Listening
The Listening test consists of 40 questions, with each correct answer carrying one mark. These raw scores are then converted into the nine-band IELTS scale, and results are given in whole or half bands.
Reading
Like Listening, the Reading test also has 40 questions, each worth one mark. Scores are converted to the nine-band scale and reported in whole or half bands. Both Academic and General Training Reading are graded on the same scale, but the texts differ in complexity. Academic Reading often includes more advanced vocabulary and style, while General Training requires a higher number of correct answers to achieve the same band score.
Writing
Writing tasks are assessed using four criteria:
- Task Achievement (Task 1) / Task Response (Task 2)
- Coherence and Cohesion
- Lexical Resource
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Each criterion holds equal weight, and the average determines the final Writing band score.
Speaking
The Speaking test is also evaluated on four equally weighted criteria:
- Fluency and Coherence
- Lexical Resource
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy
- Pronunciation
The average of these scores forms the Speaking band score.
How Your Overall Band Score is calculated
Your IELTS overall band score is the average of the four test components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each skill is given equal importance. The final score is rounded to the nearest whole or half band for accuracy.
Example 1: If you score 6.5 in Listening, 6.5 in Reading, 5.0 in Writing, and 7.0 in Speaking, your total will be 25. Dividing this by 4 gives 6.25, which rounds up to an overall band score of 6.5.
Example 2: If you score 4.0 in Listening, 3.5 in Reading, 4.0 in Writing, and 4.0 in Speaking, your total will be 15.5. Dividing this by 4 gives 3.875, which rounds up to an overall band score of 4.0.
Listening and Reading Scores
Both Listening and Reading sections include 40 questions. Each correct answer gives you one mark, which is then converted into the IELTS nine-band scale. The number of correct answers needed for a particular band may vary slightly between test versions, but the scale ensures fairness across all exams.
Writing and Speaking Scores
The Writing section is marked on four criteria: Task Achievement (Task 1), Task Response (Task 2), Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Each carries equal weight, and the average gives your final Writing score.
The Speaking section is judged on four areas as well: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Again, each is equally weighted, and the overall Speaking band is the average of these scores.
