Back to: IELTS Basics
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognized test that assesses the proficiency of non-native English speakers in the language. One of the key components of the IELTS test is the Listening section, which is designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to understand spoken English in various contexts.
In this tutorial, we will explain the score calculation process for the IELTS Listening Test and provide charts to help you better understand how the scores are calculated.
IELTS Listening Test Format
The IELTS Listening Test is divided into four sections, with ten questions in each section. The total time for the Listening Test is 30 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes at the end of the test to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
The Listening Test is recorded and played only once, and the audio consists of a variety of accents and speaking styles. The topics covered in the test are related to everyday situations such as education, work, and travel.
Scoring System
The IELTS Listening Test is scored on a band scale of 1-9, with 0.5 increments. Each section of the Listening Test is equally weighted and contributes to the final score.
The score calculation for the IELTS Listening Test is based on the number of correct answers. There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so it is always better to attempt all questions, even if you are not sure about the answer.
The total score for the Listening Test is then converted into a band score based on the following chart:
| No. of Correct Answers | Band Score |
|---|---|
| 39-40 | 9 |
| 37-38 | 8.5 |
| 35-36 | 8 |
| 33-34 | 7.5 |
| 30-32 | 7 |
| 27-29 | 6.5 |
| 23-26 | 6 |
| 20-22 | 5.5 |
| 16-19 | 5 |
| 13-15 | 4.5 |
| 10-12 | 4 |
| 8-9 | 3.5 |
| 6-7 | 3 |
| 4-5 | 2.5 |
| 3 | 2 |
| 2 | 1.5 |
| 1 | 1 |
The chart shows that a raw score of 39-40 results in a band score of 9, which is the highest possible score. As the raw score decreases, the band score also decreases. A raw score of 1 results in a band score of 1, which is the lowest possible score.
Remember to practice regularly to improve your listening skills and achieve your desired band score on the IELTS Listening Test.