IELTS Listening Band Descriptors with Scores, Check Here

IELTS Listening Band Descriptors: The IELTS Listening test evaluates a candidate’s ability to understand spoken English in academic and everyday settings. IELTS Listening band descriptors explain the overall performance of the candidates on a scale of 0-9 band score. The highest band score is represented by 9 bands and 0 denotes the test was not attended. Whether you're aiming for a band 6.0 or a perfect 9.0 in the IELTS exam, understanding these descriptors can help you identify your strengths and areas for improvement, so you can better prepare for the test.

Also Read

• Free IELTS Listening Practice Tests
• Question Types In The IELTS Listening Test

IELTS Listening Band Descriptors

The IELTS Listening section contains four parts with a total of 40 questions. Each correct answer earns one mark, and the total number of correct answers (raw score) is converted into a band score ranging from 1 to 9. 

IELTS Listening Score Conversion Table

Here is an estimated band score converter based on the number of correct answers. The conversions may slightly vary across different test versions due to variations in difficulty.

IELTS Listening Band Score Descriptors

Each  IELTS band score corresponds to a defined level of English proficiency. Here’s a detailed explanation of IELTS Listening Band Score Descriptors from 0-9 scale. 

Band 9 – Expert User

• Fully operational command of the language

• Uses English accurately, fluently, and appropriately

• Shows complete understanding

Band 8 – Very Good User

• Fully operational command with occasional unsystematic inaccuracies

• Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations

• Handles complex and detailed arguments effectively

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Band 7 – Good User

• Has operational command despite occasional errors

• Can handle complex language and understand detailed reasoning

Band 6 – Competent User

• Generally effective command with some inaccuracies

• Can understand fairly complex language in familiar situations

Band 5 – Modest User

• Partial command of the language

• Can manage basic communication

• Likely to make frequent errors

Band 4 – Limited User

• Basic competence is limited to familiar contexts

• Frequent problems with understanding and expression

• Difficulty using complex structures

Band 3 – Extremely Limited User

• Understands only general meaning in familiar situations

• Communication breaks down frequently

Band 2 – Intermittent User

• Limited to isolated words or short formulae

• Difficulty in understanding spoken or written English

Band 1 – Non-User

• No real ability to use the language

• May recognize a few isolated words

Band 0 – Did Not Attempt the Test

• The test was not attempted

Also Read : IELTS Listening Tips, Expert Tips And Strategies

Key Features of the Listening Test

Here are some significant features of the IIELTS listening format:

• Test Duration: Approximately 30 minutes, with 10 minutes to transfer answers to the answer sheet

• Four Sections:

• Section 1: Conversation in an everyday context

• Section 2: Monologue in a social context

• Section 3: Academic or training-based conversation

• Section 4: Academic monologue (lecture)

The IELTS Listening band score is a crucial component of your overall IELTS score and significantly impacts your chances of admission to universities, immigration processes, or employment abroad. Understanding how the scores are calculated and what they reflect will help in setting realistic goals and structuring a focused study plan.

Guidance of PW IELTS

Physics Wallah offers multiple online IELTS courses for all students. Follow the IELTS pages to better prepare for the exam.