IELTS Band Calculator – Calculate Your IELTS Band Score
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely recognised English language proficiency test that assesses the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English. IELTS scores are crucial for those seeking to study, work, or immigrate to English-speaking countries such as the UK. In this article, we will break down the IELTS band score calculation process to provide a clear understanding of how your performance is assessed.
Table of Contents
What Is the IELTS Band Scale?
IELTS test scores are reported on a nine-band scale, with each band corresponding to a specific level of English proficiency. The bands range from Band 1 (Non-User) to Band 9 (Expert User). Let’s delve into how your overall band score is determined.
Four Modules, Four Scores
The IELTS test comprises four main sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each module is assessed separately, and you receive a band score for each one. These individual module scores are then averaged to calculate your overall band score.
Listening Module
In the Listening section, you listen to four recorded monologues and conversations, answering questions along the way. Your performance is assessed based on the number of correct answers. Each correct answer earns you one point, and your total score is then converted into a band score using a conversion table.
Reading Module
Similar to the Listening section, the Reading module evaluates your comprehension skills. You read three long texts and answer questions about them. Again, your raw score is converted into a band score using a specific conversion table.
Writing Module
The Writing section consists of two tasks: Task 1 (a report based on visual information) and Task 2 (an essay in response to a question). Your performance in Task 2 carries more weight and is graded on four criteria: Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Trained IELTS examiners assess your writing and assign a score for each criterion. The average of these scores determines your Writing module band score.
Speaking Module
The Speaking test is a face-to-face interview with an IELTS examiner. It is divided into three parts: Introduction and Interview, Long Turn, and Discussion. The examiner assesses your ability to express ideas, opinions, and information coherently and fluently. Each part is rated on specific criteria, and the scores are averaged to calculate your Speaking module band score.
How To Calculate Your Overall Band Score?
Once you have obtained your band scores for each module, the final step is to calculate your overall IELTS band score. This is done by averaging the four module scores. For example, if your scores in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking are 7.5, 8.0, 7.0, and 8.5, respectively, your overall IELTS band score is (7.5 + 8.0 + 7.0 + 8.5) / 4 = 7.75, which is rounded up to an overall band score of 8.0.
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