With 9 being the highest and 1 the lowest, the IELTS reading band score ranges from 1 to 9 in 0.5 increments. The reading section contains 40 questions, each worth 1 point. A band score will be calculated from the raw score out of 40. There is no penalty for getting an answer wrong. You can get a full or half band for your IELTS reading score.
The validity of your IELTS score is two years from the date of the TRF issue. Moreover, the score chart is different for academic and general reading and this article provides for reading band descriptors and band calculator.
Calculating The Reading Band Score
After answering 40 questions correctly, your IELTS reading score will be translated to a band score between 1 and 9. The reading portion of the exam is for a total of 40 points, with each correct answer worth 1 point. The obtained raw scores out of a 40 will be graded into 1-9 bands.
The IELTS bands comprise both whole (4,5,7,8) and half (5.5, 7.5, 8.5) bands and they represent your English reading proficiency based on your performance in the 60 minutes of the test.
For example,
- Number of correct answers: 35
Raw scores obtained: 35
IELTS reading band score: 8 - Number of correct answers – 27
Raw scores obtained – 27
IELTS band score- 6.5
Ielts Band Score Descriptor
Reading ability in English is evaluated using the IELTS band score descriptors. Band scores are calculated by taking the raw score and dividing it by the percentage of questions answered correctly. Use the table below to evaluate how well you’re acquainted with the English language.
| Band Score | Skill Level | Description |
| 9 | Expert | Demonstrates a command of the language and an ability to express yourself clearly and correctly. Completely competent in all aspects of language command. |
| 8 | Very Good | Has a strong operational command, but struggles in unexpected situations. There may be some random errors here and there. Competent with intricate and lengthy arguments. |
| 7 | Good | Possessing a working knowledge of the language despite some gaps, incorrect usage, and misunderstandings. Able to grasp nuanced arguments and capable of dealing with complex prose. |
| 6 | Competent | There is a good grasp of the language despite several inconsistencies, misinterpretations, and poor word choices. Able to use and understand somewhat complicated language should similar circumstances arise. |
| 5 | Moderate | Limited fluency in the language. Capable of grasping the gist of most situations, even if may occasionally make mistakes. Able to carry on basic conversations within their field of expertise. |
| 4 | Limited | Only a passing knowledge of the language. While errors in comprehension are inevitable, is generally able to get the gist of what’s being said. Has the ability to communicate fundamentals within their discipline. |
| 3 | Extremely Limited | Uses inconsistent communication. Only in everyday settings with a broad meaning can they understand and be understood. |
| 2 | Intermittent | Extremely difficult to both listen and read English. Has a limited vocabulary comprised mostly of everyday expressions. |
| 1 | Non-User | Cannot communicate in English in any way. Quite limited in the vocabulary they possess. |
Ielts Reading Raw Score Conversion
| Number of Correct Answers | IELTS Academic Reading Band score |
| 40-39 | 9 |
| 38-37 | 8.5 |
| 36-35 | 8 |
| 34-33 | 7.5 |
| 32-30 | 7 |
| 29-27 | 6.5 |
| 26-23 | 6 |
| 22-19 | 5.5 |
| 18-15 | 5 |
| 14-13 | 4.5 |
| 12-10 | 4 |
| 9-8 | 3.5 |
| 7-6 | 3 |
| 5-4 | 2.5 |
Institutions and immigration authorities may look at your “IELTS reading band score” to get a sense of how trained are you with reading skills. We hope that the details provided in the article will help you to evaluate the reading scores and their criteria. For further guidance relating to IELTS, you may contact Admissify and we will be happy to help.
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FAQs
How do we calculate the IELTS reading band score?
IELTS reading band scores are determined by the number of questions answered correctly by each candidate. The IELTS reading band score is based on the raw score, which consists of the number of correct answers divided by the total number of questions. A whole band or half band might be assigned to the reading score.
Is 6.5 a good reading band score for IELTS?
Most IELTS gurus agree that a score of 6.5 is adequate, as this is the minimum level required by most universities.
How many questions have to be answered correctly for a band score of 7?
A total of 30–32 accurate responses are needed to earn a band score of 7. Your proficiency in the language will be reflected in this band score.
Gaurav Kandari is a seasoned study abroad consultant with over 5 years of experience, specializing in guiding students to the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. An avid traveler, he draws on his global adventures to enrich his consulting, providing invaluable insights to aspiring scholars.
