Understanding the IELTS Listening marking system is essential if you want to calculate your band score accurately. Many candidates lose marks not because they don’t understand English, but because they don’t know how answers are checked and scored.
This guide explains IELTS Listening marking, score conversion, common mistakes, and how to improve your Listening band.
How IELTS Listening Is Marked
The IELTS Listening test has:
- 40 questions in total
- 1 mark for each correct answer
- No negative marking
Your raw score (out of 40) is converted into a band score from 0–9.
IELTS Listening Marking Band Score Chart
| Correct Answers (40) | Listening Band Score |
| 39 – 40 | Band 9.0 |
| 37 – 38 | Band 8.5 |
| 35 – 36 | Band 8.0 |
| 32 – 34 | Band 7.5 |
| 30 – 31 | Band 7.0 |
| 26 – 29 | Band 6.5 |
| 23 – 25 | Band 6.0 |
| 18 – 22 | Band 5.5 |
| 16 – 17 | Band 5.0 |
| 13 – 15 | Band 4.5 |
This IELTS Listening marking chart applies to both Academic and General Training.
Important IELTS Listening Marking Rules
- Spelling matters (American or British spelling both accepted)
- Grammar must be correct
- Word limit must be followed (e.g., ONE WORD ONLY)
- Capital letters are optional
- Extra words = wrong answer
Common Reasons Students Lose Marks
- Writing more words than allowed
- Incorrect spelling
- Writing plurals incorrectly
- Missing answers due to poor concentration
- Not following instructions carefully
How to Improve Your IELTS Listening Band
- Read questions before the audio starts
- Predict answers (noun, number, place, etc.)
- Focus on synonyms and paraphrasing
- Practice different accents (British, Australian, Canadian)
- Review mistakes after each mock test
Why Choose Banglay IELTS?
Many students struggle to improve their Listening score even after multiple attempts. Banglay IELTS focuses on smart strategies, practice, and feedback to help you reach your target band.
Expert IELTS Trainers
Learn from IELTS-certified instructors with proven results who clearly understand common Listening mistakes and how to overcome them.
Real Exam–Style Mock Tests
Weekly Listening mock tests based on the actual IELTS exam format, complete with accurate band score prediction.
Detailed Listening Feedback
Get clear feedback to identify weak question types such as MCQ, matching, maps, or form completion—and learn how to fix them.
Strategy-Based Listening Classes
Special techniques for MCQ, map labelling, form filling, note completion, and sentence completion to improve accuracy and speed.
Online & Offline Class Options
Flexible online and offline listening classes available across Bangladesh to suit your schedule.
Proven High Success Rate
Many students consistently achieve Band 7–8+ in IELTS Listening after completing our preparation program.
FAQ – IELTS Listening Marking
1. Is IELTS Listening marking the same for Academic and General?
Yes, the marking system is identical for both tests.
2. How many correct answers are needed for Band 7 in Listening?
You need 30–31 correct answers.
3. Is spelling important in IELTS Listening?
Yes. Incorrect spelling results in zero marks for that question.
4. Are answers case-sensitive in IELTS Listening?
No. Capital or small letters are both accepted.
5. Can I get half marks in IELTS Listening?
No. Each question is either correct (1) or wrong (0).
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