Understanding IELTS Reading Band Chart & How You’ll Be Scored

The IELTS Reading section is one of the core segments out of the four areas on which a candidate needs to give the exam. And now it is equally important to understand the overall breakdown of this section in order to get the scoring right. So we will provide you with exactly that information about the IELTS Reading Band Chart, which will help you get clarity over these clouded questions.

Quick Recap of IELTS Reading

There are 40 questions on the IELTS Reading test. One mark is assigned to each correct response. The IELTS nine-band scale is used to calculate scores out of 40. There are complete and half bands for reporting scores.

The grades for the Academic and General Training Reading exams are the same. The difference between the two tests can be boiled down to text genre. Furthermore, materials used in Academic Reading assessments may have more challenging vocabulary or a more complicated writing style. On a General Training Reading test, it is typical that more questions must be completed correctly in order to receive a certain band score.

If you are preparing for IELTS and need a quick plan to improve your IELTS Reading band score, check out this video!

How to Improve IELTS Reading 2023 in 7 Days (BAND 7 in 7 Days)

IELTS Reading Band Scores: How Are They Determined?

IELTS band scores range from 0 to 9 and are computed in 0.5 increments. An example would be 5.5 or 6.5. For each of the sections—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—you will be evaluated using an IELTS band score chart. The “Band Score” is the sum of the scores given for each part.

The tables below indicate the average number of marks required to achieve a particular band score in Academic Reading and General Training Reading.

Academic Reading

Band score 5 = 15 out of a raw score of 40

Band score 6 = 23 out of a raw score of 40

Band score 7 = 30 out of a raw score of 40

Band score 8 = 35 out of a raw score of 40

General Training Reading

Band score 4 = 15 out of a raw score of 40

Band score 5 = 23 out of a raw score of 40

Band score 6 = 30 out of a raw score of 40

Band score 7 = 34 out of a raw score of 40

Band score 8 = 38 out of a raw score of 40

How is the Overall Band Score calculated?

The average of the four required grades rounded to the nearest full band or half band forms the overall band score. Partial grades are equally weighted.

Band total scores are rounded up to the nearest half band if the mean of the four components ends in 0.25, or to the nearest full band if it ends in 0.75. Final grades are rounded down if the average is less than 0.25 or 0.75.

For example, for Listening 6, Reading 7, Writing 8, Speaking 7, the total score is (6+7+8+7) / 4 = 7.

The score is either 1-band or 1-band 1/2 (such as 7 or 7.5). Other fractions such as 7.25 and 7.75 are not allowed.

So what do they do if the total score is neither a full band nor a half band?

There is one rule:

Round up to the nearest half score if it ends in 0.25 and round up to the nearest full band score if it ends in 0.75.

Let us understand the above rule with the help of some examples.

• If you get 6 in Listening, 7 in Reading, 8 in Writing, 6 in Speaking, your total score is (6+7+8+6)/4 = 6.75 – the rules say round up – so you get 7. increase.

• If your score was Listening 6 Reading 7 Writing 8 Speaking 8, then your total score is (6+7+8+8)/4 = 7.25 – round up to 1/2 in the rules – then the actual band you received is 7.5.

• But if you get 6 for Listening, 6.5 for Reading, 6 for Writing, and 6 for Speaking, your total score is (6+6.5+6+6)/4 = 6.125. The rule is to round down to the nearest full band score. So you get 6.

• If you get 6.5 in listening, 6.5 in reading, 6.5 in writing, and 7 in speaking, your total score is (6.5 + 6.5 + 6.5 + 7) / 4 = 6.625 – the rules round down to the nearest half-band score – i.e. you get 6.5.

It’s not that burdensome if you get the hang of it. And, don’t forget to apply rounding rules!