IELTS Listening Band Score: The IELTS Listening Band Score is a critical part of the overall IELTS assessment. It reflects a candidate’s ability to understand spoken English across a range of real-life contexts. The IELTS Listening section tests how well a person can comprehend spoken English in academic and everyday settings such as regular conversations, identifying detailed information, or complex audio passages.
The IELTS exam assesses listening skills using a standardized band scale that ranges from Band 1 (non-user) to Band 9 (expert user). Each band level represents a specific degree of language skill. The IELTS Listening Band Score helps both examiners and test takers understand how performance is measured in terms of accuracy, understanding, and ability to follow spoken language.
Understanding the IELTS Listening Band Score system not only clarifies how your performance is evaluated but also helps you set realistic goals and track your progress as you prepare for the exam.
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IELTS Listening Band Score
For candidates, who wish to sthe IELTS Listening Band Score is an essential part of your overall IELTS result. Understanding how your IELTS Listening score is calculated can help you prepare better and set clear goals.
In this guide, we have provided the IELTS Listening band score chart, how the raw score is converted, and share essential tips to help you maximize your performance in the Listening section.
IELTS Listening Band Score Descriptor
Each IELTS band score reflects a candidate’s listening proficiency. Here we are explaining IELTS Listening band descriptors:
| IELTS Listening Band Score Descriptor |
|
Band Score
|
Skill Level
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Description
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|
9
|
Expert User
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Complete mastery of the language; fluent, accurate, and fully understands everything.
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8
|
Very Good User
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Near-complete control of the language with minor mistakes; may misunderstand rare or unfamiliar topics. Handles complex discussions well.
|
|
7
|
Good User
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Strong language skills with some occasional errors or misinterpretations; capable of grasping detailed ideas and complex structures.
|
|
6
|
Competent User
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Effective use of English despite errors; understands and communicates fairly complex ideas in known contexts.
|
|
5
|
Modest User
|
Limited but workable language ability; manages basic communication but makes frequent mistakes.
|
|
4
|
Limited User
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Basic use in familiar contexts; struggles with understanding and accurate expression, cannot manage complex ideas.
|
|
3
|
Extremely Limited User
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Can only grasp general meanings in very familiar settings; communication breaks down often.
|
|
2
|
Intermittent User
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Can only express very basic information in isolated words or phrases; barely understands English.
|
|
1
|
Non-User
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Only knows a few words with no ability to use the language meaningfully.
|
|
0
|
Did Not Attempt
|
No answers provided; test was not taken.
|
What is the IELTS Listening Test?
The IELTS Listening test is common to both Academic and General Training formats. It evaluates your ability to understand spoken English in various contexts. A few important feature of the IELTS Listening test are as follows:
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Duration: 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes transfer time for paper-based test)
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Total Questions: 40
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Number of Sections: 4
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Question Types: Multiple choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labeling, form completion, and more.
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How is the IELTS Listening Band Score Calculated?
The IELTS Listening raw score (out of 40) is converted into a band score ranging from 0 to 9. Each correct answer receives 1 mark, and there is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
Here is an approximate IELTS Listening Band Score Conversion Chart:
| IELTS Listening Band Score Calculation |
|
Correct Answers (out of 40)
|
Listening Band Score
|
|
39 – 40
|
9.0
|
|
37 – 38
|
8.5
|
|
35 – 36
|
8.0
|
|
32 – 34
|
7.5
|
|
30 – 31
|
7.0
|
|
26 – 29
|
6.5
|
|
23 – 25
|
6.0
|
|
18 – 22
|
5.5
|
|
16 – 17
|
5.0
|
|
13 – 15
|
4.5
|
Why Does IELTS Listening Score Matter?
For candidates planning to study in the UK, Australia, Canada, or the USA, your Listening band score is a key component of your overall IELTS band score. Many universities require a minimum of 6.0 to 7.5 in Listening to admit international candidates.
Tips to Improve Your IELTS Listening Score
Here are some important tips to improve your IELTS listening band score:
- Listen to English podcasts, and radio shows, and watch English videos.
- Familiarize yourself with the IELTS listening format by doing full-length practice tests.
- Learn to jot down key points while listening to maintain focus.
- Expand your vocabulary by engaging with different forms of spoken English.
- Develop concentration skills and manage test anxiety to improve listening comprehension.
Achieving a high IELTS Listening band score requires consistent practice, strategic preparation, and an understanding of different listening skills. With the right approach, you can significantly improve your listening ability and score high in the IELTS exam.
Also Read: IELTS Listening Tips, Expert Tips And Strategies
Guidance to PW IELTS Prep
The IELTS Online Courses is a great initiative taken by PhysicsWallah to help IELTS aspirants better prepare for the exam. Follow our below pages to learn more about the IELTS exam.
