Calculation of IELTS Band Scores

Here are the IELTS band descriptors for candidates to understand the scoring criteria better:

IELTS Overall band scores Descriptions
Band score 9 – Expert user The candidates giving the test have a fully operational command of the language. The way they apply English is appropriate, accurate, and fluent, and shows complete understanding.
Band score 8 – Very good user The test takers have a fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They might misunderstand a few things in unfamiliar situations but are efficient to handle challenging and detailed argumentation.
Band score 7 – Good user The test takers have a fully operational command of the language with only minor occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They might misunderstand a few things in difficult situations but can handle complex and detailed arguments well.
Band score 6 – Competent user The test taker has an effective command of the language; however, they face some kind of inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings. They can use and understand quite a complex language, particularly in case they are familiar with the situations.
Band score 5 – Modest user The test takers have a partial command of the language but cope with overall meaning in almost all situations. They can handle communication in their own field.
Band score 4 – Limited user The test taker’s basic competence is limited to some situations only. The candidates have problems with understanding and expression and are not able to use complex language.
Band score 3 – Extremely limited user The candidates are able to understand the only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are many breakdowns in communication.
Band score 2 – Intermittent user The test taker has great difficulty understanding written and spoken English.
Band score 1 – Non-user The test taker demonstrates no ability to use the language except for a few isolated words.
Band score 0 – Did not attempt the test The test taker doesn’t understand the language at all.

IELTS Band Descriptors For Writing, Reading, Listening & Speaking

IELTS Band Descriptors 2024: The IELTS band descriptors are identical for both IELTS Academic and General Training. Four categories and nine bands constitute the assessment criteria for IELTS band descriptors. the four criteria are- Fluency and coherence, Lexical resource, Grammatical range and accuracy, and Pronunciation.

In this article, we will get to know about the IELTS Band Descriptors in great detail.

IELTS Band Descriptors

Table of Content

  • IELTS Band Descriptors
  • Calculation of IELTS Band Scores
  • IELTS Band Descriptors for Writing
  • IELTS Band Descriptors for Reading
  • IELTS Band Descriptors for Listening
  • IELTS Band Descriptors for Speaking 
  • IELTS Marking Criteria

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