IELTS scoring in detail

The IELTS Academic and General Training test results are reported using the same nine-band scale. 

You can score whole band scores (for example 5.0, 6.0, 7.0) or half band scores (e.g. 5.5, 6.5, 7.5).

TRF (Test Report Form)

TRF shows a score for each of the four test parts (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking), as well as an overall band score, which is the average of the four component scores, rounded to the nearest whole or half band.

The component scores are weighted equally. If the average of the four components ends in .25, the Overall Band Score is rounded up to the next half band, and if it ends in .75, the Overall Band Score is rounded up to the next whole band.

Image

Component Band Scores

Listening – There are 40 questions in the IELTS Listening test. Each correct answer has a weight of one point. Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS nine-band scale.

Reading – There are 40 questions in the IELTS Reading test. Each correct answer has a weight of one point. Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS nine-band scale.

The tables below indicate the average number of marks required to achieve a particular band score in Listening, Academic Reading and General Training Reading.

Listening A & GT
Band Score
Raw score out of 40Reading Academic
Band Score
Raw score out of 40Reading General
Band Score

Raw score out of 40

5.0165.0155.023
6.0236.0236.030
7.0307.0307.034
8.0358.0358.038

Writing – to award a band score examiners use a number of assessment criteria incl. task achievement (for Task 1), task response (for Task 2), coherence and cohesion, lexical resource and grammatical range and accuracy. The criteria are weighted equally and the score on the task is the average.

Speaking – to award a band score examiners use assessment criteria incl. fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy and pronunciation. The criteria are weighted equally and the Speaking band score is the average.

LEARN MORE

  • IELTS One Skill Retake – improve your IELTS test score

    IELTS One Skill Retake – improve your IELTS test score

    IELTS One Skill Retake allows you to reattempt one of the four section of the test and improve your result without retaking the full test.

  • Take IELTS at Poznan University of Technology

    Take IELTS at Poznan University of Technology

    The IELTS session at Poznan University of Technology is open to everyone interested. A certificate that opens the door to international education and professional mobility.

  • Make sure you are IELTS ready with IELTS Pre-Testing

    Make sure you are IELTS ready with IELTS Pre-Testing

    See if you are IELTS ready with IELTS mock exam – simulation of real IELTS test

  • IELTS at Kozminski University

    IELTS at Kozminski University

    On December 5th take IELTS Academic at Kozminski University in Warsaw. Registration is open!

  • IELTS Pre-Testing – see if you are IELTS ready with IELTS mock exam

    IELTS Pre-Testing – see if you are IELTS ready with IELTS mock exam

    Make sure you are IELTS ready with IELTS Pre-Testing – simulation of real IELTS test!

  • IELTS on computer – what it looks like?

    IELTS on computer – what it looks like?

    Get familiar with taking IELTS on a computer . Try the demo version of the test and get familiar with the system on which you will take your IELTS.

  • IELTS session in Poznań

    IELTS session in Poznań

    The IELTS session at Poznan University of Technology is open to everyone interested. A certificate that opens the door to international education and professional mobility.

  • IELTS Registration

    IELTS Registration

    Choose the date and register for your IELTS!You can choose to take your IELTS in traditional way, on paper – Paper Based (PB) or  on a computer – Computer Delivered (CD). … Read more

  • Your IELTS results

    Your IELTS results

    Preview your IELTS results You can preview your IELTS results by logging in to the IELTS candidate portal. The preview of IELTS test result will be available:- on the 13th … Read more

  • IELTS scoring in detail

    IELTS scoring in detail

    The IELTS Academic and General Training test results are reported using the same nine-band scale.

  • IELTS scale

    IELTS scale

    IELTS results are reported as band scores on a scale from 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest). They are easy to understand. All IELTS test formats use the same … Read more

  • IELTS test day tips

    IELTS test day tips

    Here are some quick tips for you to ensure that things will go smoothly for you on the test day.

  • How can I register for IELTS?

    How can I register for IELTS?

    Before booking the test Immediately after registration After completing the registration you will receive an email with registration confirmation and your access codes to the online course: IELTS MASTER You … Read more

  • IELTS terms and conditions

    IELTS terms and conditions

    When registering for the IELTS test, you will be asked to accept the rules and regulations below. Please read them carefully: Declaration 1. I acknowledge that the IELTS test is … Read more

  • Special arrangements

    Special arrangements

    For technical reasons, special arrangements are available only in the Paper Based sessions. We can help you if you have visual, hearing, speaking or learning difficulties. Give us three months’ … Read more

  • FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

    FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

    ABOUT IELTS What is the IELTS test? The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration. Why … Read more

  • IELTS Academic or General Training?

    IELTS Academic or General Training?

    Which IELTS version should I choose – Academic or General Training? There are two different types of IELTS tests you can take. The test you should choose depends on what … Read more

  • IELTS test format in detail

    IELTS test format in detail

    IELTS tests four language skills and consists of four parts – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. IELTS is available in two different types: Academic and General Training How are the … Read more

  • Who accepts IELTS?

    Who accepts IELTS?

    IELTS is the most widely accepted test worldwide by more than 11,000 organisations (including top universities and institutions in over 140 countries  with 3,000 in the USA alone). IELTS is accepted … Read more

  • IELTS Test Security

    IELTS Test Security

    Security Alert! Your success starts with IELTS. Don’t risk your future by cheating in any way. Please DO NOT: IELTS test results are used for admission to universities, colleges and … Read more

This will close in 0 seconds