Understanding Your IELTS Score: Result, How to Check, Validity & More

The IELTS test can be your ticket to studying at some of the best universities abroad. But before you start dreaming of your life at Oxford or MIT, let’s break down what your IELTS score means.

In the IELTS test, your English skills are measured using bands that go from 0 to 9. Each band represents a different level of competence. 

For example, band 6 represents you’re competitive or fairly good in English, whereas band 4 means you are a limited user and have room for improvement.

The exam evaluates you across four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section is scored on a scale from 0 to 9, with increments of 0.25, 0.5, or 0.75. These scores are then averaged to give you an overall band score.

So, if you score 6.5 in Reading, 5 in Writing, 7 in Speaking, and 6.5 in Listening, your average score would be 6.25, rounded to an overall band score of 6.5.

But there’s more to understanding your IELTS score. So in this guide, we will help you understand your IELTS score, how to check it, and its validity. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what your scores mean and have some solid strategies to boost your score.

Let’s get started.

What is the IELTS exam?

The IELTS ( International English Language Testing System) is an English proficiency exam taken by non-native English speakers who are aiming to study, work, or relocate abroad. This exam is taken by 3 million people every year, which is testimony to its reliability and its acceptance in multiple institutions worldwide.

There are two types of IELTS exams: Academic and General Training. Both are available throughout the year. 

Students willing to study abroad choose the first exam where as people looking for work or moving abroad choose the latter option. Both exams evaluate your Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing skills in English.

One of the best parts about the IELTS is its flexibility. The test is conducted 48 times a year, four times every month. So you can pick a date that works for you.

The scoring criterion is almost similar for both the exams and you can understand it in more detail in the next section. 

IELTS exam scoring in 2024 (Section-wise)

The IELTS scoring method involves calculating the average of the sum of the individual band scores from each section of the exam. 

Let us break that down for you:

• Each section of the IELTS exam – Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking is allotted a band score between 0 and 9. These band scores are determined by your performance in each section. 
• The individual band scores are then added together, and the total sum of these band scores is divided by 4 (the number of sections) to give you an average score. 
• This average score is then rounded off to the nearest whole or half band to give you the final band score on a nine-band scale.

Now that you have understood how your total score is determined, let us understand how to score well within each section.

Section 1: Listening 

The ‘Listening Section’ consists of 40 questions which you have to answer within 30 minutes. You will listen to four audio recordings, where each audio recording presents 10 questions that are ‘multiple choice’ type or ‘fill in the blanks’ type. 

Each right answer will be awarded 1 raw mark. Then, these raw scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale, as follows:

Section 2: Reading 

The Reading section also has 40 questions which you must answer within 30 minutes. You get one raw score for each right answer. Then, this raw score is converted into the nine-band scale. 

We have listed down the respective IELTS band scores for the respective number of correct scores below:

Section 3: Writing section

The Writing section consists of two tasks:

Task 1: Describe, analyze, or summarize visual information (e.g., graphs, charts, tables, or diagrams).

Task 2: Write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem.

You have 60 minutes to complete both tasks. 

Criteria that determine your score:

Each of these criteria is scored from 0 to 9. The scores are then averaged to give an overall band score for the Writing section.

Section 4: Speaking section

The Speaking section is divided into three parts and lasts 11-14 minutes:

Part 1: Introduction and interview (4-5 minutes). You answer questions about yourself and familiar topics.

Part 2: Individual long turn (3-4 minutes). You receive a card with a topic and have 1 minute to prepare. Then, you speak on the topic for 1-2 minutes.

Part 3: Discussion (4-5 minutes). You discuss issues related to the topic from Part 2 in a more general and abstract manner.

Assessment criteria:

• Fluency and Coherence: How well you speak continuously and logically.
• Lexical Resource: Your range and accuracy of vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Your use of various grammatical structures correctly.
• Pronunciation: How clear and understandable your speech is.

Each of these criteria is scored from 0 to 9. The scores are then averaged to give an overall band score for the Writing section.

Validity of the IELTS score

Your IELTS score remains valid for two years from the date you receive your results. If you are not satisfied with your score in a particular section, you have the option to take a one-skill retest. This allows you to retake just one section of the test (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) rather than the entire exam, giving you a chance to improve your score in that specific area.

How do you check your test scores?

If you have attempted the online format, then here’s how you can find out your scores:

1. Visit the official IELTS website.
2. Log in with the correct details into your IELTS account. 
3. After you log into your IELTS account, you can see the test results section, where you can see your overall and individual scores.
4. If you registered through IDP, you can access your results on the official IDP account.
5. If you register for the exam through the British Council, you’ll receive an email with the link to view your IELTS results.

What is a good score?

An IELTS band score of 7 and above is considered good, which will make you eligible to apply to many universities.  

Here’s a breakdown of the band scores along with the proficiency status:

• Band 9: Expert 
• Band 8: Very good 
• Band 7: Good 
• Band 6: Competent 
• Band 5: Above satisfactory
• Band 4: Satisfactory
• Band 3: Poor
• Band 2: Extremely Poor 
• Band 1: No score

You must also note that every university has a specific IELTS score range set up as a benchmark. Students can check these scores, plan their IELTS preparation, and aim for a score the university requires.

How to prepare for the IELTS exam?

You need a good plan and lots of practice to score well on the IELTS. Here’s a list of things you can do to prepare for the IELTS exam:

• Understand the IELTS test format

To get a good IELTS score, you need to get familiar with the test format. 

Understand the different sections such as Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, and the different types of questions like multiple-choice questions, short answers, essays, and even talking out loud. The key here is practice. Practice academic sample questions for each section. Get used to the types of questions you’ll face. 

• Make a study plan

Next, you should make a study plan. A well-structured plan helps you cover all parts of the IELTS without feeling overwhelmed. If you’re not sure where to start, the IELTS guided study plan is exactly what you need. It’ll give you a detailed study plan and direct you toward IELTS resources and guides to enhance your preparation. 

• Use official preparation materials

Take free IELTS Practice Tests to get a sense of the real exam. It helps you check your readiness and find parts where you need to work harder. Use IELTS prep books and stuff made by the test makers. These resources give you the best idea of what the test is like.

• Work on your English skills

One proven way to improve your English skills is by building a good routine for each test section:  

• Listening: Check out English podcasts, news, and movies to boost your listening game. You can also refer to the one-hour masterclass by Rocco Nigro to get insights to crack the Listening section.
• Reading: Pick up English newspapers, journals, books and read them to refine your fluency and accent.
• Writing: Work on essays, reports, and letters. You can also refer to the free resources like General and Academic writing questions to practice as per the exam structure.
• Speaking: Talk to native English speakers or other IELTS students. Practice talking about different topics. Try to be smooth, say words correctly, and make sense.

• Sign up for IELTS preparation classes

Sometimes, a bit of guidance can make all the difference.

If you prefer structured learning, consider enrolling in IELTS prep classes. Experienced teachers can provide valuable feedback and track your progress. If you’re juggling a busy schedule, the online IELTS prep masterclass is a great option.

Programs like the Cambridge Prep program or Macquarie’s 15-day online course are also great for getting started with guided IELTS preparation.

All these tips and strategies will undoubtedly boost your IELTS prep and help you score well. However, scoring well on the IELTS is just the beginning.

Finding the right university and securing the best loan are equally important. That’s where SelectRight and FundRight come into the picture.

Find the best university abroad

SelectRight simplifies the complex process of finding the right university and your ideal program abroad.  Here’s how you can use it:

1. Set up your profile: Provide your personal details and educational background. 
2. Outline your needs: Specify the kind of program you are interested in, your preferred field of study, and the university location you’re seeking.
3. Get AI-powered matches: SelectRight will analyze your profile and preferences and suggest programs that fit your criteria.
4. Compare and choose: Review the matches, considering costs, rankings, campus facilities, and what matters most to you.
5. Get personalized advice and help with your applications.

So, take the first step towards finding your best-fit university. Sign up on SelectRight.

After you shortlist the best universities, you will also need to secure an education loan to fund your study-abroad plans. FundRight can help with this. 

Secure the best education loan with FundRight

Here is how you can use FundRight to get the best education loan. 

1. Register on FundRight: Start by creating your account on FundRight.
2. Unlock loan offers: Receive loan offers from over 15 top lenders, within 2 days. 
3. Upload your documents: Submit the necessary documents to proceed with your loan application.
4. Get assistance: Work with a financial advisor to customize your loan offer according to your needs.
5. Wait for approval: Get your loan approved in 10 days. 

So, remember, understanding your IELTS score and knowing how to check it is vital. But equally important is choosing the right university and securing the best loan to make your study-abroad dream a reality.

FAQs

What is a good IELTS score?

A good IELTS score is typically 7.0 or higher on the 9-band scale. Scores between band 5 and band 9 are considered acceptable, but a score of 7.0 or above indicates a strong grasp of English. This level of proficiency meets the requirements of many colleges, employers, and immigration offices.

What is a good IELTS score out of 340?

The IELTS exam is not scored out of 340. The IELTS uses a 9-band scale, with 9 being the highest and 1 being the lowest.  There is no direct conversion between IELTS scores and a 340-point scale.

How long are IELTS scores valid?

Your IELTS scores stay good for two years after you take the test. When this time is up, your scores won’t work anymore. If you need to use them for things like getting into college or applying for a visa, you’ll have to take the IELTS again.

What are the good IELTS score percentiles?

IELTS scores don’t have specific percentiles. But people think a score of 7 or higher is pretty good. This score meets what lots of universities and employers want. To figure out what’s a good IELTS score for you, think about these things:

• What’s the lowest score your chosen university or employer will accept
• What overall score you’re aiming for, and what scores do you need in each part (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking)
• How hard was the IELTS test that you took (Academic or General Training)

Keep in mind that getting a good IELTS score means you can do what you want – study overseas, get a job in an English-speaking country, or move to a new place to live.