The IELTS band score can seem to be mysterious to many test-takers out there. But, in this article, we will try to demystify the IELTS Scoring scale & explain how marking on the IELTS exam really works. IELTS Listening, Speaking, Writing, and Reading all contribute to your final mark on the IELTS exam.
IELTS Exam Test Structure
The IELTS Exam has four timed modules. There are two types of IELTS tests, IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Both tests are graded in exactly the same way.
IELTS Academic is taken by all students planning to pursue higher studies in English speaking countries. Test takers will take the following parts of IELTS on the same day: Listening, Reading, and Writing.
Speaking test is held either on the same day or seven days before or after that, depending on the test centers. Listening and Speaking components are the same for both – Academic and General Training.
Listening
The IELTS Listening test consists of four sections, each with 1 recording. Each recording has ten questions. The IELTS test taker can only hear the recording once.
Speaking
The IELTS Speaking test consists of 3 parts and this test is recorded for each IELTS candidate. It is a face-to-face interview with the examiner.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview where the examiner asks the student details about his family, hobbies, interests, and the reasons for taking the IELTS Exam. This lasts for 4-5 minutes.
Part 2: Each candidate is given a task card and the test taker needs to speak on the topic in the cue card. The examiner also asks questions based on the same topic. 1 Minute to prepare and 2 minutes to present.
Part 3: Detailed Discussion with the examiner on the topic in part 2 to discuss abstract issues and ideas. This lasts for 4-5 minutes.
Reading Academic
The IELTS Academic Reading test consists of 3 texts and the topics of these passages cover general topics that range from factual to analytical. This section is to test your reading skills such as the main idea of the passage, logical reasoning skills, analyzing the theme of the passage, understanding the author’s opinion and attitude, etc. This score is used by universities for undergraduate and postgraduate programs or for people seeking professional registration.
Reading General
The IELTS General Reading test consists of 3 texts and the topics of these passages cover general topics that range from factual to analytical. The difficulty level of this section is higher than the IELTS Reading Academic module. The passages are taken from leaflets, newspaper articles, journals, instruction manuals, and books. These texts are what you are likely to come across in daily routine at work.
Writing Academic
The IELTS Academic Writing test has two tasks. Topics are general and suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate applicants and for people seeking professional registration. There are 2 tasks:
Essay Task 1: Test-takers are supposed to describe the diagram or data (graph, table, chart) in at least 150 words. You have to spend about 20 minutes on this task.
Essay Task 2: IELTS candidates are given a point of view, argument, or a problem. They need to present a solution to the problem, justify an opinion, present contrast evidence, evaluate ideas, or argument in at least 250 words. They have to spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Writing General
The IELTS General Writing test has two tasks. Topics are general and suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate applicants and for people seeking professional registration. There are 2 tasks:
Essay Task 1: Candidates will be presented with a situation and asked to reply and write a letter requesting information or explaining the situation. The letter could be personal, semi-formal, or formal in style.
Essay Task 2: Task 2: Test takers are provided with a point of view, argument, or a problem. They have to present a solution to the problem, challenge ideas, compare evidence, or display contrast opinions. You should write 250 words and spend about 40 minutes on this task. The writing style can be more personal than the style in Academic.
IELTS Band Score Explained
| Band score | Skill level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Expert user | The test taker has fully operational command of the language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding. |
| 8 | Very good user | The test taker has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well. |
| 7 | Good user | The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning. |
| 6 | Competent user | The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. |
| 5 | Modest user | The test taker has a partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field. |
| 4 | Limited user | The test taker's basic competence is limited to familiar situations. They frequently show problems in understanding and expression. They are not able to use complex language. |
| 3 | Extremely limited user | The test taker conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication. |
| 2 | Intermittent user | The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. |
| 1 | Non-user | The test taker has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words. |
| 0 | Did not attempt the test | The test taker did not answer the questions. |
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