Your IELTS reading band score is vital as it demonstrates the ability to understand and process information from written texts. It is crucial for academic, professional, and personal success in English-speaking environments. Moreover, the reading scores also impact your overall IELTS score, which is often required for university admissions, visa applications, and employment. Therefore, it is important to understand the requirements so that you can achieve your target reading band score. So, let’s begin!
Table of Contents
The IELTS reading section consists of 40 questions across three long texts. Besides, there are a variety of questions that can be asked in this section. The IELTS Reading band score is calculated based on the number of correct answers in the test. With each correct answer, you will be awarded 1 mark. However, these will be your raw scores, which will then be converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. It is essential to attempt all questions, as unanswered questions give no IELTS reading score. Moreover, the structure of the Reading component differs between the Academic and General Training IELTS tests. However, the number and kind of questions remain the same in all test formats.
Here is an example of the reading band score Academic chart for your reference and understanding of how your raw scores are converted into band scores:
| Number of correct answers (Raw Score) | IELTS Academic Reading Band Score |
|---|---|
| 40-39 | 9 |
| 38-37 | 8.5 |
| 36-35 | 8 |
| 34-33 | 7.5 |
| 32-30 | 7 |
| 29-27 | 6.5 |
| 26-23 | 6 |
| 22-19 | 5.5 |
| 18-15 | 5 |
| 14-13 | 4.5 |
| 12-10 | 4 |
| 9-8 | 3.5 |
| 7-6 | 3 |
| 5-4 | 2.5 |
Here a table of the IELTS General Reading band score chart for your reference and understanding of how raw scores are converted into band scores:
| Number of correct answers (Raw Score) | IELTS General Training Reading Band Score |
|---|---|
| 40 | 9 |
| 39 | 8.5 |
| 37-38 | 8 |
| 36 | 7.5 |
| 34-35 | 7 |
| 32-33 | 6.5 |
| 30-31 | 6 |
| 27-29 | 5.5 |
| 23-26 | 5 |
| 19-22 | 4.5 |
| 15-18 | 4 |
| 12-14 | 3.5 |
| 9-11 | 3 |
The IELTS Reading band score chart that is displayed below illustrates the skill level associated with the band. Further, their detailed descriptions are also provided for your reference.
| Band | Skill Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Did not attempt test | No assessable information provided |
| 1 | Non-user | Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words |
| 2 | Intermittent user | No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English |
| 3 | Extremely limited user | Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur |
| 4 | Limited user | Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems with understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language. |
| 5 | Modest user | Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in their own field |
| 6 | Competent user | Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies, and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations |
| 7 | Good user | Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning |
| 8 | Very good user | Has full operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex, detailed argumentation well |
| 9 | Expert user | Has full operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate, and fluent with complete understanding |
There are a lot of factors that affect your reading IELTS score, especially while taking the reading test. Read on to know about these elements.
1. Reading Speed
There is limited time available to complete all 40 questions. Thus, improving reading speed and taking the IELTS reading practice test plays an important role. Besides, develop skimming and scanning skills.
2. Enhanced vocabulary
A wider vocabulary allows for faster and more accurate comprehension. Thus, improving your IELTS score in all parts. Familiarizing yourself with different genres by reading diverse materials can improve your overall vocabulary.
3. Familiarity with the Test Format
Practicing with various question types to familiarize yourself with the format will boost your confidence. You may take the IELTS mock test and get used to multiple choice, True/False/Not Given, matching, sentence completion, and other important question types.
4. Understanding the instructions
Reading and carefully understanding the instructions provided for each question in the test is essential. This may definitely have an impact on your IELTS result and scores.
5. Managing your time effectively
The IELTS Reading test has a strict time limit, since the test lasts only 60 minutes, practice managing your time effectively. You must divide your time across the three passages and not dwell much on one question.
To wrap up, the IELTS reading score is a crucial part of the exam. Moreover, to attain your desired score, it is important that you understand the format, scoring, and strategies properly. With the right amount of practice, knowledge, and using techniques, you can achieve a good band score. Further, you may use our IELTS band calculator tool and get one step closer to your academic or professional goals without much hassle.
1. How Difficult Is the IELTS Reading Section?
The IELTS reading section is generally considered moderate to hard, with time constraints and complex vocabulary contributing to its difficulty. Thus, to improve your IELTS reading score, you must practice well.
2. Can I Get a 9 Band Score on the IELTS Reading Test?
Yes, achieving a Band 9 IELTS reading score is definitely possible. However, it requires dedication, preparation, and the use of effective reading strategies. Further, taking mocks and sample tests will help you succeed.
3. What Is the GT Reading Band Score in IELTS?
The GT Reading band score refers to the scores of the IELTS General Training (GT) reading test. There are a total of 40 questions, and each correct answer helps you get a single mark.
4. What Does the IELTS Reading Band Score Signify?
An IELTS Reading band score signifies your ability to understand and comprehend written English at a certain level. The scores range from 0 to 9, indicating your English proficiency in the reading section.
We are available in :
BangaloreAhmedabadJaipurHyderabadKeralaPuneChandigarhMumbaiGurgaonChennaiKolkataTrivandrumNoidaKochiCalicutKottayamKollamThrissurIndoreUdaipurdisclaimer:logos and other registered trademarks of universities used on this platform are held by their respective owners. Gradding does not claim ownership or association on them, and their use is purely for informational and illustrative purposes.
