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Learn about IELTS
- Learn about IELTS
- Why choose IELTS?
- Academic or General Training
- IELTS test format
- Computer-delivered IELTS
- IELTS for UKVI
- How to book your test?
- Success stories
- Who accepts IELTS?
- Learn more about IELTS
Why Choose IELTS?
Recommended links
Computer-delivered IELTS
Learn about computer-delivered IELTS & get familiar with the test
Recommended links
Computer-delivered IELTS
Learn about computer-delivered IELTS & get familiar with the test
IELTS test format
Recommended links
Computer-delivered IELTS
Learn about computer-delivered IELTS & get familiar with the test
Computer-delivered IELTS
Recommended links
IELTS for UKVI
Recommended links
Computer-delivered IELTS
Learn about computer-delivered IELTS & get familiar with the test
Recommended links
Computer-delivered IELTS
Learn about computer-delivered IELTS & get familiar with the test
Recommended links
Computer-delivered IELTS
Learn about computer-delivered IELTS & get familiar with the test
Recommended links
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Prepare for IELTS
- Prepare for IELTS
- IELTS preparation course
- IELTS Masterclass
- IELTS Progress Check
- Free practice tests
- What to expect on test day
- IELTS Support Tools
- Blog
- View all practice materials
Recommended links
Recommended links
Recommended links
Free IELTS practice tests
Recommended links
Recommended links
Recommended links
Recommended links
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Results
- Results
- About IELTS scores
- Request a remark
- Understanding IELTS Speaking scores
- Resitting the IELTS test
- IELTS results
Recommended links
Computer-delivered IELTS
Learn about computer-delivered IELTS & get familiar with the test
Recommended links
Computer-delivered IELTS
Learn about computer-delivered IELTS & get familiar with the test
Recommended links
Computer-delivered IELTS
Learn about computer-delivered IELTS & get familiar with the test
Recommended links
Computer-delivered IELTS
Learn about computer-delivered IELTS & get familiar with the test
How IELTS is scored
IELTS scores are reported as band scores on a scale from 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest). You will be given a band score from 1 to 9 for each section of the test – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. You will also be given an overall band score - which is the average of your four individual test section band scores.
IELTS 9-band scale
Band Score | Skill Level | Description |
---|---|---|
9 | Expert user | Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding. |
8 | Very good user | Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well. |
7 | Good user | Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning. |
6 | Competent user | Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. |
5 | Modest user | Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field. |
4 | Limited user | Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language. |
3 | Extremely limited user | Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur. |
2 | Intermittent user | No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. |
1 | Non-user | Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words. |
0 | Did not attempt the test | No assessable information provided. |
IELTS assessment criteria
Listening
The IELTS Listening test contains 40 questions. Each correctly answered question is awarded one mark; therefore the maximum raw score you can achieve is 40. A band score ranging from Band 1 to Band 9 is then awarded on the basis of your raw score.
Reading
The IELTS Reading test contains 40 questions. Each correctly answered question is awarded one mark; therefore the maximum raw score you can achieve is 40. A band score ranging from Band 1 to Band 9 is then awarded on the basis of your raw score.
Writing
Download the IELTS Writing assessment criteria.
Visit our IELTS Writing preparation course for more information about what to expect during the Writing test.
Speaking
Download the IELTS Speaking assessment criteria.
Visit our IELTS Speaking preparation course for more information about what to expect during the Speaking test.
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