Understanding the IELTS grading system is crucial for anyone preparing for the exam. The IELTS exam is scored on a band scale from 0 to 9, with each band representing a different level of English proficiency. Knowing how your scores are calculated helps you set realistic goals and focus your preparation efforts on the areas that need the most improvement.
At Banglay IELTS, founded by Rashed Hossain, we not only teach you the language skills but also provide a deep understanding of the scoring criteria, ensuring you know exactly what it takes to achieve your desired band score.
How Is Your IELTS Overall Band Score Calculated?
Your overall IELTS band score is the average of your scores from the four individual modules: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. This average is then rounded to the nearest half or whole band score.
- If the average ends in .25, it is rounded up to the next half band (e.g., 6.25 becomes 6.5).
- If the average ends in .75, it is rounded up to the next whole band (e.g., 6.75 becomes 7.0).
Example:
If your scores are:
- Listening: 6.5
- Reading: 7.0
- Writing: 6.0
- Speaking: 7.5
Your average is (6.5 + 7.0 + 6.0 + 7.5) / 4 = 6.75. The final overall band score is 7.0.
IELTS Band Scores: Meaning and Criteria
Each band score on the IELTS scale corresponds to a specific level of English language proficiency.
Listening and Reading
The IELTS grading system for Listening and Reading is based on the number of correct answers out of 40 questions. There is no negative marking. The raw score (number of correct answers) is converted into a band score using a standardized conversion table. The table can vary slightly between test versions and for General Training Reading, which typically requires more correct answers for the same band score.
Writing and Speaking
The Writing and Speaking sections are graded by certified examiners using a detailed band descriptor for each score from 0 to 9. Examiners assess your performance on four key criteria:
- Writing: Task Achievement (Task 1) / Task Response (Task 2), Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
- Speaking: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation.
Each criterion is weighted equally to determine the final band score for that module.
FAQs: Your Questions About IELTS Scores Answered
What is a good IELTS score?
A good IELTS score depends entirely on your purpose. For a master’s degree in Europe, an overall band score of 6.5 to 7.5 is generally considered good. For immigration purposes, the required score can vary by country and visa type, but typically, an overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 is a common requirement.
What is the lowest passing score for IELTS?
There is no official “passing” or “failing” score on the IELTS. Universities and immigration departments set their own minimum requirements. However, a score of Band 6 is considered a “Competent User,” and Band 7 is a “Good User,” which are generally the minimum scores required for many academic or professional purposes.
How can I get my score re-evaluated?
If you are unhappy with your score, you can request an Enquiry on Results (EOR) within six weeks of your test date. Your test will be re-marked by a senior examiner. If your score increases, the EOR fee is refunded.
Achieve Your Target Band Score with Banglay IELTS
Understanding the IELTS grading system is the first step toward success. The next is to get the expert guidance you need to achieve your target score. At Banglay IELTS, our personalized coaching and mock tests are designed to help you master the skills and strategies required to excel in each module.
Whether you’re in Dhaka seeking top-tier Dhaka IELTS coaching, or in Chittagong or Sylhet looking for professional Chittagong IELTS preparation or Sylhet study abroad consultancy, our team is ready to support you.
Contact Banglay IELTS today and get the support you need to secure your future!
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