Band Score for 26 Correct Answers in IELTS Listening Section

One of the most frequently asked questions related to the IELTS exam is about the conversion of the raw score to the equivalent band score for the listening and reading modules. For example, candidates want to know the band score of 26 correct answers in IELTS Listening to learn what they have achieved and make a better plan to aim for a higher band score.

In this blog, we will discuss what it means to get 26 correct answers in IELTS Listening along with other important related details!

Band Score for 26 Correct Answers in IELTS Listening

The IELTS Listening exam consists of 40 questions, and it is the same for both the IELTS Academic and IELTS General exams. Each correct answer in the test earns the candidate 1 point, and there is no negative marking for wrong answers.

The number of correct answers or the raw score (out of 40) is converted to the test-taker’s band score using a predefined scale. Below is a general guideline for how raw scores correspond to IELTS band scores:

Therefore, if the candidate gets 26 correct answers in the IELTS Listening section, this generally corresponds to a Band 6.5.

Sample Breakdown for Achieving 26 Correct Answers in IELTS Listening

Achieving 26 correct answers in the IELTS Listening section means candidates will need to strategically aim for accuracy across the four sections.

While the first two sections are easier, the second two will be more challenging. So, Section 1 & 2 are the best opportunities to maximize the number of correct answers, as the IELTS vocabulary and speed are usually manageable for most test-takers.

Below is a sample breakdown of how test-takers can distribute their correct answers across the four sections to reach a total of 26 correct answers.

If they hit this target in each section, they will get 26 correct answers, that is equivalent to the band score of 6.5.

What Does Band 6.5 Mean in IELTS Listening?

A score of 6.5 indicates a competent level of English. According to the official IELTS descriptors, a Band 6.5 in IELTS Listening means:

• Candidate has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings.
• Candidate can understand complex language in familiar situations and manage to follow extended speech in most situations.
• Candidate can identify the main ideas and specific information but may have difficulty when faced with unfamiliar accents or very complex discussions.

Usually, Band 6.5 is good enough for academic studies at undergraduate or postgraduate levels in English-speaking countries. However, some courses might require a Band 7 or higher.

Practical Tips to Reach 26 Correct Answers in IELTS Listening

The IELTS listening tips given below will help examinees, doing self-preparation for the exam, achieve 26 correct answers in IELTS Listening with ease.

• Improve listening to multiple speakers: Test-takers should practice with materials that feature various accents and group discussions to better handle the four sections. For example, Sections 3 and 4, which are conversations among 3-4 people in an educational or training context and a monologue on an academic subject, respectively. So, understanding the discussions and jotting down the answer with accuracy will become easier if test-takers are comfortable with different accents and group conversations.
• Familiarize with academic vocabulary: The test may use synonyms or paraphrases instead of the exact words that candidates hear in the audio. Moreover, Section 4 often includes technical terms. Therefore, building a robust vocabulary and understanding common words in IELTS Listening can help them avoid missing key answers.
• Improve Your Note-Taking: Besides improving vocabulary and IELTS Grammar, candidates need to learn how to take quick and effective notes while listening. They should focus on jotting down essential information like dates, numbers, and names, which are often part of the answers.
• Practice regularly: The more familiar candidates are with the format, the easier it will be to manage their time and focus during the test. It will also help them to be aware of concepts like signposting and IELTS Listening distractors that are quite common in this module.
• Stay calm and focused: In the real test, missing a few questions is normal. So, it is vital to stay composed and move on to the next question instead of dwelling on the ones that candidates are unsure about.

Useful Resources to Get 26 Correct Answers in IELTS Listening

To get a 26 correct answers in IELTS Listening, equivalent to Band 6.5, candidates need to practice IELTS Listening practice tests under exam conditions, expose themselves to a variety of accents, and understand the IELTS test pattern. For that, they need the best study material for IELTS Listening.

So, we have listed the top resources that will help them hone their abilities, increase their accuracy, and get ready for the test are listed below.

• Compilation of Latest Actual Tests for IELTS Listening: Guide to Focus on Listening Skills - The practice tests, audio recordings, strategies, tips, vocabulary exercises, and tracking tools provided in this ebook can help candidates improve their listening skills and their performance on the test.
• Cambridge IELTS Books: Practice tests from Cambridge provide a reliable way to simulate the real exam. They provide real past exam papers along with audio files for the Listening section. These books are invaluable for both practice and understanding the scoring system.
• The official IELTS website offers free sample test papers and resources specifically for listening practice. These sample papers follow the actual test format, helping you get accustomed to question types and timing.
• YouTube channels like IELTSMaterial - IELTS Preparation & Study Abroad provide lots of free listening practice, tips, and mock tests. They frequently upload materials for all sections of the test and include step-by-step strategies for improving your listening skills.

To conclude, a score of 26 correct answers in IELTS Listening means candidates have achieved a band 6.5, which is a competent level of English. Aiming for such higher scores needs work on listening skills, especially focusing on accent comprehension, paraphrasing, and the ability to process information quickly. With consistent practice and focused effort, candidates can improve their band score and reach the desired level of proficiency for academic or immigration purposes.

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