Calculate your IELTS Overall Score by entering your section scores in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.
The IDP, British Council and Cambridge globally administer the IELTS, or International English Language Testing Service. IELTS scores range from 1 to 9 for each of the four modules: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. The overall IELTS score is the average of all four modules nearest to 0.5
The overall score of IELTS is the average of Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking rounded off to the nearest whole number or half-pointer.
Overall Score = ROUND(Listening Score + Reading Score + Speaking Score + Writing Score / 4)
| Modules | Bands Range |
|---|---|
| Reading | 0-9 |
| Writing | 0-9 |
| Listening | 0-9 |
| Speaking | 0-9 |
| Overall | 0-9 |
The reading section has 40 questions divided into three passages. The section has various questions, such as multiple-choice questions, true/false, fill-ups, etc. Each question holds one mark. You will get 60 minutes to read the passages and answer the questions given. The difficulty level of this section goes higher with passages.
The first passage is straightforward, the second one is pretty rigid, and the third one is more complex than the first two. Scores are calculated based on the correct answers. The higher the number of correct answers, the higher the band score. Let us explain the relation between raw scores and band scores with the help of a table:
| Raw Scores | Band Scores | Raw Scores | Band Scores |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39-40 | 9.0 | 37-38 | 8.5 |
| 35-36 | 8.0 | 33-34 | 7.5 |
| 30-32 | 7.0 | 27-29 | 6.5 |
| 23-26 | 6.0 | 19-22 | 5.5 |
| 15-18 | 5.0 | 13-14 | 4.5 |
| 10-12 | 4.0 | 8-9 | 3.5 |
| 6-7 | 3.0 | 4-5 | 2.5 |
The listening module is divided into four sections, each carrying ten questions. You have to listen to the recording played and answer the questions accordingly. You will be given 30 minutes to listen and write the answers. Recordings are based on conversations between two or more people social context or a university lecture.
Every question carries one raw mark, and these raw scores are eventually converted into final band scores. IELTS does not do any negative marking, but still, students are advised to attempt their test neatly, clearly and with correct spelling. Let us explain briefly how each raw score equals the band score in a tabular form.
| Raw Score | Band Score | Raw Score | Band Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39-40 | 9.0 | 37-38 | 8.5 |
| 35-36 | 8.0 | 32-34 | 7.5 |
| 30-31 | 7.0 | 26-29 | 6.5 |
| 23-25 | 6.0 | 18-22 | 5.5 |
| 16-17 | 5.0 | 13-15 | 4.5 |
| 10-12 | 4.0 | 8-9 | 3.5 |
| 6-7 | 3.0 | 4-5 | 2.5 |
The writing section has two tasks, namely:
Task 1 consists of graphs, tables, charts or diagrams. You must understand the figure, be it graphs, tables, charts, etc., and summarise it in about 150 words. Task 1 carries three band scores, where raw scores are 0 to 5. These scores are based on vocabulary, grammatical usage, sentence formation, task achievement, etc.
On the other hand, Task 2 is essay writing. You must frame an essay using ideas, real-life examples, etc, in about 250 words. The essays are based on arguments, points of view, problem-solution, etc. Task 2 carries six band scores, where raw scores are 0 to 5. The scoring of task 2 is firmed on task achievement, clarity, argument organisation, examples used, sentence formation, grammatical and vocabulary usage, etc.
The Speaking module is divided into three sections, specifically:
Each section has different questions, and every question has a particular weightage. Generally, scoring of the speaking section is based on pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary, idioms, grammatical use, etc. Section 1 of the Introduction lasts for at least 4 to 5 minutes, during which students must answer the introductory question based on their opinions. The band score covered by section one is 2.0.
In the second section, the student gets a particular topic, and the student has to speak on that topic for a minimum of 1 to 2 minutes. The weightage of band scores in the second section is 4.0.
And in the last section, the student has to answer the follow-up questions related to the topic they spoke about before in the section. The third section lasts for 4 to 5 minutes. The band score covered by the third section is 3.0. So the ratio of the Speaking module is 2:3:4.
Note: The ratio mentioned above is based on Experience.
| Section | Weight | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | 2.0 | 4-5 minutes |
| Cue-Card | 4.0 | 1-2 minutes |
| Follow-ups | 3.0 | 4-5 minutes |
The CEFR stands for Common European Framework of Reference for Languages to compare the Proficiency levels across multiple languages. The CEFR framework have six levels:
The IELTS Score is comparable to the CEFR for various purposes such as Education, Permanent Residency and Work in English-speaking countries. A score of 7.0 - 8.0 is equivalent to the C1 Level, and 8.5 or above is equivalent to C2. Most Universities require at least a B2 Level for admission purposes, which is comparable to an IELTS Overall score of 5.5 to 6.5
There is no mathematical formula to convert the IELTS Score to the CEFR framework, but a Comparison chart published by the IELTS Organisation.
| CEFR | IELTS Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| C2 | 8.5 - 9.0 | The highest possible IELTS Score where the test-taker is assumed to be a native-speaker. |
| C1 | 7.0 - 8.0 | Majorly required for Immigration programs worldwide, including Canada and Australia. |
| B2 | 5.5 - 6.5 | Minimum Requirement for Admission in most of the Universities and Educational Institutions. |
| B1 | 4.0 - 5.0 | You can have brief conversations and write short messages about topics you’re familiar with. |
| A2 | 3.5 | You can talk about topics that you’re very familiar with and begin to understand media like TV shows, and radio shows. |
| A1 | 3.0 | You can have very simple conversations, for example, ordering at a restaurant or buying items from a shop. |
