IELTS Reading Band Score for Academic and General Test
IELTS Reading Band Score for Academic and General Tests. Learn how raw scores convert to band scores using the reading band score chart and improve your IELTS preparation.
Souvik Podder7 Aug, 2025
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IELTS Reading Band Score: This score reflects their ability to understand and read written texts, whether they opt for the Academic or General Training (GT) version of the test.
The IELTS academic reading band score and GT reading band score are calculated differently, depending on how many correct answers (raw scores) candidates secure out of 40 questions. For example, a raw score of 35-36 in the academic module typically results in an IELTS reading band score of 8.0. Understanding this reading band score chart helps plan targeted preparation for better performance.
IELTS Reading Band ScoreThe
IELTS reading band score is prepared based on the raw score secured by the candidates. If a candidate gets an 8 band score in the IELTS Academic reading section, his/her raw score is 36-35. Candidates can check the calculation of the IELTS reading band score for Academic and General Training below:|
IELTS Reading Band Score |
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| IELTS Reading Band Score | IELTS Academic Raw Score for Reading | IELTS General Training Raw Score for Reading |
| 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 Exam Important Links | |
|---|---|
| IELTS Band Score | IELTS Exam Fees |
| IELTS Exam Pattern | IELTS Score Validity |
IELTS Reading Band Score Descriptors
IELTS Reading Band Score describes the skill level of the candidate in the IELTS Reading section. If a candidate secures an IELTS Reading band score of 8, that describes that the candidate is a very good user of the English language. Candidates can check the IELTS Band score-wise skill descriptions below:|
IELTS Reading Band Score Descriptors |
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| IELTS Reading Band Score | Skill Level | Description |
| 9 | Expert user | The candidate has full command of the English language. The candidate understands fluent, accurate, and appropriate English. |
| 8 | Very Good User | The candidate can use the English language in all situations and has excellent ability in the language. The candidate can also use the language to describe any complex ideas. |
| 7 | Good User | The candidate may have some occasional misunderstandings and inaccuracies in English. The candidate can handle complex languages. |
| 6 | Competent user | Though the candidate can effectively read the English language, he/she has some inaccuracies in the language. The candidate also understands and uses complex language in familiar situations. |
| 5 | Modest user | The candidate makes many mistakes while describing any situation but has partial command of the language. The candidates can handle basic situations. |
| 4 | Limited user | The candidate has basic language competency. The candidate faces problems while understanding and expressing. |
| 3 | Extremely limited user | The candidates can understand and communicate in familiar situations. While communicating, the candidate can face frequent breakdowns. |
| 2 | Intermittent user | The candidate can communicate in only basic and familiar situations. In written and spoken English they can face difficulties. |
| 1 | Non-user | The candidate can’t use English language, knows only some selective words. |
GT Reading Band Score
GT (General Training) Reading Band Score is based on candidates' responses to 40 questions in the IELTS General Reading section. This section comprises three parts, which vary in difficulty, and tests comprehension through passages derived from everyday sources such as advertisements, handbooks, and official notices. The General Training band scores range from 1 to 9 and reflect how well candidates understand and interpret everyday written content. Achieving a higher band score requires strong reading comprehension skills, as well as the ability to quickly grasp and respond to information presented in various formats.Academic Training Reading Score
Academic Training Reading Score measures candidates' ability to comprehend more complex texts sourced from books, journals, and online materials intended for a non-specialized audience. These passages are designed to challenge candidates by including advanced vocabulary and sophisticated concepts. Candidates are scored based on their ability to interpret and respond to multiple-choice, matching, and True/False/Not Given questions, among other formats. Scoring well in the Academic Training Reading requires familiarity with a variety of academic subjects and the ability to analyze information critically.Reading Band Score Chart
The Reading Band Score Chart is a useful tool for understanding how raw scores (out of 40) convert to IELTS band scores (1 to 9) in both the General and Academic Training tests. For example, in the Academic Reading section, answering 30 questions correctly could result in a band score of around 7, whereas in General Training, the same number of correct answers may yield a slightly higher band score due to different scaling. This chart helps candidates set score goals by providing a clear reference to the number of correct responses required for each band level, facilitating targeted study and preparation.IELTS Reading Question Types
Candidates are asked 40 different types of questions in the IELTS Reading test. Candidates can check the type of questions asked in the examination.- Multiple choice
- Identifying information
- Identifying a writer's views/claims
- Matching headings
- Matching information
- Matching features
- Matching sentence ending
- Sentence completion
- Summary, note, table, flow-chart completion
- Diagram label completion
- Short answer
IELTS Reading Band Score FAQs
What band is 32 40 in IELTS reading?
Candidates can get IELTS Reading Band Score of 7 and above if they score between 32-40 raw score in the exam.
How is IELTS reading score?
IELTS Reading score is calculated based on the number of correct answers out of 40 questions. For every correct answer, 1 mark is awarded. Based on the total raw score, IELTS Reading Band Score is calculated.
What type of questions asked in IELTS Reading test?
Candidates can check the type of questions asked belowMultiple choice Identifying information Identifying a writer's views/claimsMatching headingsMatching informationMatching featuresMatching sentence endingSentence completionSummary, note, table, flow-chart completionDiagram label completionShort answer
Can I retake IELTS reading only?
Yes, candidates can retake any one section of IELTS test, whether it's reading, writing, listening, or speaking.
Is academic reading band score harder than general training?
Yes, typically, IELTS academic reading band score requires more correct answers than GT reading band score for the same band due to higher text complexity.
How can I improve my IELTS reading band?
Practice all question types regularly and improve reading speed. Understand the IELTS academic reading band score and GT reading band score criteria for targeted preparation.
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