How IELTS Score is Calculated?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized test that assesses a candidate’s proficiency in English. It is widely used for academic and immigration purposes in countries where English is the primary language of communication.

The IELTS test has four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each component is scored on a band scale of 0 to 9, and the overall band score is the average of the four component scores. The band scale ranges from non-user (0) to expert (9), with intermediate scores of bands 1 to band 8.

The scoring process for the IELTS test is complex and involves several steps. First, the candidate’s raw score for each component is converted into a band score using a conversion table. Then, the four band scores are averaged to give an overall band score.

The conversion table is based on a statistical analysis of test takers’ performance over time. The table considers the difficulty level of each test version and ensures that scores are comparable across different test versions.

IELTS Exam Overview

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized test that measures the language proficiency of non-native English speakers. The test is accepted by over 10,000 organizations worldwide, including universities, employers, and immigration authorities.

The IELTS test has four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Listening and Reading components are the same for both the Academic and General Training versions of the test, while the Writing and Speaking components differ.

The table below provides an overview of the format and duration of the IELTS test:

Test Component	Duration	Description
Listening	30 minutes	Four sections, with ten questions each
Reading	60 minutes	Three sections, with 40 questions in total
Writing	60 minutes	Two tasks: a 150-word letter or report and a 250-word essay
Speaking	11-14 minutes	Three parts: an introduction, a cue card topic, and a discussion

The total test duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The test is scored on a band scale of 0 to 9, with each component score reported as a whole or half band. The overall band score is the average of the four component scores.

Overall, the IELTS test is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English across all four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Also Read: Detailed Guide on IELTS Eligibility 2023

IELTS Score Calculator

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) uses a band scale of 0 to 9 to report a candidate’s proficiency in English. Each of the four components of the test (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) is scored on this scale, and the overall band score is the average of the four component scores.

The table below shows the IELTS band scale and the corresponding descriptions of proficiency levels:

Band Score	Description
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 the test

To calculate a candidate’s overall band score, the four component scores are added together and divided into four. If a component score is a fraction (e.g., 6.5), it is rounded up or down to the nearest half band (e.g., 6.5 is rounded up to 7, while 6.25 is rounded down to 6).

It’s important to note that there is no passing or failing score for the IELTS test. The score requirement for different organizations or purposes may vary, so it’s best to check with the specific organization or institution to which you’re applying for the score requirement.

IELTS Band Score Descriptor

The IELTS band score descriptors provide a detailed description of the proficiency level corresponding to each band score on the IELTS scale. These descriptors are used by examiners to evaluate a candidate’s performance in each of the four components of the test: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

The table below shows the IELTS band score descriptors for each component of the test:

Band Score	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
9	Fully operational command	Fully operational command	Fully operational command	Fully operational command
8	Fully operational command	Fully operational command	Fully operational command	Very good user
7	Operational command	Operational command	Good user	Good user
6	Effective command	Effective command	Competent user	Competent user
5	Modest user	Modest user	Modest user	Modest user
4	Limited user	Limited user	Limited user	Limited user
3	Extremely limited user	Extremely limited user	Extremely limited user	Extremely limited user
2	Intermittent user	Intermittent user	Intermittent user	Intermittent user
1	Non-user	Non-user	Non-user	Non-user
0	Did not attempt the test	Did not attempt the test	Did not attempt the test	Did not attempt the test

It’s important to note that the descriptors are used in conjunction with the score scale, and not all the descriptors may apply to a candidate’s performance. The descriptors provide an objective way to evaluate a candidate’s performance, and they are used to ensure that scores are consistent and fair across different test versions and examiners.

Also Read: Steps to Fill GRE Application Form

IELTS Listening and Reading Band Scores

The IELTS Listening and Reading components are scored using the same band scale as the other two components (Writing and Speaking), with a range of 0 to 9. The score for each component is rounded up or down to the nearest half-band.

The table below shows the IELTS Listening and Reading band scores and the corresponding raw scores:

Band Score	Raw Score (Listening)	Raw Score (Reading)
9	39-40	39-40
8.5	37-38	37-38
8	35-36	35-36
7.5	33-34	33-34
7	30-32	30-32
6.5	27-29	27-29
6	23-26	23-26
5.5	18-22	19-22
5	16-17	15-18
4.5	13-15	13-14
4	10-12	10-12
3.5	9	8-9
3	7-8	6-7
2.5	6	4-5
2	4-5	3
1.5	3	2
1	2	1
0.5	1	0
0	0	0

It’s important to note that the raw scores are based on the number of correct answers in the Listening and Reading tests, and they are converted to band scores using a conversion table that considers the difficulty level of each test version.

The conversion table is designed to ensure that scores are comparable across different test versions and administrations.

IELTS Writing Test Assessment Criteria

The IELTS Writing test is designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to write in an academic or semi-formal style. The test assesses two writing tasks: Task 1, which requires candidates to describe and interpret graphical data, and Task 2, which requires candidates to write an essay in response to a prompt.

Each task is assessed by certified IELTS examiners using a set of assessment criteria. The table below shows the IELTS Writing test assessment criteria for both Task 1 and Task 2:

Task	Assessment Criteria
Task 1	Task Achievement: how well the candidate has fulfilled the requirements of the task, including the overall response to the task, the accuracy of the information presented, and the appropriateness of the language used.
	Coherence and Cohesion: how well the candidate has organized and connected information, including the use of paragraphing, linking devices, and reference words.
	Lexical Resource: how well the candidate has used vocabulary to convey a precise meaning, including the range and appropriateness of words used and the ability to use collocations and idioms.
	Grammatical Range and Accuracy: how well the candidate has used grammar to convey meaning, including the range and accuracy of structures used and the ability to use complex sentences and punctuation effectively.
Task 2	Task Response: how well the candidate has responded to the prompt, including the relevance of the response to the task, the coherence of the argument presented, and the overall quality of the argument.
	Coherence and Cohesion: how well the candidate has organized and connected information, including the use of paragraphing, linking devices, and reference words.
	Lexical Resource: how well the candidate has used vocabulary to convey precise meaning, including the range and appropriateness of words used and the ability to use collocations and idioms.
	Grammatical Range and Accuracy: how well the candidate has used grammar to convey meaning, including the range and accuracy of structures used and the ability to use complex sentences and punctuation effectively.

It’s important to note that each criterion is equally weighted, and scores are reported in half-band increments from 0 to 9. Candidates receive a separate score for each task, which is then averaged to produce an overall Writing band score.

 IELTS Speaking Test Assessment Criteria

The IELTS Speaking test is designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English in a variety of situations. The test assesses the candidate’s ability to speak fluently and coherently, use appropriate vocabulary and grammar, and express ideas clearly and accurately.

Each speaking test is conducted by a certified IELTS examiner and assessed using a set of assessment criteria. The table below shows the IELTS Speaking test assessment criteria:

Assessment Criteria	Description
Fluency and Coherence	How well the candidate can speak fluently and coherently, without undue hesitation or repetition, and how well the candidate is able to organize and link ideas together.
Lexical Resource	How well the candidate uses a range of vocabulary and collocations to convey precise meaning and express ideas clearly and accurately.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy	How well the candidate uses a range of grammar structures to convey meaning, and how accurately the candidate uses grammar to avoid errors that impede communication.
Pronunciation	How well the candidate can be understood by a native English speaker, including the ability to produce individual sounds and to use intonation, stress, and rhythm to convey meaning.

It’s important to note that each criterion is equally weighted, and scores are reported in half-band increments from 0 to 9. Candidates receive a band score for each criterion, which is then averaged to produce an overall Speaking band score.

The Speaking test is conducted face-to-face with the examiner, and the total test time is between 11 and 14 minutes.

FAQs – How IELTS Score is Calculated?