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About IELTS

Test Pattern

Score Pattern

Score Pattern

Band score Skill level Description
Band 9 Expert user You have a full operational command of the language. Your use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and you show complete understanding.
Band 8 Very good user You have a fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. You may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. You handle complex detailed argumentation well.
Band 7 Good user You have an operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally you handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.
Band 6 Competent user Generally you have an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. You can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
Band 5 Modest user You have a partial command of the language, and cope with overall meaning in most situations, although you are likely to make many mistakes. You should be able to handle basic communication in your own field.
Band 4 Limited user Your basic competence is limited to familiar situations. You frequently show problems in understanding and expression. You are not able to use complex language.
Band 3 Extremely limited user You convey and understand only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication.
Band 2 Intermittent user You have great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
Band 1 Non-user You have no ability to use the language except a few isolated words.
Band 0 Did not attempt the test You did not answer the questions.

IELTS Listening marking scheme
 

The Listening Test, which contains 40 questions, the following scaling table could be used for the calculation of approximate score band.

Band Score 9 8.5 8 7.5 7 6.5 6 5.5 5 4.5 4 3.5 3 2.5
Score / 40 39-40 37-38 35-36 32-34 30-31 26-29 23-25 18-22 16-17 13-15 10-12 8-10 6-7 4-5

IELTS General Reading marking schemes

The General Reading Test, which contains 40 questions, the following scaling table could be used for the calculation of approximate score band.

Band Score 9 8.5 8 7.5 7 6.5 6 5.5 5 4.5 4 3.5 3 2.5
Score / 40 39-40 37-38 35-36 33-34 30-32 27-29 23-26 19-22 15-18 13-14 10-12 8-9 6-7 4-5

IELTS Academic Reading marking schemes

The Academic Reading Test, which contains 40 questions, the following scaling table could be used for the calculation of approximate score band. But this approximation won’t be as easy as it was in the case of General Reading Test.

Band Score 9 8.5 8 7.5 7 6.5 6 5.5 5 4.5 4 3.5 3 2.5
Score / 40 40 39 37-38 36 34-35 32-33 30-31 27-29 23-26 19-22 15-18 12-14 9-11 6-8

IELTS Writing marking schemes (for both Academic & General)

The two writing Tasks – Task -1 & Task -2, are marked out of 9 bands, according to the following criteria:

Task Achievement

  • Analyse the diagram and identify all the key features.
  • Highlight the key features in the overview.
  • Supporting data filled Body Paragraph.
  • Avoid wrong information & Personal opinions.
  • Write a Factual Report with over 150 Words.
Coherence and Cohesion 

  • Plan where and how to put the information.
  • Have multiple Body Paragraph.
  • Use a range of Linking Devices.
  • Avoid mistakes with word choice & linking words.
  • Use referencing (like this, it, etc.).
Lexical Resource

  • Use a good range of Vocabulary.
  • Select vocabulary apt to present the Accurate Data.
  • Understand collocations, usage of different words.
  • Avoid spelling mistakes.
  • Don’t use wrong words or informal language.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy

  • Use a range of Sentence Structures.
  • Use the right tense forms as the data requires.
  • Use the proper word order.
  • Avoid mistakes with word choice & linking words.
  • Use the right punctuations and don’t miss using Punctuations.

IELTS Speaking marking schemes

The IELTS speaking Test, which is a one-to-one session, is marked out of 9 bands, according to the following criteria:

Fluency and coherence Connect

  • your sentences by linking words and signpoints.
  • Extend your answers, add all the relevent details.
  • Speak smoothly & continuously.
  • Use corrrect & appropriate pausing.
Lexical resource

  • Use a wide range of apt vocabulary.
  • Discuss the topic differently, using apt words.
  • Speak formally or semi-formally.
  • Be careful with the word selection. Use Idiomatic Language.
Grammatical range and accuracy

  • Use a range of Sentence Structures.
  • Use the right tense forms as the data requires.
  • Use the proper word order.
  • Avoid mistakes with word choice & linking words.
Pronunciation

  • Pronounce the words as clearly as possible.
  •  Stress the words and sentences correctly.
  • Be louder and clear enough with your voice.
  • Use correct intonations.
  • Try to be easily understood by the examiner.