Most students looking forward to studying abroad may have come across a dozen of articles on how to prepare for the IELTS test. But once you appear for the test well-prepared, the anxiety pangs hovering in your mind could be regarding the results that you’re waiting for. If you educate yourself well enough about the IELTS scoring system, there’s a slight chance that you could have a fair idea of how you’ve performed in your test, thus reducing your stress levels. This article addresses the following queries – On what basis are your IELTS scores measured? Is there an IELTS band chart for measuring the position of your score?
About The IELTS: Parts
The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS as it is known across the world, was created to assess candidates’ competence and language abilities in several areas of the English language. Most prestigious academic and professional universities in various countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and Ireland, accept the scores based on the IELTS band chart. There are 4 parts to the test, namely –
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
How Are The Scores In An IELTS Band Chart Calculated?
In an IELTS academic score chart, the scores range from 0 and 9, with 0 being the lowest and 9 the highest. Each part of the test, as mentioned above is evaluated and graded individually and based on the individual scores, an average of all the skills is calculated presenting your overall score. To calculate your total score, the individual scores are rounded up to their nearest whole band or half-band. The table below gives 2 examples that will clarify this for you –
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | Overall |
| 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| 6.0 | 5.5 | 7.0 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
Individual scores and total scores in an IELTS band chart are essential to certain students. This will be determined by the reason you are taking the IELTS exam.
A university, for example, would normally require an overall IELTS band score of 6.5 with no aspect less than 5.5. If you’re taking IELTS for a university application, keep in mind that requirements vary by university and even by course at the same university. Keep in mind to always double-check the needed score.
An Overview Of The IELTS Band Chart
Your band score is intended to accurately reflect your level of skill in all four components of English – writing, speaking, reading, and listening.
This data can then be used by multiple institutions to determine whether you will be able to effectively study, work, or reside in the nation to which you are applying. This table displays the total scores in an IELTS band chart along with their descriptions.
| Band | Level | Descriptor |
9 | Expert User | Displays complete operational grasp of the English language and the ability to handle complicated language. The candidate’s command of the English language is precise and fluent. |
8 | Very Good User | The participant has an excellent command of the language, with only a few minor errors. They are adept at dealing with difficult situations. However, they may misinterpret in an unfamiliar setting. |
7 | Good User | The candidate has great knowledge of the English language, with occasional flaws and incorrect usage in certain contexts. They have a good understanding of precise reasoning and can deal with sophisticated vocabulary. |
6 | Competent User | The participant has an adequate grasp of the language, but with some incorrect usage and faults. In familiar settings, they comprehend the complex language easily. |
5 | Moderate User | The candidate has basic knowledge of English and can communicate in general. They may make frequent errors. They are capable of handling basic communication in their profession. |
4 | Limited User | Only familiar circumstances are exposed to the test taker. He or she is unable to employ complicated language and frequently struggles with comprehension and expression. |
3 | Extremely Limited User | In extremely familiar scenarios, the examinee gets only the broad meaning. Communication failures occur regularly. |
| 2 | Intermittent User | The candidate has a hard time interpreting spoken and written English. |
| 1 | Non-User | Apart from a few isolated words, the candidate is unable to use the English language. |
| 0 | No Attempt Made | The participant did not attempt the test and couldn’t answer the questions. |
Thank you for reading this blog on the IELTS Band Chart. If you’d like to read more, here are some blogs that may be of interest to you –
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I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further