IELTS Reading Band Descriptors for 0 to 9 Band Score
Aspirants can check out the IELTS Reading band descriptors in this article. This article includes the IELTS Reading band and IELTS Reading Preparation tips.
Supriya Shrivastava25 Jun, 2024
Share
IELTS Reading band descriptors : As you practice on the IELTS Reading section, remember that moving up a full band score can require major gains in your English skills. If you believe you understand the test and have strong strategies, you dedicate more time and effort to improving your English rather than focusing just on test-taking methods.
Improving your band scores for each section of the IELTS is the only way to improve your overall IELTS Band score , which is the average of your four-part scores, so you're off to a good start by focusing on your reading skills. Fortunately, we can gain a lot from the IELTS reading title and IELTS Reading band descriptors offered by the IELTS test makers.IELTS Reading Band Descriptors Overview
The IELTS reading band score is evaluated on a 1-9 scale in 0.5 increments, with 9 being the highest and 1 being the lowest. The reading section consists of 40 questions, each giving one mark. Thus, the raw score from 40 will be translated into the band score. There is no negative scoring for wrong answers. The IELTS academic reading band score might be either full or half-band. The IELTS reading band score is valid for two years from the date of the TRF issue. The IELTS reading score chart varies between academic and general reading. This article gave a quick explanation of the band score calculation, IELTS reading score chart, IELTS Reading band descriptors, and more.| IELTS Exam Important Links | ||
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Syllabus 2024 | IELTS Band Score | IELTS Exam Dates 2024 |
| IELTS Exam Fees 2024 | IELTS Exam Pattern | IELTS Score Validity |
IELTS Reading Band Descriptors
The IELTS Reading band descriptors indicate the candidate's proficiency level in the IELTS Reading section. If a candidate receives an IELTS Reading band score of 8, it indicates that the candidate is an excellent English speaker. Candidates can review the skill descriptions for each band score below:| IELTS Reading band descriptors | ||
| Band score | Skill Level | Description |
| Band 9 | Expert user | You have complete operational proficiency in the language. You use English appropriately, accurately, and fluently, and you show thorough understanding. |
| Band 8 | Very good user | You have a complete grasp of the language, with just the odd unsystematic mistakes and incorrect use. In new environments, you may mistake some things. You handle complex, complete arguments well. |
| Band 7 | Good user | Although you sometimes use the language incorrectly and misunderstand certain situations, overall you have an operational grasp of the language. In general, you have a good grasp of complex vocabulary and precise thinking. |
| Band 6 | Competent user | Even if you sometimes use the language incorrectly and cause misunderstandings, overall you have a strong grasp of it. You can use and comprehend somewhat complicated language, especially in familiar contexts. |
| Band 5 | Modest user | You have a limited grasp of the language and can deal with broad meaning in most instances, but you are likely to make several blunders. You should be able to manage basic conversations within your field. |
| Band 4 | Limited user | Your basic ability is restricted to known scenarios. You regularly show difficulties in understanding and expression. You are unable to utilize complicated language. |
| Band 3 | Extremely limited user | In quite comfortable circumstances, you can only convey and understand generic meanings. There are regular failures in communication. |
| Band 2 | Intermittent user | You have difficulties understanding both spoken and written English. |
| Band 1 | Non-user | You are unable to utilize the language save for a few single words. |
| Band 0 | Did not attempt the test | You failed to give an answer to the questions. |
| IELTS Exam Important Links | |
|---|---|
| IELTS Reading Band Score | IELTS Listening Band Score |
| IELTS Speaking Band Score | IELTS Writing Band Score |
Band Score for Reading
The IELTS reading band score indicates a candidate's English language reading ability. The band score for reading is calculated using the aspirant's raw scores. If a candidate gets 7 IELTS bands in academic terms, 30-32 valid answers are provided. In IELTS general training , a 7 reading band score indicates 34-35 correct answers. A greater understanding of how to convert the raw reading score for the IELTS to band scores improves preparation. The following table defines how the reading band score chart is calculated for general and IELTS academic reading scores:| IELTS Reading band | ||
| IELTS Band Score | IELTS Academic Reading Raw Score | IELTS General Training Reading Raw Score |
| 9 | 40-39 | 40 |
| 8.5 | 38-37 | 39 |
| 8 | 36-35 | 37-38 |
| 7.5 | 34-33 | 36 |
| 7 | 30-32 | 34-35 |
| 6.5 | 29-27 | 32-33 |
| 6 | 26-23 | 30-31 |
| 5.5 | 22-19 | 27-29 |
| 5 | 18-15 | 23-26 |
| 4.5 | 14-13 | 19-22 |
| 4 | 12-10 | 15-18 |
| 3.5 | 9-8 | 12-14 |
| 3 | 7-6 | 9-11 |
IELTS Reading Preparation Tips
Learn how to do well on the IELTS Reading test and get a good band score on either the Academic or General Training test. Improve your time management skills. The first great recommendation is to enhance your time management abilities. Because the IELTS reading exam consists of three separate reading passages, 40 questions, and a time constraint of 60 minutes, time management is very important. To organize your time wisely, set aside at least 16-17 minutes for each part to read and answer. Also, use the final 3-4 minutes to transfer and review your answers. Read the instructions carefully. The second most crucial recommendation is to read the directions carefully. Because IELTS reading has 14 different question kinds, even competent students might lose points if they do not properly follow the instructions. So, pay great attention to the instructions to ensure that you follow them correctly. Don't panic. Don't panic, which is the second most important suggestion. Otherwise, you may need to make better decisions. Some IELTS reading questions may be simple, while others may be challenging. Beginners and expert learners should remain calm rather than anxious. If you have a difficult question, go on to the next one. Later, you may return to the harder questions. Improve Your Reading Vocabulary. Increase your IELTS reading vocabulary (lexical resources). It will get you one step closer to your desired band score. Learn new words to expand your reading vocabulary, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and frequent paraphrases. Be careful of synonyms. Use a dictionary or dictionary to help you comprehend the meaning and ensure proper spelling. Do not try to understand every word. Aim to grasp every word in the reading section, since this may result in running out of time. Instead, focus on the meaning of the phrases and the primary themes. Furthermore, concentrate just on the terms that are relevant to the inquiry. Guidance of PW Coaching IELTS online coaching by Physic Wallah aims to help the learning process by providing a well-organized preparation plan. PW provides IELTS Coaching for Academic and General Training . To get a band score of 8 or above on the IELTS test, candidates must participate in PW's IELTS coaching course.IELTS Reading Band Descriptors FAQs
Q1 - Can I retake the IELTS reading only?
Ans - Yes, applicants can retake any part of the IELTS test, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Q2 - How is the IELTS reading score?
Ans - An IELTS Reading score is obtained by the number of right answers to 40 questions. One mark is awarded for each correct answer. The IELTS Reading Band Score is calculated from the total raw score.
Q3 - How much is 6.5 in IELTS reading?
Ans - A 6.5 IELTS reading band score indicates that the candidate answered 32-33 accurate answers in general training and 34-35 in academic reading.
Q4 - What is 30 out of 40 in IELTS reading?
Ans - A score of 30 out of 40 is equal to a 7 IELTS reading band score for academic and 6 for general reading.
Q5 - What is a good IELTS score in reading?
Ans - A score of 7 is considered an excellent IELTS reading band. It proves that the candidate has.
Q6 - How can I get 8.5 in IELTS reading?
Ans - To get an IELTS reading band score of 8.5, candidates must stick to a solid study schedule and practice with samples regularly. Preparation under skilled mentors also assists applicants in achieving their target band score for reading.
Q7 - Can I retake the IELTS reading only?
Ans - Candidates can retake IELTS reading only however they must remember to retake the sections test throughout the IELTS result validity period.
Q8 - What is the hardest part of IELTS?
Ans - Most candidates believe that the writing section is the most difficult part of the IELTS exam. With sufficient planning and guidance, applicants can attain their target IELTS score.
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Check out these Related Articles
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.