IELTS scoring in detail for test takers (2024)

The IELTS Listening test contains 40 questions. Each correct answer is awarded 1 mark. Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.

Here are the average number of marks scored at different levels of the IELTS scale in Listening section. The precise number of marks needed to achieve these band scores will vary slightly from test version to test version.

Marks out of 40

• Band Score 5: Listening 16
• Band Score 6: Listening 23
• Band Score 7: Listening 30
• Band Score 8: Listening35

The IELTS Reading test contains 40 questions. Each correct answer is awarded 1 mark. Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.

The IELTS Academic and General Training Reading tests are graded on the same scale. The Academic Reading test may contain texts which feature more difficult vocabulary or greater complexity of style. It is usual that a greater number of questions must be answered correctly on a General Training Reading test to secure a given band score.

Here are the average number of marks scored at different levels of the IELTS scale in Academic Reading, and General Training Reading sections. The precise number of marks needed to achieve these band scores will vary slightly from test version to test version.

Marks out of 40

Academic

• Band Score 5: Reading 15
• Band Score 6: Reading 23
• Band Score 7: Reading 30
• Band Score 8: Reading 35

General Training

• Band Score 4: Reading 15
• Band Score 5: Reading 23
• Band Score 6: Reading 30
• Band Score 7: Reading 35

Examiners use assessment criteria to award a score for each of the following four criteria:

• Task achievement (for task 1) and task response (for task 2)
• Coherence and cohesion
• Lexical resource
• Grammatical range and accuracy.

Each task is assessed independently. The criteria are weighted equally and the score on the task is the average. The assessment of Task 2 carries more weight in marking than Task 1.

Find out more about the key assessment criteria and how examiners assess the Writing section.

Examiners use assessment criteria to award a score for each of the following four areas

• Fluency and coherence
• Lexical resource
• Grammatical range and accuracy
• Pronunciation

Each of the criteria carry equal weighting and the overall average gives the IELTS score for Speaking. Find out more about the key assessment criteriaand how examiners assess the Speaking section.