When it comes to IELTS, most candidates panic not because of English, but because of confusion about how the scoring works. “Why did I get 6.5 instead of 7?” “Do examiners cut marks for handwriting?” “Can one small grammar mistake ruin my score?”
Relax — the IELTS scoring system isn’t a black box. It follows clear rules, with band descriptors and specific rounding policies. Let’s break it all down, so you finally understand what’s happening with your scorecard.
IELTS Band Calculation — How It Really Works
Step 1: Individual Module Scoring
- Listening → 40 questions, 1 mark per correct answer. Your raw score converts into a band (Academic & General Training have the same conversion table).
- Reading → Also 40 questions, but Academic vs General Training use different conversion charts.
- Writing → Marked by trained examiners on four criteria:
- Task Achievement / Response
- Coherence & Cohesion
- Lexical Resource
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy
(Task 2 carries more weight than Task 1.)
- Speaking → Scored on four equal criteria:
- Fluency & Coherence
- Lexical Resource
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy
- Pronunciation
Step 2: Overall Band Score
- The four module bands are added and divided by 4.
- Rounding rules:
- Average ending in .25 → round up to .5
- Average ending in .75 → round up to the next whole band
- Otherwise → rounded to the nearest half or whole band
👉 Example: Listening 7.5 + Reading 7.0 + Writing 6.0 + Speaking 6.5 = 27 ÷ 4 = 6.75 → rounded to 7.0
IELTS Band Descriptors — What Examiners Look For
Listening & Reading
These modules are purely objective: one correct answer = one mark. No examiner opinions, no handwriting issues. But conversion tables may slightly vary across test versions, so don’t obsess over one fixed number.
Writing
Examiners use public band descriptors. They want:
- A clear answer to the task (Task Achievement/Response)
- Logical paragraphing & linking (Coherence & Cohesion)
- Flexible, precise vocabulary (Lexical Resource)
- A range of accurate grammar (Grammar Range & Accuracy)
Remember: Task 2 is more important than Task 1.
Speaking
Examiners judge you holistically on fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Occasional mistakes don’t ruin your score — consistent problems do. Accent doesn’t matter as long as pronunciation is clear.
Top 5 IELTS Scoring Myths — Busted
Myth 1: Writing more words = higher score.
Nope. Irrelevant or repetitive content lowers your band. Quality > quantity.
Myth 2: Speaking & Writing are marked by computers.
Wrong. Both are marked by trained human examiners, moderated for fairness.
Myth 3: One grammar slip = lower band.
False. Examiners look at your overall accuracy and range, not one mistake.
Myth 4: Examiners are biased.
Not true. They follow strict band descriptors and are regularly standardized.
Myth 5: 30/40 in Listening always = Band 7.
Not guaranteed. The raw-to-band conversion can shift slightly per test version.
Practical Tips to Improve Your IELTS Score
- Download and study public band descriptors (free on IELTS.org).
- Focus on your weakest module — it drags down your overall band.
- Do timed practice tests for Listening & Reading to master accuracy.
- Plan before writing essays — structure matters more than writing 400+ words.
- Practice speaking daily — record, listen, and compare with descriptors.
- Get expert feedback — only a trained teacher/examiner can map your current level to descriptors.
What If You Think Your Score Is Wrong?
You can request an Enquiry on Results (EOR), i.e., a remark. But remember — your score can go up or down. Use it only if you genuinely believe there was a mistake.
Final Thoughts
The IELTS scoring system is transparent once you know the rules. Listening and Reading are about raw accuracy, while Writing and Speaking are about meeting the band descriptors. Don’t waste energy on myths — focus on what the exam actually rewards.
When you prepare smartly with descriptors in mind, your band score will rise.
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