The IELTS listening and reading band score plays a crucial role in determining your overall IELTS result. Many candidates find these two modules scoring-based rather than examiner-judged, which makes them more predictable if you understand the band calculation system properly.
This guide explains how listening and reading scores are calculated, score conversion charts, differences between Academic and General Reading, and how to improve your band score effectively.
Understanding IELTS Band Scores
IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system, where each skill—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—is scored separately. Your overall band score is the average of all four skills.
Listening and Reading are objectively scored, meaning each correct answer equals one mark.
IELTS Listening Band Score Calculation
The Listening test contains 40 questions. Each correct answer earns 1 mark, and your raw score is converted into a band score.
IELTS Listening Score Chart (Approximate)
| Correct Answers | Band Score |
| 39–40 | 9.0 |
| 37–38 | 8.5 |
| 35–36 | 8.0 |
| 32–34 | 7.5 |
| 30–31 | 7.0 |
| 26–29 | 6.5 |
| 23–25 | 6.0 |
| 18–22 | 5.5 |
| 16–17 | 5.0 |
Exact conversion may vary slightly.
IELTS Reading Band Score Calculation
The Reading test also has 40 questions, but scoring differs between Academic and General Training.
IELTS Academic Reading Band Score Chart
| Correct Answers | Band Score |
| 39–40 | 9.0 |
| 37–38 | 8.5 |
| 35–36 | 8.0 |
| 33–34 | 7.5 |
| 30–32 | 7.0 |
| 27–29 | 6.5 |
| 23–26 | 6.0 |
| 19–22 | 5.5 |
| 15–18 | 5.0 |
Academic reading is more challenging, so fewer correct answers are needed for higher bands.
IELTS General Training Reading Band Score Chart
| Correct Answers | Band Score |
| 40 | 9.0 |
| 39 | 8.5 |
| 37–38 | 8.0 |
| 36 | 7.5 |
| 34–35 | 7.0 |
| 30–33 | 6.5 |
| 27–29 | 6.0 |
| 23–26 | 5.5 |
| 19–22 | 5.0 |
General Training reading is easier, so higher accuracy is required for the same band score.
Key Differences Between Listening and Reading Scores
- The listening score calculation is the same for all candidates
- Reading score calculation depends on the Academic or General Training
- No negative marking
- Spelling and grammar mistakes result in no marks
How Listening and Reading Affect Overall Band Score
Your overall band score is calculated by averaging all four modules and rounding to the nearest half or whole band.
Example:
- Listening: 7.5
- Reading: 7.0
- Writing: 6.5
- Speaking: 7.0
Average = 7.0 → Overall Band Score: 7.0
Tips to Improve IELTS Listening Band Score
- Practice listening only once (no replay)
- Focus on spelling and plural forms
- Predict answers before listening
- Read questions carefully before the audio starts
Tips to Improve IELTS Reading Band Score
- Learn skimming and scanning techniques
- Understand paraphrasing
- Manage time strictly (20 minutes per passage)
- Practice True/False/Not Given regularly
Common Mistakes That Lower Scores
- Incorrect spelling in listening answers
- Writing more than the allowed words
- Guessing without locating evidence
- Spending too much time on one passage
Avoiding these mistakes can quickly increase your score.
Why Choose Banglay IELTS
Understanding the IELTS listening and reading band score system is essential for targeted preparation. Banglay IELTS helps learners identify scoring weaknesses, practice exam-level questions, and apply proven strategies to improve accuracy and confidence in both modules.
FAQs About IELTS Listening and Reading Band Score
How many correct answers are needed for Band 7 in listening?
Usually around 30–31 correct answers.
Is reading harder than listening in IELTS?
For many candidates, Academic Reading feels harder due to complex vocabulary and passages.
Are IELTS listening and reading scores checked by examiners?
No. They are machine-checked based on correct answers.
Can one spelling mistake reduce my band score?
Yes. Any incorrect spelling results in zero marks for that question.
Do IELTS band score charts change?
They remain mostly consistent, with very minor variations.
Contact us today to get started.
Website: https://banglayielts.com/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/BanglayIELTS
Call Now: +8801329719513