The IELTS test assesses the English language proficiency of expatriates. It is an important reference for immigration, study or employment. The maximum score is 9 and the minimum is 1.
Each section: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking is worth 9 points. The final score is usually rounded to the nearest whole number or 0.5. For example, if the listening score is 6.5, the reading score is 6.5, the writing score is 5, and the speaking score is 7, adding up to a total of 6.25, the score will be rounded up to 6.5.
IELTS score requirements vary from country to country. For example, Canadian students may need a score of 6 to 6.5 for a visa. In Hong Kong, on the other hand, the average score of candidates is 6.53 and the average writing score is 5.85.
A score of 6.5 corresponds to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). A score of 7 corresponds to level B2.
To improve your IELTS score, you need to work on your listening, reading, writing and speaking skills. GETUTOR offers private tutoring to help students achieve their desired scores. Tutoring techniques include reading the test questions carefully, allocating time wisely, and focusing on expression.
With targeted training and lots of practice, students can perform better in exams and get the desired IELTS score.
Highlights
- IELTS total score ranges from 1-9 points, and each item is worth 9 points.
- The IELTS score includes the scores of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking sections and the total score.
- The total score is calculated by rounding up the average score of the four individual items to the nearest whole number or 0.5 point.
- Different countries have different IELTS score requirements, e.g. Canada requires 6-6.5 for student visa.
- IELTS score corresponds to the CEFR language level, e.g. 6.5 corresponds to level B1.
- To improve your IELTS score, you need to work on all four sections of the test, and you can seek help from IELTS tutors.
IELTS Introduction
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a global English language proficiency test. It assesses a candidate's ability to communicate in English in a variety of situations. The test is used for applying to foreign schools, immigration or other occupational needs. IELTS assesses all aspects of English proficiency through four sections: listening, reading, writing and speaking.

There are two types of IELTS tests: Academic and General Training. Candidates should choose according to the school they want to apply for or the immigration requirements. Each section is worth 9 points and the total score is the average of the four sections, with results rounded up or down to the nearest number or 0.5.
For example, a person scores 7.5 in Listening, 8 in Reading, 6 in Writing and 6.5 in Speaking. His total score is (7.5 + 8 + 6 + 6.5) ÷ 4 = 7.
The IELTS Listening and Reading sections are scored according to the number of questions answered correctly. The Writing and Speaking sections are graded by the examiner on a scale of 1 to 9. For added flexibility, IELTS can reassess some individual scores. If a candidate is not satisfied with a particular score, he or she can retake the test within 60 days. This is very helpful in situations where specific scores are required.
The IELTS test is widely recognised by more than 11,000 organisations in over 140 countries. Millions of test takers take the test each year to demonstrate their language skills, and IELTS is trusted as the leading English language proficiency assessment for its comprehensive content and fair scoring.
GETUTOR provides IELTS private tutor getutor.com.hk/findtutor
IELTS test results are valid for two years, and you can get your results in 13 days. For many people, IELTS is the key to a better future. With in-depth knowledge and preparation, achieving excellent results in all competencies will help you on your way to success.
IELTS Score Calculation
The IELTS test is divided into four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Each section is scored from 1 to 9. This represents your professional level.

Listening Score
There are 40 questions in the Listening section, each worth 1 point, up to a maximum of 40 points. The number of questions you answer correctly will correspond to a different score.
For example, if you can answer questions 39-40 correctly, you will get 9 points. If you answer questions 30-32 correctly, you will get 7 points. See the table below for a detailed score comparison.
Reading Section Scoring
Similar to Listening, the Reading section also has 40 questions, each with one point, out of a total of 40 points. The standard of 9 points is different for academic and general questions.
For academic questions, you can get 9 points by answering 39-40 questions correctly. However, for general questions, you need to answer all 40 questions correctly to get 9 points. Don't forget to check the "IELTS Reading Score Conversion Table" for details.
Writing Marks
There are no question marks in the writing section. After reviewing your essay, the examiner will award you a score from 1 to 9 based on the criteria. There are four points in the standard, each of which is worth 25%.
- The article is clear and answers the question
- Naturalness of writing and transition
- Whether the use of vocabulary is accurate and appropriate
- Is the grammar correct and the sentences strong?
For all the assessment criteria for the writing section, please refer to the 'IELTS Writing Marking Criteria' section.
Scoring of Speaking Section
Like writing, the marks for the speaking test are given directly by the examiner. There are four criteria, each of which accounts for 25% of the total score.
- Speaks fluently and coherently
- Use of appropriate vocabulary and large number of words
- Flexibility and accuracy in the use of grammar
- Clear and natural speech, good command of stress.
For details of the spoken language assessment, please refer to the "IELTS Speaking Scale" section.
Finally, you add up the scores from all four sections to get your total IELTS score. This score is very important, not only as an indication of your English level, but also in terms of your success in applications for academic and career opportunities. GETUTOR offers private IELTS tutoring that will increase your learning efficiency and enable you to achieve your desired IELTS score quickly.
IELTS Listening Score Conversion Table
Listening is important in the IELTS test. It assesses your ability to understand English. There are 40 questions, each worth 1 mark, totalling 40 marks. Your score will be converted into an IELTS listening score based on a comparison table.

| Number of questions answered | Band score |
|---|---|
| 39-40 | 9 |
| 37-38 | 8.5 |
| 35-36 | 8 |
| 33-34 | 7.5 |
| 30-32 | 7 |
| 27-29 | 6.5 |
| 23-26 | 6 |
| 20-22 | 5.5 |
| 16-19 | 5 |
| 13-15 | 4.5 |
| 10-12 | 4 |
| 6-9 | 3.5 |
| 4-5 | 3 |
| 3 | 2.5 |
| 2 | 2 |
| 1 | 1 |
As you can see from the table above, answering questions 23-26 correctly will give you 6 points. If you answer 30 or more questions correctly, your score will be 7 or more. This means you have good hearing. You can set a target score to estimate how many questions you need to get right.
Generally speaking, to apply for an undergraduate programme in an English-speaking country, you need to have a listening score of 6 or above. For a Master's programme, a total of 7 points and a listening score of more than 7 are required.
Listening is especially important for those who are studying abroad. When preparing for the exam, you should pay more attention to your listening skills, which will help you to get a good score and improve your chances of getting into your desired institution. This will help you to get a good score and improve your chances of getting into your desired university. GETUTOR offers private IELTS tutoring. We provide private tutoring for IELTS, focusing on listening and other areas to help you excel in the exam.
IELTS Reading Score Conversion Table
The score conversion for the reading section of the IELTS test varies according to the type of test. There are some differences in the score conversion between the Academic and General categories. By looking at the conversion table, you can see how the different scores correspond to the number of questions answered.

Academic Reading Score Conversion
In the IELTS Academic test, there are 40 questions in the reading section and each question is worth the same number of points. Candidates can use this conversion table to estimate their scores based on the number of questions answered correctly.
If a candidate answers 36 questions correctly, they get 8 marks. This shows that they have strong English reading skills.
Conversion of General Reading Marks
The reading scores for the IELTS General test are converted slightly differently. Below is a comparison of the scores for the General Reading section.
To obtain 9 marks, candidates need to answer all 40 questions correctly. Other marks are converted in a similar way to the academic category.
By referring to the conversion table, candidates will be able to see how their performance corresponds to the grade.
GETUTOR provides IELTS reading tuition for all levels. We provide customised training and guidance for different levels of candidates. This will help you to achieve your ideal score in the IELTS reading section.
IELTS Writing Marking Scheme
The IELTS writing test is scored in four main areas, each of which accounts for 25% of the total score. Each section accounts for 25% of the total score, and the test is divided into Task Completion, Coherence and Convergence, Vocabulary Use and Grammatical Correctness.

The use of words should be varied and accurate. Misuse of words should be avoided. Sentence structure should be varied. There should be few grammatical errors in the text.
| Grading | 9-point requirement | 8-point requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary richness | Ability to use a wide range of vocabulary with ease and fluency. | Rich and varied vocabulary with few spelling errors |
| Grammatical diversity and accuracy | Proficient in the use of complex grammatical structures with minimal grammatical errors | Accurate use of a variety of grammatical structures according to the requirements of the writing. |
| Completion of Tasks | Completely understood and answered the question in a comprehensive manner | All points are well covered, and the presentation is clear and complete. |
In order to prepare for IELTS writing, students should know the standard of the test and train for it. More practice will help students to improve their language skills.
GETUTOR provides private tutors for IELTS candidates. This will help you to achieve your ideal writing score and prepare you for your future migration or study.
IELTS Speaking Score

Fluency and Coherence
The examiner will be looking for fluency and consistency. You should speak with few pauses and should not repeat yourself too often. You should also speak at a moderate pace and use appropriate conjunctions.
These conditions should also be met when presenting complex content. These are the keys to scoring well in IELTS Speaking.
Vocabulary Resources
The use of words in speech is also important. Flexibility in the use of core vocabulary and synonyms is one of them. It is also important to avoid repetition of words.
There is often a correlation between IELTS speaking and listening and reading score performance. Demonstrate your varied and accurate vocabulary in your speech.
Grammatical Scope and Accuracy
It is also important to describe the meaning in grammatical terms. The examiner will be looking at your ability to use a variety of structures. Use of simple or complex sentences should be kept to a high level of accuracy.
If you want to get a high score in IELTS and other exams, it is necessary to build a good foundation. Grammar is one of the keys.
literary (rather than colloquial) pronunciation of a Chinese character
The clarity and naturalness of your voice is directly related to your pronunciation on the IELTS Speaking test. Clear pronunciation is easier to understand. This includes mastery of rhythm and intonation.
If you can pronounce it close to a native English speaker, and do it with care, your pronunciation score will be higher.
| Grading | percentage | Points to note |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency and Coherence | 25% | Is the expression fluent and coherent, with few pauses and little repetition or self-correction? |
| Vocabulary Resources | 25% | Vocabulary is rich and flexible in the use of synonyms; accurate in the use of words, avoiding repetition; able to use some uncommon words. |
| Grammatical Scope and Accuracy | 25% | Flexibility to use a variety of grammatical structures; few grammatical errors, rarely affecting comprehension |
| literary (rather than colloquial) pronunciation of a Chinese character | 25% | Pronunciation is clear and natural; Accent and intonation are appropriate; Accent does not affect communication. |
The IELTS Speaking test focuses on fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. All four areas are important for candidates who wish to improve their spoken English.
GETUTOR offers IELTS tuition to help you reach your 7 point target. This includes improving listening, reading and speaking.
IELTS Score Level Description
The IELTS test uses a scale of 1 to 9. This range reflects the different English language abilities of the test takers. The test consists of four sections: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The average score of these four sections is your final score.
Each score level represents a different level of language proficiency. This gives candidates an idea of how good their English is. IELTS scores are important in many ways. For example, to get into university, to emigrate or to get a job.
Level 9 - Skilled User
A score of 9 means you are very good. You did well in listening, speaking, reading and writing. You speak accurately and fluently, with few mistakes.
You can understand a wide range of accents and write in a clear spoken language. An IELTS score of 9 is excellent.
Level 8 - very good user
A score of 8 shows that your language skills are high. You performed well, but your score was below the maximum. You can easily cope with the academic and work environment.
Compared to a score of 9, you will occasionally make a few minor mistakes. This score has been accepted by many schools and companies.
Level 7 - Good User
A score of 7 means that you use English fluently. Most of the time you understand it well. But sometimes you may struggle with difficult questions.
You will have no problem working or studying in an English-speaking environment. This is a very good standard.
Level 6 - Eligible Users
A score of 6 shows that you can cope with everyday English. However, you may have difficulty with some in-depth topics.
It is important to memorise grammar and vocabulary. This way you will be able to use English better.
Level 5 - Adaptive User
Getting a score of 5, you can communicate in your daily life. But it needs more practice to improve.
This score is not good enough for an academic or professional environment. But come on, keep learning and you can do better.
Know what your IELTS score reveals about your English level. This is helpful when planning your studies. To improve your IELTS score, find out aboutGETUTORFind a professional tutor.
FAQ
How are IELTS scores calculated?
The total score of IELTS is between 1 and 9. It consists of listening, reading, writing and speaking. Each item is worth 9 points. The overall score is the average of these four items.
What are the sections of the IELTS test?
The IELTS test consists of four parts: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Each section is worth 9 points. When applying for the test, you can choose either Academic or General.
How are IELTS Listening and Reading scored?
There are 40 questions in both the listening and reading sections. For each question you get right, you get 1 extra point. The maximum score is 40. Points are converted to a scale of 1 to 9 according to the Points Conversion Table.
The scores listed in the conversion table vary according to the type of test. For more details, please refer to the official IELTS Listening/Reading Score Conversion Table.
What are the scoring criteria for the IELTS Writing and Speaking sections?
Writing and speaking are not graded on the basis of the number of questions passed. They are scored by the examiner on a scale of 1 to 9 based on a standard. Marks are awarded for vocabulary use, grammar, coherence and usage.
Writing standards include: task completion, coherence and articulation, vocabulary use, and grammatical correctness. Criteria for speaking include: fluency, vocabulary choice, grammar and pronunciation.
How do I understand the meaning of each IELTS score level?
IELTS scores range from 1 to 9. 9 is the highest score and means you are a "proficient user". 8 shows strong language skills. 7 is good, 6 is satisfactory, and 5 is a "moderate user".
The IELTS scores correspond to different levels of English proficiency. For more details, see the "IELTS Score Level Descriptions" section.
Source link
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