The IELTS Test Report Form is a comprehensive evaluation of your students’ language proficiency in the four sections of the IELTS test, along with their overall band score. Let’s dive deeper into how these scores are calculated and what they signify.
How are IELTS scores calculated?
In the IELTS test, individual scores for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking are equally weighted. These scores range from 0 to 9, with increments of 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75. To calculate the overall band score, the average of the four scores is taken. This score is then rounded to the nearest whole or half band, with scores ending in .25 rounded up to the next half band and scores ending in .75 rounded up to the next whole band.
What do IELTS scores show?
Each band score in the IELTS test indicates a specific skill level. Here is a breakdown of what each score signifies along with a description for better understanding:
- Band 9: Expert user – You have a complete command over the language, exhibiting appropriate, accurate, and fluent English usage, showcasing a deep understanding of the language.
- Band 8: Very good user – Your language command is fully operational, with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. You may face some challenges in unfamiliar situations but handle complex detailed argumentation well.
- Band 7: Good user – You possess an operational command of the language, although there may be occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings in certain situations. Generally, you handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.
- Band 6: Competent user – In spite of some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings, you have an effective command of the language. You can utilize and comprehend fairly complex language, especially in familiar scenarios.
- Band 5: Modest user – Your command of the language is partial, and you can understand overall meaning in most situations, even though you may make many mistakes. You should be able to engage in basic communication within your field of expertise.
- Band 4: Limited user – Your language skills are limited to familiar situations, and you often encounter difficulties in understanding and expression. You are unable to utilize complex language effectively.
- Band 3: Extremely limited user – You can communicate and understand only general meaning in very familiar situations, experiencing frequent breakdowns in communication.
- Band 2: Intermittent user – You face great difficulty in understanding spoken and written English.
- Band 1: Non-user – Except for a few isolated words, you have no ability to use the language.
- Band 0: Did not attempt the test – You did not answer any of the questions.
IELTS and the Common European Framework (CEFR)
The Common European Framework (CEFR) is an internationally recognized standard for describing language ability. It utilizes a six-mark scale ranging from A1 for beginners to C2 for advanced language skills. In the context of IELTS, the highest CEFR level would correspond to band 9.
Mapping IELTS scores against the CEFR framework can help your students gauge their language ability more accurately. It also enables teachers and examiners to compare IELTS skills and scores with those of other language tests and qualifications.
To learn more about IELTS and enhance your English language skills, visit englishfreelearn.com.