The IELTS Listening section is the same for both Academic and General Training test-takers, offering a great opportunity to achieve a high score. But to succeed, it’s vital to understand exactly how your performance is measured. This guide will demystify the IELTS Listening scoring process, showing you how your raw score of correct answers is converted into a final band score.
At Banglay IELTS, founded by Rashed Hossain, we provide the practical strategies and expert guidance that help Bangladeshi students confidently approach the IELTS exam, including a clear understanding of the scoring system.
How is the IELTS Listening Test Scored?
The IELTS Listening test consists of 40 questions. For each correct answer, you receive one raw mark. Your total raw score (out of 40) is then converted into a band score on the 0-9 scale. This conversion is a straightforward process, unlike the subjective scoring of the Writing and Speaking sections.
There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so it’s always a good idea to attempt every question, even if you have to guess.
IELTS Listening Score Conversion Table
The number of correct answers you need to achieve a particular band score is relatively consistent. This table shows the general conversion from raw score to band score.
| Raw Score (out of 40) | 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 |
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Please note: This table represents the general conversion. The exact raw scores may vary slightly between test versions to maintain consistent difficulty levels.
What are the Main Reasons for a Low Listening Score?
A low score in the listening section is often due to a few common issues that can be easily addressed:
- Spelling Mistakes: A wrong spelling will result in a zero mark for that question. It’s crucial to practice spelling common and academic words.
- Grammatical Errors: If the question requires a specific grammatical form (e.g., plural noun), and you use an incorrect form, you will lose the mark. Pay close attention to grammar as you write your answers.
- Incorrect Word Count: Many questions have a word limit (e.g., “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS”). Exceeding this limit will result in a zero mark, even if the answer is correct.
- Lack of Synonyms: The test often uses paraphrasing and synonyms. If you’re not listening for different ways of expressing the same idea, you might miss the answer.
Ready to Boost Your IELTS Listening Score?
Understanding the scoring system is the first step, but improving your performance requires dedicated practice and expert guidance. At Banglay IELTS, we provide personalized coaching to help you master the necessary skills, from identifying key information to recognizing different accents and common pitfalls. Our courses are designed to help you not only understand the test but to confidently achieve your target band score.
Whether you’re looking for expert Dhaka IELTS coaching, comprehensive Chittagong IELTS preparation, or dedicated Sylhet study abroad consultancy, our in-person and online courses are tailored to meet your unique needs and help you succeed.
Don’t let a low listening score hold you back. Contact Banglay IELTS today to learn more about our courses and start your journey to success!
FAQ
How is the IELTS Listening test scored?
The IELTS Listening test has 40 questions. You get one raw mark for each correct answer. Your total raw score (out of 40) is then converted into an IELTS band score on the 0-9 scale. There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so it’s always best to attempt every question.
How many correct answers do I need to get a band 7 or 8?
The number of correct answers needed to achieve a specific band score is generally consistent. According to the provided conversion table, you need approximately 30-31 correct answers for a Band 7 and 35-36 correct answers for a Band 8.
What are some common mistakes that lead to a low Listening score?
Common reasons for losing marks in the Listening section include:
- Spelling mistakes: An incorrectly spelled word will be marked as wrong.
- Grammatical errors: Providing an answer in the wrong grammatical form (e.g., singular instead of plural).
- Incorrect word count: Exceeding the specified word limit for an answer.
- Misunderstanding synonyms: Missing the answer because the speaker used a synonym or paraphrased the key information.
Is the scoring system the same for both Academic and General Training tests?
Yes, the IELTS Listening test and its scoring system are exactly the same for both the Academic and General Training modules.
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