• IELTS

IELTS Band Scores: How they are calculated

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By:CANAM Group
Updated On:May 31,2023 05:52 PM IST

The IELTS test is a great way to measure your English language proficiency for academic or immigration purposes. If you’re interested in taking the test, you’ll need to know how to interpret an IELTS band score. The IELTS band score measures your reading, Writing, Speaking, and listening ability. This blog will explain how to calculate your IELTS band score so that you can easily register for the exam.

IELTS Band Scores: How they are calculated

How to Calculate Your IELTS Band Score: A Step-by-Step Guide

An IELTS band score is your final score on the test. It's a great way to measure your English language proficiency without attaching a letter grade. IELTS scores can range from 0 to 9 for each module. 8 band and above is considered "high-level proficiency" in English and could be applicable for higher education, employment, or immigration purposes. The IELTS score is calculated by adding your test score to each module. For example, if your Reading and Writing test scores are high and your Speaking and Listening test scores are average, you'll get around Band 6.

1.Before calculating your IELTS band score, you must know your exam test scoring guide.

2.Once you have the scoring guide, you can calculate your overall IELTS band score.

3.Overall Band Score in IELTS test = Reading Band Score + Writing Band Score + Listening Band Score + Speaking Band Score.

4.The next step is to calculate the overall average IELTS band score. You can use the charts below to find your IELTS band score. The charts will show you how to calculate your IELTS band score.

Step 1: Know the Scoring Guide for Your Test Date

Step 2: Calculate Your Overall Band Score

Once you have each module's score, add them to get your overall band score. Overall Band Score = Reading Band Score + Writing Band Score + Listening Band Score + Speaking Band Score. The next step is to calculate the overall IELTS band score by finding the average of all scores.

Which IELTS Band Should You Aim for?

Once you know how to calculate your IELTS band score, you'll need to know which IELTS band you should aim for. The IELTS band score will depend on what you're using the test for.

Here are the minimum IELTS band scores for your test date. If you're hoping to use your IELTS test score for academic purposes, you'll need to aim for a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5. If you're hoping to use your IELTS test score for immigration purposes, you'll need to aim for a minimum IELTS band score of 7.5. If you're taking your IELTS test for a job, you'll need to aim for a minimum IELTS band score of 8.

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 unfamiliar contexts 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 good at interpreting complex sentences and comprehending 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 interpret complex language well.
5	Modest user	The test-taker can deal with general meaning and has a limited command of the English language. They misjudge frequently. They have minimal communication skills for their sector.
4	Limited user	The test-taker can deal with general meaning and has a limited command of the English language. They misjudge frequently. They have minimal communication skills for their sector.
3	Extremely limited user	The test taker understands only the general meaning in very familiar situations. Communication breakdowns occur frequently.
2	Intermittent user	The test taker finds it extremely challenging to comprehend spoken and written English.
1	Non-user	Except for a few isolated words, the test-taker is unable to use the English language.

The score that you predict using these tools could be different from the actual score as many other factors might affect the final score that you receive. Once you start getting good scores consistently, you may apply for the real test.

FAQ

How is my IELTS Reading score calculated?

The IELTS Reading score is calculated based on the number of correct answers you provide. The Reading test contains 40 questions, and each question worth 1 mark. So, as per the correct answers, you will receive a score out of 40, which is then converted to a band score out of 9.

Will there be any negative marking for incorrect answers?

The IELTS Reading score is based on the number of correct answers you provide.

Hence, you do not lose marks for incorrect answers.

Can I skip a question while Reading?

At the time of IELTS Reading attempt, you can skip a question and come back to it later. There will be no penalty for doing the same.

How many correct answers in IELTS Reading do I need to get a specific band score?

In IELTS academic Reading you need to provide 30-32 questions correct to get a band score of 7.0, and around 36-38 questions correct to achieve a band score of 8.0.

Can I apply for a re-evaluation of my IELTS Reading score?

Yes, you can request a re-mark of your IELTS Reading test if you are not satisfied with your score. However, there is a fee for this service, and the process can take up to six weeks.

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IELTS Band Scores: How they are calculated

Table of Contents

How to Calculate Your IELTS Band Score: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Know the Scoring Guide for Your Test Date

Step 2: Calculate Your Overall Band Score

Which IELTS Band Should You Aim for?

FAQ

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