The IELTS scoring chart is an essential tool for understanding how English language proficiency is measured in the IELTS exam. It clearly shows how raw scores are converted into band scores and how individual skill results contribute to the overall IELTS score.
This article explains the IELTS scoring chart in detail, covering band levels, skill-wise scoring, score calculation, and how results are used for academic, professional, and migration purposes.
What Is the IELTS Scoring Chart?
The IELTS scoring chart represents how performance in each test section is translated into a band score from 0 to 9. Each of the four IELTS skills—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—is scored separately, and these scores are averaged to determine the final band score.
The chart helps candidates understand:
- Required scores for target bands
- Differences between raw marks and band scores
- Skill-level expectations at each band
IELTS Band Score Chart Overview
IELTS Band Descriptors
| Band Score | English Proficiency Level |
| 9 | Expert User |
| 8 | Very Good User |
| 7 | Good User |
| 6 | Competent User |
| 5 | Modest User |
| 4 | Limited User |
| 3 | Extremely Limited User |
| 2 | Intermittent User |
| 1 | Non-User |
| 0 | Did Not Attempt |
Higher bands indicate greater accuracy, fluency, and control of the English language.
Listening and Reading Scoring Chart
Raw Score to Band Score Conversion
The listening and Reading sections are marked out of 40 questions. The number of correct answers is converted into a band score using official IELTS conversion charts.
Listening Score Example
- 30–32 correct answers ≈ Band 7
- 35–36 correct answers ≈ Band 8
Reading Score Difference
- Academic Reading requires more correct answers for higher bands
- General Training Reading has slightly lower thresholds
These charts ensure fair evaluation across different test versions.
Writing and Speaking Scoring Criteria
Unlike listening and Reading, Writing and Speaking do not use raw score charts.
Writing Band Assessment
Writing tasks are scored based on:
- Task achievement or response
- Coherence and cohesion
- Lexical resource
- Grammatical range and accuracy
Speaking Band Assessment
Speaking is evaluated on:
- Fluency and coherence
- Pronunciation
- Vocabulary usage
- Grammar accuracy
Scores from examiners are averaged to determine the final band for each skill.
Overall IELTS Score Calculation
Final Band Score Method
The overall IELTS score is the average of all four skill band scores.
Example Calculation:
Listening 7.0 + Reading 6.5 + Writing 6.5 + Speaking 7.0 = 6.75
Final Overall Band = 7.0
Scores ending in .25 are rounded down, while.75 scores are rounded up.
Importance of the IELTS Scoring Chart
The IELTS scoring chart is widely used by:
- Universities and colleges
- Immigration authorities
- Professional registration bodies
Understanding the chart helps candidates set realistic score targets and prepare strategically for each skill.
Why Choose Banglay IELTS
Banglay IELTS provides structured IELTS preparation with a strong focus on scoring criteria and band requirements. Learners gain a clear understanding of the IELTS scoring chart through guided practice and exam-focused strategies.
By aligning preparation with official marking standards, Banglay IELTS supports candidates in improving performance across all four skills and achieving competitive band scores.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the highest score on the IELTS scoring chart?
The highest possible IELTS band score is 9, which reflects expert-level English proficiency.
Are IELTS scoring charts the same for all test types?
The band scale is the same, but the Reading score conversions differ between the Academic and General Training tests.
Does IELTS use half-band scores?
Yes, IELTS results include whole and half bands such as 6.5 or 7.5.
Is the overall band score more important than individual scores?
Many institutions require both a minimum overall band and minimum scores in each skill.
Can the IELTS scoring chart change?
The band scale remains consistent, but score conversion ranges may be updated to maintain test accuracy.
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