Scoring IELTS

The score from each section of the paper is called the Raw score and the final score is obtained by taking the average of the Raw scores. The below travel represents how the Raw score are used to get the final grade.

This table can be used to convert raw scores (out of 40) to band scores (out of 9). This helps test takers understand how many correct answers they need to achieve a particular band score.

Listening

Raw score out of 40	Band score
16	5
23	6
30.\	7
35	8

Reading

Raw score out of 40	Band score in Academic	Band score in General
15	5	4
23	6	5
30	7	6
34-35	8	7
38		8

Writing

This section is graded on the grounds of the following factors:

The performance in both the tasks.
Linguistic use.
Clarity and interrelatedness of the content.
Grammatical and spelling precision.

Speaking

The individual is graded on the following virtues:

Fluidity and articulation.
Linguistic use.
Diction.
Grammatical precision.

The IELTS Scale

Each final band score is associated with the particular skill level of the test taker. Here is a table indicating skills corresponds to each score :

Note: this IELTS scale is as per the scale provided by the IELTS administration.

Grade	Competency level	What does the grade indicate about the user?
0	No questions were attempted by the candidate.	This indicates that the candidate has almost negligible English skills.
1	Non-user	The candidate does not have any aptitude of English exempting a few generic words.
2	Intermittent user	The candidate has limited English skills and struggles with spoken and written English.
3	Extremely limited user	The candidate’s knowledge is confined to only general use of the language often accompanied by persistent mistakes during communication.
4	Limited user	The candidate is only familiar with the simple aspects of the language and struggles in understanding or using complex aspects.
5	Modest user	Such test takers have a good hold on simple English skills and can understand, though with some difficulty, complex skills in known situations. However, they are highly prone to making mistakes.
6	Competent user	These candidates tend to have a sufficient hold on the language to comprehend complex terms and phrases especially in their area of interest or expertise. However, inaccuracies, improper use and mistakes are still commonly seen.
7	Good user	The test taker can comprehend, express or use complex language and meticulous reasoning. Although,periodic errors, and improper usage are observed.
8	Very good user	Such candidates have a great understanding of the language. Errors and misunderstandings are occasionally present in only unfamiliar conditions.
9	Expert user	These candidates have an excellent and proper understanding of the language. Their use of the language is precise and articulate.