Understanding the IELTS reading score chart is an essential requirement as it helps you prepare your exam strategy for IELTS. International English Language Testing Service is the widely accepted English proficiency test across the globe. It consists of four sections testing your English language proficiency across four spheres namely reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Scores of each section range from 0 to 9 bands, while the overall band score is calculated based on the average scores of all sections. Let’s try to understand the IELTS reading score chart, factors affecting your scores, and tips to improve your IELTS test scores.
What is the IELTS Reading Module?
As discussed, the IELTS reading test consists of 4 sections i.e. Writing, speaking, listening, and reading. The reading module of IELTS is structured to evaluate the candidate’s ability to comprehend and analyze the written text. This activity is essential for a smooth experience in an English-speaking academic environment. General Training and Academic are two types of reading tests that the candidate has to choose between. The academic test is specifically designed for students aspiring to study abroad, while general training is for individuals visiting abroad for some other reasons. A 60-minute time limit will be set where the student has to complete 3 sections consisting of 40 questions. Candidates are awarded 1 mark for each correct answer.
| Type |
Details |
| Time |
60 minutes |
| Total number of sections |
3 |
| Total Questions |
40 |
| Marking |
+1 for each right answer. |
| Types of Questions Asked |
- MCQ
- Sentence Completion
- Short answer questions
- Diagram type
- Identifying views and claims (True and false type)
- Summary
- Matching Information
|
IELTS Reading Band Score Chart & Calculation
Description of IELTS Band Score
| Score |
Level |
Description |
| 9 |
Expert User |
The candidate has full command of the English language and has a comprehensive understanding of fluency, and accurate understanding in reading. |
| 8 |
Very Good User |
The candidate shows excellent command of the English language and is able to use it effectively. Can describe complex views and present arguments effectively. |
| 7 |
Good User |
The candidate shows occasional inaccuracies and few problems in understanding some situations. The ability of the candidate to handle complex languages is good. |
| 6 |
Competent User |
Reading the English language is effective and the candidate can comprehensively grasp and use complex language. |
| 5 |
Modest User |
Has basic language skills, makes frequent mistakes, and can handle simple tasks in their field. |
| 4 |
Limited User |
Has basic language skills in familiar situations but struggles with expression and understanding, and cannot use complex language. |
| 3 |
Extremely Limited User |
Can understand and communicate in familiar situations but experiences frequent communication breakdowns. |
| 2 |
Intermittent User |
Can communicate only in basic, familiar situations and struggles with understanding written and spoken English. |
| 1 |
Non-User |
Not able to use the English language effectively. |
IELTS Reading Band Score Calculation
As previously mentioned, General training and academic raw scores are considered and converted into IELTS band scores based on the IELTS reading band score scale. Even when the raw scores of general training and academic tests are the same, the band scores might vary as the difficulty level of the text in the reading section varies. Here is the table showing the reading band score chart based on your raw scores.
IELTS General Training Band Scale
IELTS Academic Test Band Scale
Factors Affecting IELTS Reading Scores
There are several factors affecting your reading scores and it is advised to understand them and consider those factors to improve your scores on the IELTS test. Here are some of those factors which affect IELTS reading scores.
- Reading Speed: Time being the limiting factor, you will only have 60 minutes to complete 40 questions. Reading speed plays an important role as spending too much on a question will make you compromise on your marks.
- Vocabulary: A strong command of English vocabulary is essential to understanding the texts in the reading section. The more words you know, the easier it will be to comprehend complex passages, especially in the Academic Reading version.
- Question Types: Question types vary in the IELTS Reading section and each type requires a different approach. Not knowing the right approach to answer a particular question will make you lose marks.
- Familiarity with Topic: While the IELTS Reading passages cover a wide range of topics, candidates may find it easier to answer questions on familiar subjects. However, it’s essential to remember that the test is designed to assess general reading comprehension skills, not subject-specific knowledge.
- Practice and Familiarity: The more you practice, the better you’ll get at identifying key information, managing your time, and understanding the reading strategies required for success.
Improve Your IELTS Reading Score with These Tips
- Practice Regularly: Consistently practicing IELTS reading materials will improve your speed and comprehension. Try to practice in similar test environments to tune your brain.
- Learn to Skim and Scan: Practicing skimming and scanning techniques will increase your reading speed, help you complete the test on time, and help you save a lot of time.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Read diverse sources to expand your vocabulary which helps you understand complex sentences easily.
- Understand the Question Types: Each question type has a unique approach. Familiarize yourself with all the question types in the IELTS Reading module and practice answering them using the right strategies.
- Practice Time Management: Since the test lasts only 60 minutes, practice managing your time effectively. Divide your time across the three passages, and don’t dwell too long on any single question.
- Review Your Mistakes: After completing practice tests, review your mistakes to understand why you made them. This will help you avoid similar errors in the future.
Conclusion
The IELTS Reading module plays a pivotal role in your overall band score, and understanding its format, scoring, and strategies is essential for success. By practicing regularly, improving your vocabulary, mastering skimming and scanning techniques, and becoming familiar with the various question types, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Reading test. With dedication and the right strategies, achieving a high band score in the IELTS Reading module is entirely possible, putting you one step closer to your academic or professional goals.
IELTS Reading scores: Understand the Band Score System and Achieve Your Best!
Explore ProgramFrequently Asked Questions
1. What Does the 9 Band in IELTS Reading Score Chart Signify?
9 - Band score in IELTS signifies that a candidate has excellent proficiency in the English language and can be a great fit in an English-speaking academic setting.
2. How Do You Get a 9 Band Score on the IELTS Reading Test?
Practice skimming and scanning techniques, and read diverse sources like newspapers and journals as most of the questions asked will be from those sources. Focus on areas of improvement to help you get a 9-band score in IELTS.
3. How Difficult is the IELTS Reading Section?
The difficulty level of IELTS is moderate to hard as time is the limiting factor in the academic reading section.
4. What is the Toughest Part of IELTS?
IELTS Writing is often considered the toughest part in the exam due to its strict time constraints as there is very limited time for candidates to think, process, and write to express their views.
5. What is the Good Band Score for Admissions into Universities Abroad?
An IELTS band score of 7 and above is considered good by most of the universities.
