IELTS Score Explained and How to Get a Good Score

Another important goal you need to achieve to immigrate, study and work in Canada is to score well on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). That's why you need to know how the IELTS scoring system works, how many points each section carries, what the tasks look like, and what it takes to prepare well. With the right strategies and tips, you can achieve a high IELTS score.

This text contains everything you need. So read carefully and start preparing for the exam now.

What is the IELTS Band Score System?

The band's total score is the average from each of the test's four sections.

The range of IELTS band scores is from 0 to 9, i.e. from the expert, very good, good, competent, modest, limited, extremely limited, intermittent, non-user to did not attempt the test.

Each level reflects the examinee's ability to use English in various contexts, from basic communication to more complex ones. For example, your score in a range of 5 means that you can communicate and manage in an average day-to-day situation, while a score of 7 or 8 indicates that you can understand complex contexts outside the usual framework on a slightly more professional level.

How is the IELTS Band Score Calculated?

IELTS listening, reading, writing, and speaking scores range from 0 to 9 in increments of 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75.

It looks roughly like this:

• The listening section has 40 questions; each correct answer gets one mark, scored on a scale of 0 to 9.
• The reading section, which has 40 questions and scoring, is done similarly.
• The writing section is scored based on the achievement of the task, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy, which are scored individually. The score from all four sections is then averaged.
• The speaking section is scored based on four criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resources, grammatical range, and accuracy and pronunciation. A mean score is also derived.

The total range score is calculated using the average score for all four test parts. A whole number or half of the range is always taken, meaning if your score of 5.9 ends in .25, the score is rounded up to the next half of the range, and scores ending in .75 are rounded up to the following whole range. Or, if your score is 7.1, it’ll go down to 7 because it’s closer to 7 than 7.5. If it’s 7.25, it’ll be increased to 7,5, and if it's 7.75 or 7.85, it’ll be overall 8.

IELTS Section Band Scores

Each part of the IELTS test (listening, reading, writing, speaking) is scored separately, contributing to the overall band score.

Let’s explain the scoring system and criteria for each.

Before that, you can also get familiar with the IELTS exam syllabus.

Listening Over 40 Band Scores

The listening section of the IELTS test is scored out of 40. Each correct answer receives one mark. According to the IELTS scoring system, the total number of correct answers is converted into a total score of 9.

Tips for excelling in this section include:

• Listening to different listening materials (e.g. podcasts, lectures, news reports)
• Concentrating well to understand the speaker's main ideas, opinions and attitudes.
• Taking notes as you listen, focusing on the point
• Expanding your vocabulary
• Focusing on the context so you can understand the point of what is being said

Reading Over 40 Band Scores

There are 40 questions in the reading section, each worth one mark. The total score of 40 is then converted to an aggregate score of 9 under the IELTS scoring system.

Scoring criteria include the level of understanding of the text and separating the important from the irrelevant, identifying the main idea, ability to understand specific details, understanding logical argument and recognizing writers' opinions, attitudes, and purpose.

To improve your reading scores, consider the following strategies:

• Practice reading and scanning the most crucial information to improve reading speed and efficiency.
• Work on enriching your vocabulary to understand the meaning of all the words.
• Read different formats to familiarize yourself with various styles and topics.
• Manage your time effectively

Writing Over 40 Band Scores

The writing section measures task achievement (how well you present relevant, well-developed ideas), coherence and cohesion (how well your ideas are connected and logically presented), lexical resources (vocabulary range and accuracy) and grammatical range and accuracy (application of grammar rules).

Here is how to enhance writing skills for IELTS:

• Make sure you understand the topic.
• Plan your writing before you start, organize your ideas and develop a structure for your text.
• Use a wide variety of words and phrases
• Use a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences
• Check for grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors

Speaking Over 40 Band Scores

The speaking section assesses fluency and coherence (how smoothly you speak and how you connect sentences), lexical resources (vocabulary), grammatical range (is your grammar good) and accuracy and pronunciation (how clearly and correctly you pronounce words).

To improve your speaking proficiency, consider the following exercises:

• Practice speaking regularly and find an interlocutor
• Record yourself speaking and listen to identify potential mistakes
• Pay attention to word stress
• Learn new words and phrases and practice using them in different contexts
• Test your speech on different topics and thus practice your readiness to answer the given topic as quickly as possible

How Long Is My IELTS Score Valid?

The validity of an IELTS score is two years. In the meantime, you can use it for university applications, job opportunities, and immigration purposes. After two years, you'll need to retake the test.

Time to prepare and apply for the test is crucial due to the validity period of IELTS scores. So consider the following points:

• Start your preparation on time, early enough to be ready for the test
• Schedule your test according to the application deadline for the institutions or organizations you are applying to.
• Keep in mind the processing time of your test.
• If you need or want to retake the test, do it before the application deadlines, given the 2-3 month waiting period between the two test dates.

Read also about IELTS exam fees in India, and prepare to apply.

What Is a Good IELTS Score For Canada?

The generally accepted IELTS score for Canada is 6-6.5. The IELTS minimum score typically varies according to what you need it for. For immigration to Canada, IELTS score requirements vary depending on the visa category and the program you are applying for. Generally, for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, a minimum score of 6.0 is required in each of the four language skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking).

There are experienced and skilled IELTS advisers who can guide you through everything related to the test.

Tips for meeting or exceeding these requirements:

• Research the specific IELTS score requirements for the visa or program you are applying for
• Practice all four aspects of the language regularly
• Improve the areas where you are not doing well
• Take practice tests to familiarize yourself with the test format
• Try to apply English as much as possible in your daily life

If you want to compare with other exams, check out the TOEFL score range.

Key Takeaways

• The overall band score is calculated by averaging the scores from the four test sections. 
• The IELTS band scores range from 0 to 9, representing different proficiency levels, from expert to non-user and did not attempt the test.
• IELTS listening, reading, writing, and speaking scores range from 0 to 9 in increments of 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75.
• There is a nine-band scale, and each level implies a certain level of knowledge.
• Each section has different tasks, which are scored based on specific criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference Between IELTS Academic and General Training?

The main difference is the purpose of your learning English. The academic test is suitable for a university or professional institution, and the general training test contains topics based on general interest. The IELTS listening and speaking tests are the same.

Can I Retake the IELTS Exam to Improve My Score?

You can retake any of the four IELTS skills: listening, reading, writing, or speaking. You must register and pay for the test again, just as you did for your first attempt. Here are some reasons to retake the exam:

Does IELTS Scores Affect Visa and University Applications?

IELTS score is significant when applying for a study visa, especially a high IELTS score, which can increase the chances of visa approval and university application acceptance.