It's time to wait for the IELTS band scores after taking the exam. Results will be available in less than two weeks. Candidates will be given their overall IELTS score in a band ranging from 1 to 9. Additionally, they will be given their overall band ranking. Candidates should be aware of how the IELTS bands are determined. We'll also go through IELTS score calculation in this blog. To comprehend how the scoring pattern operates, you need also read the IELTS Band Scores explained in full.
How are IELTS band scores determined?
It's critical to comprehend how the IELTS score is determined. IELTS scores range from 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest). A candidate may receive scores in increments of.5, such as 5.5 or 6.5. For each skill (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking), candidates receive a band score in addition to an overall band score. The average of all the talents determines the band score overall. To the nearest entire band or half band, the band scores are rounded.
Listening
There are 40 questions in the IELTS Listening test, and as students receive one mark for each accurate response, the highest raw score possible is 40. Then, based on your raw result, a band score between band 1 and band 9 is given.
Reading
The maximum raw score you can get on the IELTS Reading test is 40 because there are 40 questions and students receive one mark for each correct response. Then, based on your raw result, a band score between band 1 and band 9 is given.
Writing
You can learn how an examiner rates your Writing Task 1 and 2 replies by using the IELTS Writing band descriptors.
Speaking
You can better understand how an examiner would rate you during the Speaking test by using the IELTS Speaking band descriptors.
Section | Score |
6.5 | |
6.5 | |
5.0 | |
7.0 | |
Overall Band Score | 6.5 |
You will receive a band score for each portion of the IELTS exam as well as an overall band score that is calculated by averaging the band scores for the four skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. IELTS band scores are reported in whole or rounded to the next half-band. The average of the four parts, as shown in the above table, is 6.25, however it was rounded up to 6.5, giving the overall band score of 6.5.
For you to better grasp how the IELTS scoring bands operate, we have provided a few hypothetical situations below.
To learn what each band score means, read the IELTS band scores chart.
Band score | Skill Level |
Descriptors |
9 | Expert user | The person taking the test is fluent in the language. Their proficient use of the English language demonstrates their thorough comprehension of it. |
8 | Very good user | The test-taker has excellent linguistic proficiency and few errors. They have good situational awareness. They might interpret some foreign situations incorrectly. |
7 | Good user | The test-taker generally has a strong knowledge of the English language, while there are occasional errors and incorrect usage in some circumstances. They are adept at deciphering sophisticated language and comprehend intricate thinking. |
6 | Competent user | Although there are some errors and some incorrect language usage, the test-taker has a strong command of the language. In familiar settings, they may absorb sophisticated language well. |
5 | Modest user | The test-taker can deal with general meaning and has a limited mastery of the English language. They have minimal communication skills for their industry. |
4 | Limited user | Only situations that the exam taker is familiar with are allowed. He or she struggles to understand and express themselves clearly and is unable to employ complicated terminology. |
3 | Extremely limited user | In scenarios that are highly familiar to them, the test taker understands the only broad meaning. Communication breakdowns occur frequently. |
2 | Intermittent user | The test taker finds it extremely challenging to comprehend spoken and written English. |
1 | Non-user | With the exception of a few isolated words, the test-taker is unable to use the English language. |
0 | Did not attempt the test | The test-taker failed to respond to the questions |
You must provide information about the candidate number, passport number, test date, identification document number, and date of birth while verifying the results. So, before verifying the results, be sure to have these essential facts on hand. Additionally, keep this information close to hand for the next 28 days because after that, you won't be able to access it online. It is not official because this is only a preview. Prior to receiving an Official Test Report form, this will assist candidates in viewing their results. The results of all 4 sections are included in the test report. Only one copy of this report is given to each candidate, so make sure you store it safely. Your chances of landing a job increase with your IELTS score.
It depends on the nation, institution of higher learning, or company you are aiming for. As a result, the idea of a minimum IELTS score does not exist. However, the institution, college, or company you are aiming for can have its own set of minimal IELTS score requirements. Your selection criterion may heavily depend on your IELTS score.
The IELTS score is determined by averaging each section's score. View the IELTS Band scores by section.
The applicants must listen to conversations, recorded texts, and monologues for the Listening portion and then write responses based on them. You can use the table to estimate your IELTS Listening band score by utilising the information we've supplied. Furthermore, there is no deducting points for incorrect responses.
Correct Answers | Band Score |
39-40 | 9 |
37-38 | 8.5 |
35-36 | 8 |
32-34 | 7.5 |
30-31 | 7 |
26-29 | 6.5 |
23-25 | 6 |
18-22 | 5.5 |
16-17 | 5 |
13-15 | 4.5 |
11-12 | 4 |
40 questions in the reading part are based on three readings. You can use the table to estimate your IELTS Reading band score by utilising the information we've supplied. Additionally, there is no deducting points for incorrect responses.
Correct Answers | Band Score |
40-39 | 9 |
38-37 | 8.5 |
36-35 | 8 |
34-33 | 7.5 |
32-30 | 7 |
29-27 | 6.5 |
26-23 | 6 |
22-19 | 5.5 |
18-15 | 5 |
14-13 | 4.5 |
12-10 | 4 |
9-8 | 3.5 |
7-6 | 3 |
5-4 | 2.5 |
Examiners assign a band score based on the following criteria using assessment criteria.
Each of the aforementioned criteria is given equal weight by the examiners, and the task received an average score.
Examiners assign a band score for each of the following criteria using assessment criteria:
Each of the aforementioned factors is given equal weight by the examiners, and the average is the Speaking band score.
The four sections of the IELTS exam are speaking, reading, writing, and listening. These four criteria are used to evaluate the candidates. IELTS Academic and General Training Test are two of the formats offered by the International English Language Testing System. Universities all across the world that accept applicants for undergraduate or graduate programmes will accept IELTS Academic. Candidates should review the admission requirements of the college they are applying to, then make necessary preparations.
Those who intend to immigrate to a significant English-speaking country take the IELTS General Training exam. It may also be provided by those who are moving abroad for work. Professional organisations also accept IELTS scores for candidates whose native language is not English as evidence of their level of English language competence.
IELTS Exam 2023 candidates should always verify the format before beginning their test preparation. The IELTS Test Score is a key factor in the selection process. More than 10,000 educational institutions in more than 140 nations recognise this exam.
We already mentioned that the Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking sections of the IELTS exam are divided into separate categories. The Reading, Listening, and Writing portions of the exam are administered all at once, so candidates should keep that in mind. The Speaking component, however, can be tested either on the same day as the exam or seven days before or after.
Sections with Duration | IELTS Academic Test Description | Total Questions |
(30 minutes) | There are four recorded monologues and chats included in it. | 40 |
(60 minutes) | Three lengthy reading assignments Texts can be discursive, analytical, or descriptive and may also include nonverbal elements like diagrams, graphs, and pictures. texts are genuine (taken from books, journals, and newspapers) | 40 |
(60 minutes) | A candidate must produce at least 150 words for Writing Task 1's summary, description, or explanation of a table, graph, chart, or diagram. A candidate must compose a brief essay of at least 250 words for Writing Task 2. | 2 |
(11-14 minutes) | An introduction of the candidate, a cue card, and a thorough discussion are all part of a face-to-face interview. | 3 |
Candidates must be familiar with the IELTS Syllabus in order to fully comprehend the IELTS Pattern.
There are several areas in the IELTS syllabus, including Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing. The entire test lasts two hours and forty-five minutes.
IELTS test comes in two format: Academic and General Training. The Listening and Speaking portions of the exam are the same for everyone, however the Reading and Writing portions are not. You must become ready for the proper kind of test.
Candidates must compose their own responses to the list of questions after listening to four recordings of fluent English speakers.
A dialogue between two people in any everyday social situation is featured in Recording 1, a monologue is featured in Recording 2, a conversation between up to four people is featured in Recording 3, and a monologue on any academic subject is featured in Recording 4.
There are 40 questions in the Reading section of the exam, all of which are designed to evaluate a variety of reading abilities. These include reading for primary concepts, reading for details, and comprehending the logical reasoning. There are three lengthy writings that cover a wide range of topics, from argumentative to descriptive to factual. The materials are chosen for university applicants from periodicals, journals, newspapers, and books. Along with the IELTS framework, we have listed below the different IELTS Reading question categories.
The topics covered in the writing component of the exam are appropriate for undergraduate and graduate students applying to universities.
Task 1: The examinee has 60 minutes to do the two assignments. The first job takes 20 minutes, while the second takes 40. A candidate must write a summary of at least 150 words of a table, graph, or procedure in Task 1 of the IELTS Academic Module. A candidate must compose a letter of at least 150 words for Task 1 of the IELTS General Training Module.
Task 2 - Task 2 requires an essay of at least 250 words and is the same for all Academic and General Training Modules. Candidates will be required to respond to an issue, argument, or point of view in an essay. Ensure that you respond to both duties in a formal manner.
The candidate's spoken English is observed during the speaking portion. Each test is documented.
Part 1: The test-taker will be asked open-ended questions about themselves and common subjects like work, school, and/or home. The first segment lasts four to five minutes.
Part 2: A card with a question regarding a certain subject will be provided to the exam taker. You will have a minute to prepare before speaking for two minutes in this situation. The examiner will then ask a question or two about the chosen subject.
Part 3: Questions about the subject the test-taker chose in Part 2 will be asked. You will get the chance to talk more in-depth about the concepts and problems here. For four to five minutes, this section is included.
The four areas of the IELTS exam are reading, writing, listening, and speaking. There is a little difference in the exam format for the Writing and Reading sections of IELTS , however the Listening and Speaking sections are the same for both IELTS Academics and IELTS General Training.
A candidate will be given both a band score for the IELTS as a whole and individual component scores. For the four components of the test—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—you will receive a score ranging from 1 to 9. Your overall band score is determined by the average.
There isn't a set IELTS score requirement for PR in Canada. Your chances of being accepted into the Express Entry Pool, however, are better the higher your score.
The minimum IELTS score requirements for Canadian universities varies. For comprehensive details on the subject, please refer to this article. In general, you must have at least 5.5 bands in each area of the IELTS exam and an aggregate score of 6.0 in order to apply to undergraduate programmes regardless of your educational background or degree level.
No. You must show up for every section of the IELTS exam in order to obtain your full score.
Your IELTS exam expenses will be refunded less a 25% administration fee for the test. You must request an exam cancellation five weeks before the scheduled exam date. If you decide not to take the exam, there is no refund. You must provide a reliable medical certificate within five days of the test date to be eligible for a refund less any relevant local administrative costs.
There are 40 questions in the IELTS Listening test. The questions must be answered by the students, who receive one mark for each accurate response. The IELTS nine-band scale is used to translate scores out of 40. There are complete and half bands for reporting scores.
Beginning in March 2023, students who did not get their goal score on the first try may repeat the IELTS for one component. Each of the four test modules—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—must be taken again by the student.
The average of all the components makes up the band score overall. IELTS scores range from 0 to 9. Nothing gauges a candidate's language proficiency like passing or failing. Candidates are able to comprehend the entire IELTS scoring structure.
The Test Report Form (TRF) is only given to the candidates once. To the five colleges you've chosen on the IELTS application form, the administrative body will deliver your IELTS score.
For the most part, students regard the IELTS exam's Listening segment to be the most challenging. It is due to the specifics kids must hear and recall in order to respond to queries.
Since they have spent the most time practising, candidates are typically most at ease with the Speaking component of the IELTS.
This question does not have a clear answer. IELTS was created to gauge a person's proficiency in the language. It evaluates your proficiency in speaking, writing, reading, and listening in English. Like any other exam, you must study hard for this one as well. IELTS does not include a pass or fail option.
First and foremost, comprehend the exam format and the subjects you will cover in each session. When you are comfortable with the exam structure, make a study schedule and give yourself at least 5 to 6 weeks to stick to it. Once you have covered all the material, take the IELTS practise exams and attempt them as if you were taking the actual test.
How well you currently understand the English language will determine this. If you speak English well, you can study for the IELTS test in a month or possibly even less. Learning a language, however, takes a lot longer. It also depends on how many hours a day you spend working. If you put in a lot of study time, you might finish all the material quickly. Though it can take up to months to fully grasp a language, a few days or weeks may not be sufficient.
You can achieve a good score even with minimal preparation if you are fluent in the English language. However, by being ready for the IELTS test, you can raise your performance.
A candidate should be aware of the IELTS scoring before sitting the exam.
Those who intend to take the IELTS exam can review the comprehensive advice for getting a good score here.
Even native speakers make mistakes in the areas of grammar, punctuation, and spelling, thus one needs to prepare thoroughly if they want to perform well on the writing exam. While taking the Writing test, candidates should bear the following steps in mind: