The IELTS Listening test is a crucial part of the exam, assessing your ability to understand spoken English in various contexts. For many Bangladeshi students, the key to a high overall score lies in mastering this module. This guide from Banglay IELTS, founded by Rashed Hossain, will explain exactly how the IELTS Listening score is calculated and how you can boost your band score with effective strategies.
How is the IELTS Listening Score Calculated?
The IELTS Listening test consists of 40 questions, and you get one mark for each correct answer. The raw score (your total number of correct answers) is then converted into a band score on the 9-band scale. There is no negative marking, so it’s always a good idea to guess if you’re unsure of an answer.
The conversion from raw score to band score is the same for both the Academic and General Training tests.
Here is a general guide to the conversion:
| Number of Correct Answers (Raw Score) | IELTS Listening Band Score |
| 39-40 | 9 |
| 37-38 | 8.5 |
| 35-36 | 8 |
| 32-34 | 7.5 |
| 30-31 | 7 |
| 26-29 | 6.5 |
| 23-25 | 6 |
| 18-22 | 5.5 |
| 16-17 | 5 |
What Do the IELTS Listening Band Scores Mean?
Each band score corresponds to a different level of English proficiency. Here’s a brief breakdown of what each score signifies:
- Band 9 (Expert User): You have a full operational command of the language, with complete understanding of the recordings.
- Band 8 (Very Good User): You have a fully operational command of the language with only occasional, minor errors.
- Band 7 (Good User): You have an operational command of the language, though you may have occasional inaccuracies.
- Band 6 (Competent User): You have a generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies. This is often the minimum requirement for many universities.
- Band 5 (Modest User): You have a partial command of the language and can cope with the overall meaning in most situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose marks for incorrect answers in IELTS Listening?
A: No, there is no negative marking in the IELTS Listening test. You receive one mark for each correct answer and zero marks for incorrect or blank answers.
Is the IELTS Listening score different for Academic and General Training tests?
The IELTS Listening test and its scoring are identical for both the Academic and General Training modules. The only difference between these two tests lies in the Reading and Writing sections.
How can I improve my IELTS Listening score?
The best way to improve is through consistent practice with official mock tests. You should also listen to a variety of English accents (British, Australian, American) and work on your ability to follow the conversation and identify keywords. Spelling is also crucial, as a misspelled answer will be marked as incorrect.
Master Your IELTS Score with Banglay IELTS
Understanding the IELTS Listening score is a great first step, but achieving the score you need requires strategic practice and expert guidance. At Banglay IELTS, we offer personalized coaching that focuses on the specific skills needed for each module, including Listening. Our founder, Rashed Hossain, and our team of expert instructors provide the practical strategies and feedback that help you build confidence and ace the exam.
Whether you’re looking for Dhaka IELTS coaching, specialized IELTS preparation in Sylhet, or a trusted Chittagong study abroad consultancy, Banglay IELTS is your partner for success.
Contact us today to get started.
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