Before registering for the IELTS Tests, most test takers are concerned about IELTS band scores and test results. How are IELTS band scores calculated, specifically in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking? Let’s find out below.

1. IELTS Overall score calculation

IELTS band scores are calculated on the scale from 1 to 9. On Test report forms, the score of each skill test is shown separately and the mean of the four produces the overall score.

The overall score is rounded up as follows:

If the average:

  • ends in .25: the overall score will be rounded up to .5

  • ends in .5: the overall score will be rounded up to 1.0

For example: a candidate scores: 6.5 (Listening), 6.5 (Reading), 5.0 (Writing) and 7.0 (Speaking). His/Her overall score is 6.5 (25 ÷ 4 = 6.25 = 6.5).

Likewise, another candidate scores: 5.0 (Listening), 4.5 (Reading), 5.0 (Writing) and 5.0 (Speaking). His/Her overall score is 5.0 (19.5 ÷ 4 = 4.875 = 5.0).
In case a candidate scores 7.5 (Listening), 7.0 (Reading), 7.0 (Writing) and 7.0 (Speaking), his/her overall score is 7.0 (28.5 ÷ 4 = 7.125 = 7.0) 

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 2. How to calculate Listening and Reading scores

The Listening test and Reading test each consists of 40 questions. Candidates score 1 point for each correct answer, making 40 the maximum score for each skill test. The band score on the 1-9 scale will be accordingly converted based on the number of correct answers.

Although IELTS test questions must go through several processes such as surveys or mock tests administration, certain gaps in the level of difficulty among test questions are unavoidable. Therefore, to ensure fairness, the score conversion on the 1-9 scale varies depending on each type of test. This means given the same band score 6, the number of correct answers may differ. 

The table below demonstrates how scores are converted on different levels of the Listening and Reading tests. Besides, you may better understand how the number of correct answers is converted to the final overall score.

Listening

Academic Reading

General Training Reading

Band

Total number of correct answers out of 40

Band

Total number of correct answers out of 40

Band

Total number of correct answers out of 40

5

16

5

15

4

15

6

23

6

23

5

23

7

30

7

30

6

30

8

35

8

35

7

34

How the IELTS test is scored in 2 modules - Academic (AC) and General Training (GT): The difference between the two lies in the type and language used. Almost all test questions for the Academic module involve more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures.

Therefore, given the same band score, the number of correct answers in the General Training (GT) module is normally higher than that in the Academic (AC) module.

Materials for IELTS Academic:

Reading

Listening

3. How to calculate Writing and Speaking scores

Examiners score the Writing and Speaking tests using band descriptors on the scale 1-9.

Writing tests: Examiners give a score for each criteria, specifically: Task Achievement (Task 1) and Task response (Task 2), Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical range and accuracy. Each criteria is weighted equally.

Speaking tests: Examiners give a score for each criteria, specifically: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, Pronunciation. Each criteria is weighted equally.

IELTS Band descriptors are constantly updated to help test takers better understand requirements in each criteria. IELTS Examiners must receive training in test scoring to ensure accuracy and standardization. You may refer to the Band score description for Writing tests (Task 1 and Task 2) and Speaking tests below.

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4. IELTS Band description 

There is no passing and failing in the IELTS Test. Your Test report form shows the results - score for each of the four skill tests and overall score - on the scale 1-9. The 9-level scale is described as follows:

Band score

Description

Band 9

You have a full operational command of the language. Your use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and you show complete understanding.

Band 8

You have a fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. You may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. You handle complex detailed argumentation well.

Band 7

You have an operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally you handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.

Band 6

Generally you have an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. You can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

Band 5

You have a partial command of the language, and cope with overall meaning in most situations, although you are likely to make many mistakes. You should be able to handle basic communication in your own field.

Band 4

Your basic competence is limited to familiar situations. You frequently show problems in understanding and expression. You are not able to use complex language.

Band 3

You convey and understand only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication.

Band 2

You have great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.

Band 1

You have no ability to use the language except a few isolated words.

Band 0

You did not answer the questions.