IELTS Marking Scheme 2024 – Complete Overview

The IELTS examination has certain parameters based on which the band scores are calculated. You can learn how to maximize your IELTS score by understanding the latest IELTS marking scheme and planning your test strategy accordingly. This will help in IELTS Band Score Calculation for Academic and General.

Results for the IELTS are given on a 9-band scale. The results are intended to be straightforward and easy to interpret. The results are given in band scores ranging between 1 and 9, with 1 being the lowest and 9 the highest. The same scoring system is used for both IELTS test types – Academic and General.

You will benefit from understanding the IELTS marking scheme and evaluation criterion, which provide clear signs of English proficiency and assist in understanding the IELTS band scores. For further reading to improve your IELTS performance, take a look at How to prepare for IELTS?

The IELTS band scale is illustrated below.

What is the IELTS Marking Scheme for 2024?

When scoring IELTS tests, examiners employ specific performance indicators and consider a test taker’s proficiency in –

• task response
• coherence and cohesion
• lexical resource
• grammatical range and accuracy.

Your prospects of passing the IELTS exam can be hindered if you don’t understand the topic or don’t respond in accordance with the established guidelines.

Let us consider each of these one by one.

Task Response

In the IELTS, task response refers to thoroughly reading the provided text and question, followed by composing an answer that stays on topic. It tests the student’s ability to respond to the question in its entirety and the quality of the thoughts they produce to back up their response. Good task response is a condition where all of the task-related requirements are fully satisfied. These objectives may include word counts, time limits, and content specifications.

Coherence and Cohesion

Coherence is predicated on the reasoning of the ideas and how they have been presented. Meanwhile, cohesion describes the path of connection between phrases or distinct clauses within a sentence so that the flow of ideas is easy to follow and clear. To achieve a high band score for coherence and cohesion, you must pay special attention to the following factors:

• Organisation of content
• Progression of ideas
• Use of cohesive devices
• References
• Paragraph structure

Lexical Resource

Lexical Resource is language vocabulary, to put it simply. Developing your vocabulary for the IELTS test is essential. It’s crucial to keep in mind that examiners do not want you to always use uncommon, complex, or flowery language. Instead, choose words that are closely related to and relevant to the subject instead.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Grammatical accuracy is the capacity to employ accurate grammar in a sensible way. Mistakes that interfere with communication are viewed as being more serious and can cause you to lose points.

Grammatical Range is the ability to convey intended meaning by utilising a range of sentence patterns, tenses, and other language elements.

To achieve a high score in this criterion, you must create sentences that are completely free of grammatical errors. A good variety of structures must also be evident to the examiner.

You can utilize the assessment criteria guidelines to

• assist you in marking your responses to practice tests and questions.
• improve your spoken English.
• comprehend the key distinctions between band scores and understand the requirements to attain your goal band score.

Conclusion

You must have a good grasp of the IELTS marking scheme for insights into obtaining an expert English user IELTS band. The IELTS marking scheme indicates to students why they have obtained certain scores for their efforts and what they can do to improve in the future.

To promote transparency in the assessment process and prepare students to evaluate their own work, clear and precise assessment criteria are used. This also facilitates deep learning and the growth of self-judgement skills.

Also check:

• IELTS Exam Preparation tips | How to prepare for IELTS?
• IELTS Books 2024 
• All Useful IELTS Writing Lessons & Websites
• 4 Secrets of IELTS Speaking Impress your Examiner