• IELTS

Brief Guide on IELTS Listening Band Score

2469 Reads
3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Oct 18,2023 01:16 PM IST

Many universities mandate IELTS scores for international students to get admission to their institution, which is why it is essential that a student thoroughly prepares for the test. The test includes 4 sections: Speaking, Reading, Listening and Writing. This blog focuses especially on the listening test, how the scores are calculated and tips to improve band scores in the IELTS Listening test.

The IELTS exam is conducted in different sections, and the listening part is one of those sections, along with the writing, reading, and speaking sections. Usually, students have many questions regarding the listening part, about what to expect in the test and how to prepare for it. That’s why this blog is presented to provide some valuable insights on how to prepare for the listening part and score good bands in it. Read more to learn in detail about the IELTS Listening Band Score.

Listening test

The Listening part of the IELTS exam consists of about 40 questions that the candidate needs to answer within 30 minutes of time. During the test, the students are presented with four audio recordings, which contain monologues and conversations between the native English speakers. Each recording comes with 10 questions that need to be answered by the student according to the recording. The IELTS listening band scores are calculated on the basis of the candidate’s response to the 40 questions. These scores are further calculated on a 9-point scale.

There are 2 ways of conducting the IELTS Listening test:

General test: This test contains topics that are based on the general interest of the candidate.

Academic test: This test contains topics suitable for those entering university or professional institutions.

Despite the differences, the IELTS Listening Band scores are the same for both General and Academic IELTS exam. Also, the listening and reading test in IELTS helps to boost the band scores and get a better overall score, which is why it is important to improve IELTS Listening Skills.

How Are The IELTS Band Score Calculated?

Candidates get section-wise band scores (Listening, Speaking, Writing and Reading) and overall band scores. In case the candidate gets scores in decimals, for example, 6.25 or 6.80, then the marks will be rounded off to the nearest whole band or to the half band accordingly.

Below is an example of how IELTS Scoring and calculation works:

IELTS Sections	Band Scores
Listening	6.5
Reading	7.0
Writing	5.0
Speaking	6.5
Normal Addition Score	6.25
Overall	6.5

In the table above, the overall bands summed up to be 6.25, which were then rounded off to its nearest half band, 6.5.

Minimum Scores for IELTS

Although IELTS doesn’t have any minimum score criteria, the scores are calculated from band score “1” to band score “9”; there’s also a band “0” for students who didn’t appear in the test. As mentioned above, IELTS scores are calculated on the basis of 4 sections: listening, speaking, writing, and reading. These sections have individual band scores along with an overall IELTS band score. Every college and university has its own IELTS band requirement they expect from international students.

Tips to Get a Good IELTS Band Score in The IELTS Listening Test

Having good scores in the IELTS Listening Test is essential for an excellent overall score, especially considering how easy it is to score good marks in this section. Here are some tips that students can use to enhance their ability to listen to a foreign language and understand it to answer simple questions related to it:

Practice

An obvious yet underrated part of scoring well in the listening part is regular practice. Listening can be a tedious task, which is why people usually underestimate listening tests and skip the exercise. To make practice more fun, students can spice up the game and use other media to crack the IELTS exam. For example- YouTube, TV shows, Podcasts, etc. Students can make it work by being active listeners and writing down new words and highlights.

Try different accents

Some accents are more difficult to pick on as compared to others, which is why it is essential to practice with as many accents and styles as the student can find. Not only does it help to enhance listening skills, but it also helps to increase the efficiency of answering the questions.

Understand the exam pattern

Knowing what kind of questions you can expect from the test and in what format can significantly help in the test. Fortunately, the test format is similar for both academic and general candidates. For example, the exam time duration is 40 minutes, and the exam consists of 40 questions. There are 4 different sections in the test, which include:

Section 1: A short conversation about a daily topic.

Section 2: A monologue on the same issue.

Section 3: A conversation between several people in an academic context.

Section 4: A monologue on a topic mentioned in the previous section.

The format allows the opportunities to better prepare for the test.

Build vocabulary

Having a good vocabulary is vital as it helps with communication and understanding the other person. Students can learn these words organically from their surroundings rather than cramming a long list of random words, as that gives a more active IELTS vocabulary which can be used easily.

Conclusion

Succeeding in the listening part of the test can be difficult but not impossible if the student gets the right guidance. Proper teaching and guidance help to understand the aspects of the IELTS exam and prepare for the test as thoroughly as possible. However, the student still needs to do their parts and practice independently to boost their scores and get high IELTS band scores on their test. To get the best guidance, students can reach out to the Canamprep and start using the tips provided above for the best results.

Also read: Mastering Grammer for IELTS

FAQ

What does 30 out of 40 mean in IELTS Listening?

The 30 out of 40 score in IELTS Listening means a band less than 7 because, in IELTS, the bands are decided by the total score obtained in the test. The test consists of 40 questions, so having a score of 30 out of 40 marks means that the candidate has an under-band 7 score.

What is a good listening band to get admission to the top universities?

If the candidate wants to get admission to the top university, then they must have at least a 7.5 band on the IELTS listening test; a candidate with a 7.5 band is considered to be a good user of the English language.

Is it challenging to clear the IELTS?

With proper guidance and hard work, students can easily clear the IELTS exam. To get proper counseling, students can contact Canam Consultants.

How can a student enhance their IELTS listening score?

Students can use these tips to enhance their IELTS Listening scores:

• Practicing regularly

• Practicing with different accents

• Understanding the exam pattern

• Building strong vocabulary

Is 1 month enough for IELTS?

It is recommended to give at least 2-3 months of dedicated studying and preparation time to score good marks in the IELTS exam.

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

Popular Universities to Study Abroad

World class education waiting for you.

Study Group - Towson University

Maryland, USA • 122 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 24000-24500 / year

Anglia Ruskin University - London Campus

England, UK • 5 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 13000-17000 / year

Suncrest College - Melfort Campus

Saskatchewan, Canada • 1 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 17000-17500 / year

International School of Management - Dortmund Campus

North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany • 24 Programmes

Tuition Fee : EUR 11400-11400 / year

CBS International Business School - Cologne Campus

North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany • 15 Programmes

Tuition Fee : EUR 14580-14580 / year

Global University Systems (GUS) - The University of Law - Chester Campus

England, UK • 3 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 11000-18000 / year

Navitas Group - Deakin College - Geelong Waterfront Campus

Victoria, Australia • 20 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 32500-33000 / year

Shorelight Group - University of Central Florida

Florida, USA • 105 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 17000-0 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDY: DEGREES, PATHWAYS, DIPLOMAS - RIGHT OPTIONS FOR YOUR PROFILE

Study in Canada • Webinar

11:30AM

Virtual Event

University Visit - PSB Academy

Study in Singapore • University Visit

Chandigarh • 12:00PM

In-Person Event

University Visit - University of Ottawa

Study in Canada • University Visit

Chandigarh • 12:00PM

In-Person Event

Top countries destinations

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland
Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland
Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales
Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria
Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia
Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland
La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria
LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland
Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland
Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland
Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay
Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland
Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland
New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland
The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

Kent state university Ohio
San Jose State University California
Wright State University Ohio
Clark University Massachusetts
Rowan University New Jersey
Arkansas State University Arkansas
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

IELTS Online

- Live Classes

Blogs and Articles

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

Pros & Cons of Studying in France

Every country has a bright side and a dark side, and if you think that studying in France is going to be all rainbows and sunshine, it’s not. Like e...

Updated on • Feb 04,2025 05:49 PM IST • France

MS in Data Science in Germany

Deutschland is an emerging study-abroad destination attracting students from every part of the world. The reasons for this are affordable education, l...

Updated on • Feb 04,2025 12:29 PM IST • Germany

February Intake in Australia: Timeline, Courses, Universities, Deadlines & More

Students who desire to study in Australia should consider the February 2025 intake, which is known as the primary intake in Australia for admission, t...

Updated on • Feb 01,2025 04:57 PM IST • Australia

What is the difference between CV and Resume?

What is the difference between a CV and a resume? The question might sound simple, but it is important to answer. Both documents consist of informatio...

Updated on • Jan 31,2025 05:27 PM IST • Study Abroad Guidance

Cookery Courses in New Zealand for International Students

Is food something that interests you? Can you not resist the aroma of delicious delicacies? Are you passionate about food? If the answer to all the qu...

Updated on • Jan 29,2025 12:27 PM IST • New Zealand

High Paying Jobs in Germany

Germany, a powerhouse of innovation and industry, offers a fantastic job market with excellent salaries and a strong work-life balance. Whether you're...

Updated on • Jan 25,2025 05:52 PM IST • Study in Canada

WES in Canada

World Education Services (WES), is an organization designed to help individuals get their educational credentials evaluated to let them study in Canad...

Updated on • Jan 24,2025 10:50 AM IST • Study in Canada

Canada Student Visa Interview Questions

The perfect ending to any day, race, task, or project is to FINISH STRONG. The same is true for studying in Canada. To finish strong, one needs to cra...

Updated on • Jan 23,2025 12:16 PM IST • Study in Canada

Masters in Management in USA

Looking for a transformative experience that hones your managerial skills and unlocks a treasure of global job opportunities? BINGO! Here's a golden g...

Updated on • Jan 21,2025 05:46 PM IST • USA

Things to Keep in Mind Before Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is a life-altering experience, and you probably already know that, but are you prepared to live on your own, that too in a f...

Updated on • Jan 21,2025 05:21 PM IST • Study Abroad

IELTS Exam Dates 2025 in India

IELTS (The International English Language Testing System) is a forum to assess the English language ability of a candidate to study abroad across the ...

Updated on • Jan 18,2025 05:13 PM IST • IELTS

USA Study Visa Process

Once you get the offer letter from your dream American university the only thing left to do is to apply for a study visa. The F-1 study visa is the mo...

Updated on • Jan 16,2025 03:32 PM IST • USA

PTE Exam Centers in India 2025: Check City Wise PTE Exam Centers

Pearson Test of English or PTE is conducted all over India at various exam centers. There are 62 PTE exam centers in India, and candidates can also ta...

Updated on • Jan 16,2025 03:12 PM IST • PTE

May Intake in Canada 2025

What is May Intake in Canada 2025?Canada May Intake is considered the third most popular study intake in Canada after the September and January...

Updated on • Jan 15,2025 04:40 PM IST • Study in Canada

IELTS Reading Practice Tests 2025: Reading Passage and Sample Questions

The IELTS or International English Language Testing System exam consists of four modules – Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. The IELTS Readi...

Updated on • Jan 15,2025 04:14 PM IST • IELTS

IELTS Letter Writing Topics 2025

There is a 60-minute time limit for the IELTS Writing test, with 20 minutes allotted for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2. IELTS General Writing Task ...

Updated on • Jan 15,2025 04:12 PM IST • IELTS

Summer Intake in Germany 2025

Germany is located in Central Europe and is known for its rich culture, history, strong economy, and high standard of living. Its diverse population h...

Updated on • Jan 14,2025 05:49 PM IST • Study in Germany

Scholarships to Study in Ireland

Getting scholarships to study in Ireland is no less than an open-eye dream for many of the students out there. What makes getting a scholarship such a...

Updated on • Jan 10,2025 05:28 PM IST • Ireland

Canada IELTS band requirements 2025

Canada's education system is considered the best in the world for international students. Students must fulfil many Canadian Universities' requirement...

Updated on • Jan 10,2025 05:10 PM IST • IELTS

What makes Australia a preferred study destination for Indians?

Australia remains a top choice for Indian students seeking a study-abroad adventure, offering unparalleled advantages. Its blend of quality education,...

Updated on • Jan 10,2025 11:25 AM IST • Australia

Brief Guide on IELTS Listening Band Score

Table of Contents

Listening test

How Are The IELTS Band Score Calculated?

Minimum Scores for IELTS

Tips to Get a Good IELTS Band Score in The IELTS Listening Test

Practice

Try different accents

Understand the exam pattern

Build vocabulary

Conclusion

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland

New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland

The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

University of Warwick England

De Montfort University England

University of West London England

University of Strathclyde Scotland

Aston University England

University of Bath England

University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

Newcastle University England

Kent state university Ohio

San Jose State University California

Wright State University Ohio

Clark University Massachusetts

Rowan University New Jersey

Arkansas State University Arkansas

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois

University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

IELTS Online