Understanding the IELTS band score chart is the first step toward reaching your academic and career goals. Your IELTS score is the key that unlocks opportunities for higher education and immigration abroad. This guide will provide a clear breakdown of the 9-band scale, explain how your final score is calculated, and help you understand what each band score means for your future.
At Banglay IELTS, founded by Rashed Hossain, we believe that understanding the scoring system is just as important as the preparation itself. Our expert guidance helps students in Bangladesh not only to get a high score but to know exactly what they need to achieve it.
What is the IELTS 9-Band Scale?
The IELTS exam is graded on a 9-band scale from 1 (Non-user) to 9 (Expert user). You will receive an individual band score for each of the four modules—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—and an overall band score.
Here is a simplified version of the IELTS band score chart:
| Band Score | Skill Level | Description |
| 9 | Expert User | Has a fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate, and fluent with complete understanding. |
| 8 | Very Good User | Has a fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. |
| 7 | Good User | Has an operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies and misunderstandings. |
| 6 | Competent User | Has a generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings. |
| 5 | Modest User | Has a partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. |
| 4 | Limited User | Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. |
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How is my Overall IELTS Band Score Calculated?
Your IELTS overall band score is the average of your four individual section scores. 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).
Example:
- Listening: 7.0
- Reading: 6.5
- Writing: 6.0
- Speaking: 7.5
- Average: (7.0 + 6.5 + 6.0 + 7.5) / 4 = 6.75
- Overall Band Score: 7.0
How are the Reading and Listening Scores Calculated?
The Listening and Reading sections are marked based on the number of correct answers out of 40. This raw score is then converted to a band score. The number of correct answers needed for each band score can vary slightly between test versions and between the Academic and General Training Reading tests.
Approximate Scores for a Band 7:
- Listening: Roughly 30-31 correct answers out of 40.
- Academic Reading: Roughly 30-32 correct answers out of 40.
- General Training Reading: Roughly 34-35 correct answers out of 40.
What is a “Good” IELTS Score?
A “good” IELTS score depends entirely on your specific goals. Most universities require an overall score of 6.0 to 7.0 for admission. For postgraduate programs, a score of 6.5 to 7.5 is often needed. For immigration purposes, the required score can vary significantly by country and visa type.
- For most universities: A score of 6.5 is often the baseline.
- For top-tier universities (like Oxford or MIT): A score of 7.0 or higher is typically required.
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Understanding the IELTS band score chart is a great start, but achieving a high score requires expert coaching and strategic preparation. Our experienced instructors at Banglay IELTS provide the personalized guidance, mock tests, and practical strategies you need to hit your target score.
Whether you’re looking for expert IELTS coaching in Chittagong, comprehensive Sylhet IELTS preparation, or a trusted Dhaka study abroad consultancy, our online and in-person courses are designed to help you succeed.
Don’t let your band score hold you back. Contact Banglay IELTS today and start your journey toward a brighter future!
FAQ
What is the IELTS 9-band scale?
The IELTS 9-band scale is the scoring system used to grade your performance. It ranges from Band 1 (Non-user) to Band 9 (Expert user). You receive an individual score for each of the four sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking), and an overall score, which is an average of the four.
How is the overall IELTS band score calculated?
Your overall band score is the average of your four section scores. This average is then rounded up or down to the nearest half or whole band score. For example, if your average is 6.25, it’s rounded up to 6.5. If it’s 6.75, it’s rounded up to 7.0.
What is considered a “good” IELTS score?
A “good” score is subjective and depends on your goals. Generally, an overall score of 6.0 to 7.0 is required for most universities. For higher-tier universities, you may need a score of 7.0 or higher. For immigration, the required score can vary significantly based on the country and visa type.
How are the Reading and Listening scores calculated?
The Reading and Listening scores are based on the number of correct answers you get out of a total of 40 questions. This raw score is then converted into a band score. For example, to get a Band 7 in Academic Reading, you typically need to get around 30 to 32 questions correct. The number of correct answers for a specific band score can vary slightly between test versions.
What IELTS score do I need for a UK or Canadian student visa?
The required IELTS score for a student visa depends on the country and the institution you’re applying to. For a UK student visa, most universities require an overall score between 6.0 and 7.0, with no section score below 5.5. For a Canadian student visa, most undergraduate programs require an overall score of 6.0 or 6.5, and postgraduate programs typically require 6.5 to 7.0. However, these are general guidelines, and it’s essential to check the specific requirements of your chosen university and program.
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