Understanding the IELTS marking system is the first step to achieving your target score. The IELTS test is graded on a 9-band scale, with scores given for each of the four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. These individual band scores are then used to calculate your overall band score. Knowing how each part is evaluated allows you to focus your preparation where it matters most.
At Banglay IELTS, founded by Rashed Hossain, we simplify this complex information and provide the personalized guidance that helps Bangladeshi students succeed.
How is the IELTS Overall Band Score Calculated?
Your IELTS overall band score is the average of your individual scores from the four test components. The final average is then rounded to the nearest half or whole band score.
- If the average ends in .25, it’s rounded up to the next half band (e.g., 6.25 becomes 6.5).
- If the average ends in .75, it’s rounded up to the next whole band (e.g., 6.75 becomes 7.0).
For example, if your section scores are Listening 7.5, Reading 7.0, Writing 6.5, and Speaking 7.0, the average is 7.0 (28.0 / 4), making your overall band score 7.0.
What are the Marking Criteria for Each Section?
The marking system for each section of the IELTS test is different.
1. Listening and Reading
These sections are marked based on the number of correct answers. Out of 40 questions, each correct answer gives you one raw mark. This raw score is then converted to a band score using a standardized conversion table. The conversion for Reading is slightly different for the Academic and General Training modules because the texts have varying difficulty levels.
How many correct answers do you need for a Band 7?
- Listening: You typically need about 30 to 31 correct answers out of 40 to get a band score of 7.
- Academic Reading: You need roughly 30 to 32 correct answers out of 40.
- General Training Reading: You generally need around 34 to 35 correct answers out of 40.
2. Writing and Speaking
Unlike the other sections, Writing and Speaking are assessed by certified examiners based on four specific criteria, each accounting for 25% of the score.
IELTS Writing Marking Criteria
- Task Achievement/Response: How well you address all parts of the question.
- Coherence and Cohesion: How logically your ideas are organized and connected.
- Lexical Resource: The range and accuracy of your vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The variety and correctness of your grammar.
Note: Writing Task 2 is weighted more heavily than Writing Task 1.
IELTS Speaking Marking Criteria
- Fluency and Coherence: How smoothly and naturally you speak, without long pauses.
- Lexical Resource: The range and accuracy of the vocabulary you use.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The variety and correctness of the grammar you use.
- Pronunciation: How easy you are to understand.
Ready to Get Your Target Score?
Knowing the IELTS marking system is the first step, but real improvement comes from targeted practice and expert feedback. At Banglay IELTS, we provide personalized teaching and strategic guidance to help you master each section of the test and achieve your desired band score.
Whether you’re looking for dedicated Dhaka IELTS coaching, comprehensive Chittagong IELTS preparation, or reliable Sylhet study abroad consultancy, our in-person and online courses are designed for your success.
Don’t leave your scores to chance. Contact Banglay IELTS today to begin your journey toward a high band score!
FAQ
How is my overall IELTS band score calculated?
Your overall band score is the average of your individual scores from the four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The final average is then rounded to the nearest half or whole band score. For example, an average of 6.25 is rounded up to 6.5, and an average of 6.75 is rounded up to 7.0.
How are the Listening and Reading sections marked?
These sections are marked based on the number of correct answers you provide out of 40 questions. This “raw score” is then converted into a band score using a standardized conversion table. The conversion chart for Reading differs slightly between the Academic and General Training modules.
How many correct answers do I need for a Band 7?
To achieve a Band 7, you generally need the following raw scores:
- Listening: 30-31 correct answers out of 40.
- Academic Reading: 30-32 correct answers out of 40.
- General Training Reading: 34-35 correct answers out of 40.
What are the main marking criteria for the Writing and Speaking sections?
Unlike Listening and Reading, the Writing and Speaking sections are assessed by certified examiners based on four specific criteria, with each criterion accounting for 25% of your score:
- Writing: Task Achievement/Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
- Speaking: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation.
How can Banglay IELTS help me with the marking system?
At Banglay IELTS, we provide personalized guidance and strategic coaching to help you understand each section’s marking criteria. We offer detailed feedback on your performance, helping you to improve in each area and confidently achieve your desired band score.
Contact us today to get started.
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