What is the IELTS Band Scores, how they are calculated?
The IELTS Band Score is the benchmark of the Candidate’s/Student’s ranking measurement whoever appearing for the Exam. It is measured in a range from 1-9 scoring. You will get a band score for each skill (listening, reading, writing and speaking) and also an overview band score. The overall band score is the average score of all the skills.
For example, a candidate has scored as follows:-
Listening – 8
Reading – 7.5
Writing – 7
Speaking – 7.5 Overall it is 7.5 band score.
If an overall score is an average of 6.25, it will be increased to 6.50
If an overall score is an average of 6.75, it will be increased to 7
If an overall score is an average of 6.10, it will be decreased to 6
Every score is rounded up or down to the nearest 0.5 value.
Band Score Description:
| Band Score | English Level | Description | Key Points |
| 9 | Expert User | Has complete command in the English language; accurate; appropriate, highly flexible, fluent with full understanding. | (1) Accurate
(2) Full understanding |
| 8 | Very Good User | Has complete command with only rare errors (which are unsystematic) or inappropriate words. Deals with complex situations well bus has rare errors in complex situations but can deal with detailed argumentation. | (1) Rare errors
(2) Uses complex language well |
| 7 | Good User | Has good command of English but also has occasional inaccuracies, misunderstandings or inappropriate words. Can use complex language quite well and understands detailed argumentation quite well. | (1) Only occasional errors.
(2) Uses complex language quite well in most situations. |
| 6 | Competent User | Has effective command of English but also has some errors, inappropriate words and misunderstandings in some situations. Can use complex language quite well but best in familiar situations. | (1) Some errors
(2) Use some complex language which is best in familiar situations |
| 5 | Modest User | Has partial command of English and can deal with overall meaning. Make frequent errors. Has better English in common situations. Does not deal with complex language well. | (1) Frequent errors
(2) Has difficulties with complex language. |
| 4 | Limited User | Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language. | (1) Problem of understanding and expression |
| 3 | Extremely limited User | Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur. | (1) Frequent breakdown
(2) Lack of communication |
| 2 | Intermittent user | No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English | (1) Inaccurate
(2) Poor English knowledge |
| 1 | Non User | Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words. | (1) Unfit / Flabby |
Form Completion:
In form filling type questions you aresupposed to fill the blanks with answers in no more than three words. The format can be given on any sequence from the recording for e.g. If the monologue is based on Halloween party celebrations and the form completionquestions can be given this way.