IELTS exam score is evaluated on a scale of 0 to 9. You will be graded on your ability to read, write, speak, and listen. These points are then averaged to determine your overall score. Scores are always rounded to the nearest half-point.
Here we will explain what the various band scores represent and how to better understand your band score.
The overall band score:
The overall band score is calculated to the nearest whole or half band. If the average of the four skills – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking – is less than.25, it is rounded up to the next half band. If the number ends in.75, it is rounded up to the next whole band.
Band 9: “Expert user” 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: “Very good user” 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: “Good user” 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. For more bands score click here.
IELTS Writing Scores:
Four factors are used to evaluate writing. The examiner will assign a score between 0 and 9 to each of the criteria before calculating an overall average.
The four factors are:
- Task Response
- Coherence and Cohesion
- Lexical Resource
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Understanding what the four factors mean is one of the keys to achieving a high writing score. For example; here is band 7 Task 2 Writing descriptors:
For more band Descriptors click here; Writing Task 1, Writing Task 2.
IELTS Speaking Scores:
Four factors are used to evaluate speaking also.
The four factors are:
- Fluency and coherence
- Lexical resource
- Grammatical range and accuracy
- Pronunciation
Speaking is undoubtedly the most terrifying component of the exam because it is a live test with no second chances. So you should understand what the four factors mean to achieve a high score. For example; here is band 7 speaking descriptors:
IELTS Listening Scores:
The listening test always consists of 40 questions, and your score is determined by how many of these 40 questions you correctly answer.
This is for both Academic and General IELTS Listening.
Here’s how it is calculated:
IELTS Reading Scores:
The Reading test always consists of 40 questions, and your score is based on how many of them you get right; however, the scores for Academic and General Training are different, as indicated below.
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