Listening and Reading Sections:

1. Raw Score Conversion: The number of correct answers in the Listening and Reading sections is converted into a raw score.
2. Conversion to Band Score: The raw score is then converted into a band score using a conversion table provided by the IELTS test administrators. The conversion table maps the raw score to the corresponding band score, which ranges from 0 to 9.

Writing Section:

1. Task Response and Coherence and Cohesion: Examiners evaluate the test taker’s ability to address the task requirements and maintain a clear and logical flow of ideas.
2. Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Examiners assess the range and accuracy of vocabulary used and the test taker’s command of grammar and sentence structures.
3. Band Score Allocation: Each of the four assessment criteria is evaluated and assigned a band score ranging from 0 to 9. These individual band scores are then averaged to obtain the final Writing band score.

Speaking Section:

1. Fluency and Coherence: Examiners assess the test taker’s ability to speak fluently with a smooth flow of speech and logical organization of ideas.
2. Lexical Resource: Examiners evaluate the range and accuracy of vocabulary used by the test taker.
3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Examiners assess the test taker’s command of grammar and sentence structures.
4. Pronunciation: Examiners evaluate the clarity and accuracy of the test taker’s pronunciation.
5. Band Score Allocation: Each of the four assessment criteria is evaluated and assigned a band score ranging from 0 to 9. These individual band scores are then averaged to obtain the final Speaking band score.

Overview of the band score descriptors:

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) band score is a standardized measure of an individual’s English language proficiency. The band scores range from 0 to 9, with each band representing a specific level of language ability. Here’s an overview of the band score descriptors:

Band 9: Expert User

• Has a fully operational command of the language with complete understanding.
• Uses English fluently and accurately in all contexts.
• Rarely makes errors and can handle complex language tasks.

Band 8: Very Good User

• Has a fully operational command of the language with only occasional inaccuracies.
• Handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
• Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

Band 7: Good User

• Has an operational command of the language, with occasional inaccuracies and misunderstandings.
• Generally handles complex language and understands detailed reasoning in familiar situations.
• Can use and understand fairly complex language, especially in familiar contexts.

Band 6: Competent User

• Has an effective command of the language, despite some inaccuracies and misunderstandings.
• Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
• Generally copes with overall communication, but may struggle in unfamiliar contexts.

Band 5: Modest User

• Has a partial command of the language, with many errors and misunderstandings.
• Can handle basic communication in familiar situations but is likely to make frequent mistakes.
• Struggles with complex language and may have difficulty understanding or expressing ideas.

Band 4: Limited User

• Has a basic command of the language, with frequent errors and misunderstandings.
• Can convey and understand basic information in familiar situations but often struggles with complex language tasks.

Band 3: Extremely Limited User

• Has a very limited command of the language, with great difficulty understanding and expressing ideas.
• Can only convey and understand the general meaning in very familiar situations.

Band 2: Intermittent User

• Has great difficulty understanding and using English, even in the most basic situations.
• Limited vocabulary and struggles with communication.

Band 1: Non-User

• Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond a few isolated words.
• No practical understanding of English.

Band 0: Did not attempt the test or did not answer any questions.

Overall Band Score:

The Overall Band Score is calculated by taking the average of the band scores obtained in each of the four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The average is rounded to the nearest half or whole band score.

It’s important to note that the IELTS band scores represent different levels of English language proficiency, with 9 being the highest score indicating expert user proficiency, and 0 indicating non-user proficiency. Each band score corresponds to a specific level of language ability as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).