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International English Language Testing System or IELTS is a globally recognized English language proficiency test. The test is designed to assess the language skills of non-native speakers who want to study or work in countries where English is the primary language of communication.
What is IELTS Score?
The IELTS exam comprises four sections – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section is marked separately, and the scores are combined to calculate the overall band score. The highest score one can achieve in the test is nine.
The Scoring System of IELTS
IELTS scores are calculated on a band scale from 1 to 9. Each band represents a level of English proficiency. Band 1 represents non-user while Band 9 represents an expert user.
The Average Score for Band Score
The final band score is calculated based on the average score of all sections of the test. The average score, also known as the overall band score, is rounded up or down to the nearest half or whole band score. For instance, if the average score is 6.75, then the overall band score is rounded up to 7.
How is the Raw Score Converted to Band Score?
The raw score is calculated based on the number of correct answers. There are 40 questions in the Listening and Reading sections, and each correct answer carries one mark. There are two tasks in the Writing section, and each task is marked out of nine. In the Speaking section, the score is calculated based on the assessment criteria, which we will discuss later in this article.
What is an Overall Band Score?
The overall band score reflects the candidate’s level of competence in the English language, and it is accepted by universities, colleges, and employers globally. The band score is calculated based on the performance of the candidate in all four sections of the IELTS test.
Understanding the IELTS Band Score Chart
The IELTS band score chart displays the criteria used to assess the candidate’s English language proficiency level. The chart is divided into nine bands, where each band represents a level of English proficiency.
How is the Band Score Calculated?
The band score for each skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) is calculated based on the raw score, and then the average score is calculated to determine the overall IELTS band score.
Difference Between Whole and Half Band Scores
The overall IELTS band score is rounded up or down to the nearest half or whole band. If the overall score is an exact match of a whole band, then the score is rounded up to the next whole band. If the overall score is an exact match of a half band, then the score is rounded up to the next half band. For example, if the overall score is 6.25, then the overall band score is 6.5, and if the score is 6.50, then the band score is rounded to 7.
What Are the Assessment Criteria for IELTS?
The IELTS test assesses the candidates’ ability to communicate effectively in English. The assessment criteria for each section varies depending on the skill being tested.
IELTS Writing Assessment Criteria
The writing tasks in the IELTS test are assessed based on four criteria: Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
IELTS Speaking Assessment Criteria
The speaking test is assessed based on four criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation.
Assessment Criteria for Listening and Reading Tests
The listening and reading tests are assessed based on the candidate’s ability to answer the questions accurately and their understanding of the text or audio material.
How to Prepare for IELTS Exam?
Preparing for the IELTS test is essential to achieve a good band score. Here are some tips to help you prepare for each section of the test:
Overview of IELTS Preparation
Start by taking a diagnostic test, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and create a study plan. Practice regularly using official IELTS preparation materials. Familiarize yourself with the test format and timing.
IELTS Reading Test Preparation Tips
Improve your reading skills by reading regularly. Practice skimming and scanning techniques to read efficiently. Work on increasing your vocabulary. Practice answering different types of questions.
IELTS Writing Test Preparation Tips
Practice writing essays, letters, and reports on different topics. Work on structuring your writing, using cohesive devices, and improving grammar and spelling. Practice time management to complete the tasks within given time limits. Seek feedback from an IELTS tutor.
What Are the Different Types of IELTS Exam?
There are two versions of the IELTS test – Academic and General Training. The version you choose depends on the purpose of taking the test.
IELTS Academic vs General Training
The IELTS Academic test is designed for candidates who want to study in an English-speaking country at a tertiary level. The IELTS General Training test is intended for candidates who want to work, migrate, or study in an English-speaking country at a secondary level.
Academic Reading and Writing Test vs General Training Reading and Writing Test
Both tests have the same listening and speaking sections, but the reading and writing sections differ. The academic reading and writing test includes academic texts and tasks, while the general training reading and writing test includes non-academic texts and tasks.
Speaking Test for Academic and General Training
The speaking test for both versions of IELTS is the same. It assesses the candidates’ ability to communicate effectively in English and is conducted face-to-face with a certified IELTS examiner.
Here’s a simplified interpretation of what each band score stands for:
| IELTS Band Score | Competency Description |
| 9 | Expert user: has fully operational command of the language. Appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding. |
| 8 | Very good user: has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriateness. Handles complex and detailed argumentation well. |
| 7 | Good user: has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriateness and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning. |
| 6 | Competent user: has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. |
| 5 | Modest user: has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in their own field. |
| 4 | Limited user: basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language. |
| 3 | Extremely limited user: conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur. |
| 2 | Intermittent user: has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. |
| 1 | Non-user: essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words. |
It’s important to note that these are general guidelines and that the specific requirements may vary depending on the institution or organization to which you are applying.
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- Source: https://www.mygreatlearning.com/blog/ielts-score-chart/
