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking along with an overall band score.

• Overall Band Score Calculation is actually an average of the four individual section scores, rounded to the nearest half band or the whole band.

• Individual Section Scoring focuses on scoring each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) on a 0-9 band scale and then an average calculates the overall band score

Detailed Breakdown of IELTS Scores

Let’s look at a detailed breakdown of the modules of IELTS and ways of interpreting IELTS Scores according to the IELTS band score chart.

When it comes to modules of Listening and Reading, one point is awarded for each correct answer, and the total number of points is calculated by converting the same into a band score using a standardized conversion table. Whereas for the Writing and Speaking modules, the mark is provided in terms of performance based on specific criteria, including task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy for Writing; and fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation for Speaking

• Listening focuses on assessing a range of listening skills and its scoring is based on the number of correct answers.

• Reading is more about reading comprehension with different question types, each question carrying one mark.

• Writing and its scores are entirely based on tasks, coherence and cohesion, lexical resources, and grammatical range and accuracy.

• The speaking section assesses language proficiency based on fluency and coherence, lexical resources, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.

Also read:How to register for IELTS exam

Understanding the Band Descriptors & How to Interpret Your IELTS Score.

Interpreting the IELTS score can be done in terms of the band score chart ranging from (0-9), where 0 stands for lowest language proficiency and band 9 stands for expert range of English language proficiency. The overall band score is calculated with the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole or half band.

Now considering the Half-band score calculation, it’s calculated with the average of the four section scores ending in .25, the overall band score is rounded up to the next half-band (e.g., 5.25 becomes 5.5). If the average is ending in .75, it is rounded up to the next whole band (e.g., 5.75 becomes 6.0)

• Band 9 is for the expert user with high expertise and command over the English language. This band is given to candidates who have a fully operational command of the language. Here the language used will be comprehended accurately.

• Band 8 denotes a very good user of the English language who has a good command over the language but with a few unsystematic inaccuracies occasionally like misunderstanding some words in unfamiliar situations.

• Band 7 is for a user having an operational command but there will be some kind of occasional inaccuracies and misunderstandings in between.

• Band 6 denotes a competent user with an effective command when it comes more to familiar situations but in limited to understanding complex language.

• Band 5 stands for a modest user with a partial command over the language; they will be able to understand words used in familiar situations with some mistakes due to lack of clarity and understanding.

• Band 4 is given to a limited user with only basic language competence. They will be able to use language proficiently in familiar situations.

• Band 3 is for extremely limited users who convey and understand only general meaning. They do not have a good command of the language and are capable of conveying or understanding language in familiar situations only.

• Band 2 is for the intermittent user with no real communication possible except for providing the most basic information. They may both have difficulty in understanding or conveying things in English.

• Band 1 is for non-users who cannot essentially use the language beyond pronouncing a few isolated words. Their understanding of the language is quite limited.

• Band 0 is for someone who performed too poorly in the test. This band score is given to a candidate who did not answer any questions.

Overall Band Score is a tabulation of your scores relating to language proficiency where the individual section and its scores can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses while assessing your language skills.

Improving Your IELTS Scores

To achieve a good band score, one should have a thorough understanding of the IELTS Score explained. For that let’s focus on some of the tips listed below:

Practice Regularly by engaging in practice tests and exercises to gain a better understanding of the IELTS Scores.

Feedback and reviewing are essential to identify areas needing improvement.

Maximize the Use of Learning Resources: Make good use of the learning/study materials available from official IELTS preparation materials and resources. Neethu’s Academy is one of the topmost providers of best study materials.

By following these tips effectively, you’ll be able to score better on your IELTS exam.

Conclusion

The IELTS test is conducted for an effective comprehensive assessment of English language skills divided into four sections Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Understanding the band descriptors helps to interpret the IELTS scores better for test takers to interpret their scores and identify areas that need improvement. With effective preparation and practice, candidates will be able to improve their scores and achieve their desired academic and professional goals