For non-native English speakers, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognized assessment of English language competency. It is one of the most well-liked English language exams in the world and is frequently taken for work, study abroad, and immigration. The four components of the IELTS exam are Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. On a scale of 0 to 9, 9 being the highest score, each section is given an independent score. The average of your marks throughout the four sections determines your final IELTS Score Chart.
The listening portion assesses your comprehension of spoken English. A range of recordings, such as talks, lectures, and news broadcasts, will be played for you. After that, you’ll be asked to respond to inquiries regarding what you heard. Your comprehension of English content is tested in the reading portion. A range of literature, such as scholarly publications, news stories, and magazine articles, will be read by you. After that, you’ll be asked to respond to questions regarding what you read.
What is the IELTS score chart?
The IELTS score chart is a table that displays the various band scores that can be obtained on the test, as well as the associated English proficiency levels and common descriptions. Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening make up its four divisions. On a scale of 0 to 9, 9 being the highest score, each section is given an independent score. The average of your marks throughout the four sections determines your final IELTS score.
| Band Score | English Proficiency | Common Descriptors |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Non-user | Does not have the ability to use English to communicate. |
| 1 | Intermittent user | Can use very simple phrases and expressions, but has great difficulty understanding and being understood. |
| 2 | Limited user | Can use simple sentences to express needs and wants, but with great difficulty. Can only communicate with a limited number of people who are familiar with their limited range of vocabulary and grammar. |
| 3 | Extremely limited user | Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and predictable exchange of information on familiar topics. Does not have the ability to use English flexibly or spontaneously. |
| 4 | Modest user | Can communicate in routine and predictable tasks requiring a simple and predictable exchange of information on familiar topics. Can use simple phrases and clauses to describe experiences and events, and to explain their needs and wants. Difficulty following extended speech and complex instructions. |
| 5 | Competent user | Can communicate in a range of situations where some flexibility and spontaneity is required. Can produce clear and detailed descriptions of experiences and events, and can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue. Difficulty with complex sentence structures and idiomatic expressions. |
| 6 | Good user | Can communicate effectively in a wide range of situations, and can use language flexibly and spontaneously. Can produce clear, detailed, and well-organized descriptions of experiences and events, and can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue in a clear and convincing way. Some difficulty with idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structures. |
| 7 | Very good user | Can communicate effectively in any situation, and can use language flexibly and spontaneously for a range of purposes. Can produce clear, detailed, and well-organized descriptions of complex subjects, and can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue in a convincing way. Rarely makes mistakes. |
| 8 | Expert user | Has a very high level of English proficiency, and can use language flexibly and spontaneously for any purpose. Can produce clear, detailed, and well-organized descriptions of complex subjects, and can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue in a convincing and sophisticated way. Makes very few mistakes. |
How to read the IELTS score chart
Simply choose the row that matches your band score for each area to read the IELTS score chart. The column farthest to the right displays the band score overall.
| Band Score | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | Overall Band Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Expert user | Expert user | Expert user | Expert user | 9.0 |
| 8 | Very good user | Very good user | Very good user | Very good user | 8.0 |
| 7 | Good user | Good user | Good user | Good user | 7.0 |
| 6 | Competent user | Competent user | Competent user | Competent user | 6.0 |
| 5 | Modest user | Modest user | Modest user | Modest user | 5.0 |
| 4 | Limited user | Limited user | Limited user | Limited user | 4.0 |
| 3 | Extremely limited user | Extremely limited user | Extremely limited user | Extremely limited user | 3.0 |
| 2 | Intermittent user | Intermittent user | Intermittent user | Intermittent user | 2.0 |
| 1 | Non-user | Non-user | Non-user | Non-user | 1.0 |
How to improve your IELTS score
- Make sensible goals. You won’t see an immediate improvement in your score. Establish reasonable objectives for yourself and acknowledge your accomplishments as you go.
- Do some practice exams. This will enable you to monitor your development and pinpoint your areas of weakness.
- Consider your shortcomings. You can direct your preparation efforts appropriately once you are aware of your areas for improvement.
- As much as you can, practice speaking and listening in English. The ideal method for raising your comprehension and fluency is this.
- Make use of top-notch IELTS study materials. This will assist you in familiarizing yourself with the test format and the kinds of questions you’ll encounter.
- Consult a tutor or instructor for comments. They can offer you tailored advice and assist you in identifying areas in which you need to improve.
Listening
- Take in a range of English-language audio content, including TV series, audiobooks, and podcasts.
- Pay attention to the pronunciation and intonation of the speaker.
Reading
- Read a range of English-language materials, including books, periodicals, and newspapers.
- Focus on the author’s primary arguments and the evidence that backs them up.
Writing
- Write in a range of formats, including letters, reports, and essays.
- Pay attention to sentence structure, vocabulary, and grammar.
Tips for using the IELTS score chart to your advantage
1. Recognize the level of English competence you now possess. You can determine your present level of English proficiency and the areas in which you still need to improve by using the IELTS score chart. This will assist you in establishing reasonable preparation objectives for the IELTS.
2. Make sure your goals are doable. Knowing your present English proficiency level can help you create reasonable preparation objectives for the IELTS. It’s critical to keep in mind that the IELTS exam is difficult and that raising your score requires work and patience.
3. Monitor your development over time. It is crucial to monitor your progress while you get ready for the IELTS test. This will enable you to assess your progress and pinpoint any areas in which you require further attention.
4. Evaluate how you did in comparison to other test takers. You can also use the IELTS score chart to evaluate how you performed in relation to other test takers. You can use this to see how you are performing against other IELTS applicants.
5. Find out whether you qualify for any programs. Many different organizations utilize the IELTS score table for immigration, study abroad, and job purposes. The score chart can be used to establish reasonable goals for yourself and to find out if you qualify for other programs.
To select the appropriate IELTS exam format, use the scoring chart. There are two versions of the IELTS exam: Academic and General Training. Students who intend to enroll in a university or institution where English is the major language of instruction are intended for the Academic format. Those who intend to immigrate to an English-speaking nation or who require an English language proficiency test in order to obtain employment are intended for the General Training format.
IELTS score chart for study abroad
The nation and university you’re applying to will determine the minimum IELTS score needed for study abroad. Nonetheless, the majority of colleges demand a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 for graduate studies and 6.0 for undergraduate education.
| Country | Average IELTS score requirement for undergraduate study | Average IELTS score requirement for postgraduate study |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| Canada | 6.0 | 6.5 |
| New Zealand | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| United Kingdom | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| United States | 6.5 | 7.0 |
It is crucial to remember that these are merely minimum standards. Higher or lower IELTS scores may be required by certain universities, depending on the particular program you are applying to. Additionally, it’s crucial to be aware that particular universities may have varied IELTS criteria depending on the exam’s subject. An academic institution might necessitate a greater IELTS score for the Writing component as opposed to the Speaking component.
It’s crucial to find out the precise IELTS score criteria for the colleges and programs you’re interested in if you intend to study overseas. Usually, the university website has this information.
Frequently Asked Question
The IELTS exam, also known as the International English Language Testing System, is a standardized test of English language proficiency for non-native English speakers. It is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English.
The IELTS Writing test contains two tasks. In Task 1, you are required to write a descriptive or analytical essay on a given topic. In Task 2, you are required to write an essay on a general interest topic. The tasks are designed to assess your ability to write effectively in English.
The IELTS syllabus covers the four main English language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The syllabus for each section is designed to assess your ability to use English in a variety of contexts.
