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Marking Standard

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  • The IELTS Listening test contains 40 questions. Each correct answer is awarded one mark. Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.
  • The IELTS Reading test contains 40 questions. Each correct answer is awarded one mark. Scores out of 40 are converted into the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands. The Academic and General Training Reading tests are graded on the same scale. The distinction between the 2 tests is one of genre or text type. However, 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.
  • To learn how many questions you need to answer correctly, please check the link below:
  • In IELTS Writing test, candidates are asked to complete two tasks. Examiners use assessment criteria to award a band score for each of the four criteria. The criteria are weighted equally and the score on the task is the average.
    • Task Achievement (Task 1) & Task Response (Task 2)
    • Coherence and Cohesion
    • Lexical Resource
    • Grammatical Range and Accuracy
  • In IELTS Speaking, Examiners use assessment criteria to award a band score for each of the four criteria. The criteria are weighted equally and the Speaking band score is the average.
    • Fluency and Coherence
    • Lexical Resource
    • Grammatical Range and Accuracy
    • Pronunciation
  • The individual scores you receive from Listening/Reading/Writing/Speaking are then averaged and rounded to produce an overall band score.
    • Case 1: You individual scores are 6.5/5/7/6.5. (6.5+5+7+6.5)/4=6.25
      Your overall band score is 6.5.
    • Case 2: You individual scores are 4/3.5/4/4. (4+3.5+4+4)/4=3.875
      Your overall band score is 4.
    • Case 3: You individual scores are 5.5/6/5/4. (5.5+6+5+4)/4=5.125
      Your overall band score is 5.
  • IELTS test score is valid for 2 years.
  • IELTS 9-band Scale
    Band ScoreSkill LevelDescription
    Band 9Expert userhas fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.
    Band 8Very good userhas fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
    Band 7Good userhas operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
    Band 6Competent userhas generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
    Band 5Modest userhas partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.
    Band 4Limited userbasic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.
    Band 3Extremely limited userconveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
    Band 2Intermittent userno real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
    Band 1Non-useressentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
    Band 0Did not attempt the testNo assessable information provided.