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The IELTS Test	Page 1
Test Modules	Page 2
Listening	Page 3
Reading	Page 4
Writing	Page 5
Speaking	Page 6
Marking and Bands	Page 7

Scoring and Bands

There is no such thing as a pass or fail in IELTS as it is just an indicator of the level achieved in the test on that day.  Candidates may require a specific level for entry into University or for immigration purposes and this level will be preset by the appropriate institution.  The level indicators or bands used in IELTS are as follows:

IELTS Bands
Band	Definition
9	Expert user	Full operational command and completely fluent.
8	Very good user	Handles complex language well with just the occasional inaccuracy.  May misunderstand unfamiliar situations.  Good with detailed argumentation.
7	Good user	Good command of English with occasional inaccuracies and inconsistencies.  Can handle complex language and situations including detailed reasoning.
6	Competent user	Has a good command of English despite numerous errors and can use quite difficult language especially in familiar situations.
5	Modest user	Can handle basic communication although is likely to make numerous mistakes.  Can handle situations quite well in familiar circumstances
4	Limited user	Competence in familiar situations only. Does not understand complex language.
3	Extremely limited user	Can only use English in very familiar circumstances.  Frequently stops and cannot continue
2	Intermittent user	Has great difficulty with all aspects of English and cannot communicate other than with isolated words. Not familiar with written and spoken English.
1	Non user	No ability maybe a few isolated words
0	Did not attempt the test	No recognizable information

The overall result from the 4 sub tests is divided by 4 and the total score rounded up or down to the nearest half band.  Both 4.25 and 5.75 would round up to 4.5 and 6.0 respectively and 5.23 and 6.65 would round down to 5.00 and 6.5 respectively.

The band system used in IELTS is copyright and therefore should not be used to assess student performance when teaching them.  The students scores attained should be recorded in the normal a percentage 100% format and for comparison purposes multiplying by 0.09 will give an idea of how the score would compare to an IELTS Band.

Example:                    73% x 0.09  =  6.57 

For IELTS purposes the Band would be rounded down to, Band 6.5

For a Reading and Listening Score Sheet press this link:     Score Bands
This is quite a large picture of a score sheet so please be patient.