Evaluate Yourself | Learn How IELTS Bands Are Calculated

The band level of each module is calculated between 0 (being the lowest) and 9 (being the highest). Here, it is worthy to note that the bands need to be converted to their corresponding CLB level to understand your immigration score or in other words, your immigration scores cannot be calculated directly from your IELTS bands. It is also worthy to note that in the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) – another English language test that is recognized by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) – the bands are awarded between 0 (being the lowest) and 12 (being the highest). Below is a chart using which you can easily convert your individual IELTS bands to their corresponding CLB levels.

 

Does IELTS’ Overall Band has any significance in migration?

The straight answer is No. The overall band scores are calculated on the average of 4 modules (Listening score + Reading score+ Writing score+ Speaking score / 4) which is also between 0-9. However, the overall band score is rounded to the next half band if the average of the four sections ends in.25 and to the next whole band if it ends in.75. Securing an overall band score of 7 or above is considered to be a good score.

 

How are Bands calculated?

The marking criteria differ from one module to the other. Moreover, it is important to understand how the test taker is being assessed in each module.

Listening Module: in this module, you need to answer 40 questions for 40 marks which are later converted into band scores between 0-9. Scores are shown in whole and half bands. For example, if the test taker has given 35 correct answers, then his band score will be 8.5 and in the case of 12 correct answers, the band score will be 4.

Reading module: in this module, you will again have to answer 40 questions for 40 marks which are later converted into band scores between 0-9. Scores are shown in whole and half bands. For example: if the test taker has given 35 correct answers, then his band score will be 8 and in the case of 10 correct answers, the band score will be 4.

Writing module: in this module, the test taker needs to complete 2 tasks – letter and essay writing task. Examiners assign a band score for each of the four categories using the following assessment criteria:

1. Task achievement for letter and task response for essay
2. Grammar range and accuracy
3. Lexical resources
4. Coherence and cohesion

The criteria are equally weighted, and the assigned score on the task is the average.

 

Speaking module: in this module, the test taker needs to be present for a face-to-face interview with the examiner and complete 3 parts (part 1: introduction and interview, part 2: individual long turn, and part 3: two-way discussion). The speaking band score is assessed by the certified examiners based on the following four criteria:

1. Pronunciation
2. Lexical resources
3. Grammatical range and accuracy
4. Fluency and coherence

The criteria are equally weighted, and the assigned score on the task is the average.

 

In summary

To crack all 4 modules in IELTS, it is essential to pay close attention and understand the scoring criteria. Whenever you take up a mock test, it is important to know the individual bands more than the overall band. This will help you monitor your progress and prepare better.

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