One question that perplexes a lot of students that how the IELTS score is calculated. They want to know the scale of measurement so that they know what is the amount of effort needed to score at least band score 6 in the IELTS exam. In addition to this, they also want to know that where they need to put the effort (whether it is for vocabulary or grammar or handwriting or ideas or……….) for a higher score. Understanding how the IELTS band score is calculated is crucial for effective preparation. IELTS is a multi-level exam. You get a score between 1 and 9 for each section. Half scores such as 6.5 are possible. Universities often demand an IELTS score of 6 or 7. They may also demand a minimum score in each of the 4 sections.Here’s a detailed explanation for each module:
Listening and Reading
Listening:
- The Listening module consists of 40 questions. Each correct answer is worth one mark.
- Your raw score (out of 40) is then converted to a band score ranging from 1 to 9.
- Example: If you get 30 out of 40 correct answers, your band score is approximately 7.0.
Reading:
- Similar to Listening module, the Reading module also consists of 40 questions, with each correct answer worth one mark.
- The raw score is converted to a band score.
- Example: In the Academic Reading test, a raw score of 30 out of 40 typically converts to a band score of around 7.0. For the General Training Reading test, a raw score of 34 might convert to a band score of approximately 7.0.
Writing and Speaking
Writing:
- Writing scores are determined by four criteria: Task Achievement (Task 1) or Task Response (Task 2), Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
- Each criterion is scored from 0 to 9, and the average of these scores forms the overall Writing band score for task 1 or task 2.
- Example for Band 7: For Task Achievement, you must address all parts of the task and present a clear position. Coherence and Cohesion require logically organized information. Lexical Resource involves using a sufficient range of vocabulary. Grammatical Range and Accuracy require complex sentence structures with occasional errors.
Speaking:
- Speaking scores are based on four criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation.
- Each criterion is scored from 0 to 9, and the average forms the overall Speaking band score.
- Example for Band 7: For Fluency and Coherence, you should speak at length without noticeable effort and use a range of connectives. Lexical Resource requires a variety of vocabulary with some flexibility. Grammatical Range and Accuracy involve using complex structures with occasional errors. Pronunciation should be clear with some features of native speaker-like intonation.
Combining Scores
- Your overall IELTS band score is the average of your four module scores (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking), rounded to the nearest half or whole band.
- Example: If your scores are Listening 7.0, Reading 6.5, Writing 7.0, and Speaking 7.0, the average is (7.0 + 6.5 + 7.0 + 7.0) / 4 = 6.875, which rounds up to an overall band score of 7.0.
Data Supporting Band Scores
- According to IELTS.org, band descriptors and the scoring system are designed to provide a consistent measure of English proficiency. Studies have shown that the scoring system is reliable and valid across different test versions and locations.
Understanding the detailed breakdown of band scores and the specific requirements for each module can significantly aid your preparation and performance on the IELTS exam.
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