IELTS Reading Band Score - Marking Scheme, Calculate IELTS Reading Score

IELTS Reading Band Score Overview

The IELTS Reading test has 40 questions and the number of correct answers provided out of 40 determines the raw IELTS Reading score. In other words, if you correctly answer a question, you will receive one mark. In the IELTS Reading band score chart, the highest mark a candidate may receive is 40, and the lowest is 0. 

The IELTS Reading score is calculated on a scale of 0 to 9 based on the raw score and applicants will be given 60 minutes to answer all questions. The Reading band score chart calculates your score out of 40, and the percentage amount indicates how much your final score will be on a 9-band scale.

The Reading score is generated after testing a wide range of reading abilities on a variety of themes using a variety of question patterns. These include reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, understanding logical arguments, skimming, and recognising writers' perspectives, attitudes, and purpose. 

The number of correct answers delivered by students determines the IELTS academic reading score. 

IELTS Academic vs IELTS General Training

Here is a basic breakdown of the two types of IELTS exams: IELTS Academic vs IELTS General Training, before we know further about the IELTS Reading band score:

• IELTS Academic: IELTS Academic checks if your level of English language competence is appropriate for an academic setting. It assesses your readiness to begin training or learning by reflecting on the characteristics of academic language. Candidates can take this test if they desire to study anywhere in the world, apply for a student visa, or work for a professional organisation in an English-speaking nation.

• IELTS General Training: IELTS General Training evaluates English language skills in a real-world setting. The exercises and assessments are designed to reflect both working and social circumstances. Candidates must take this exam if they intend to study or train below the degree level, work or pursue work-related training in an English-speaking nation, emigrate to an English-speaking country, or find another career away from their home country.

IELTS Academic vs IELTS General Training Reading Section

As previously said, the primary goal of Academic vs General IELTS is to assess a candidate's ability to read, write, listen to, and speak English. The speaking and listening components of the test are identical for individuals taking the IELTS General and Academic tests. The writing and reading components, on the other hand, are distinct.

Academic Reading

The Reading component of the Academic and General IELTS differs in some ways. The Academic Reading section of the IELTS exam consists of 40 questions which the candidate has to attempt in 60 minutes. The applicant is required to read several sections and respond to the questions that follow. This section is intended to assess higher education candidates or working professionals. The test requires you to read three large paragraphs, which might be factual, analytical, or descriptive. To prepare for the exam, one must read a variety of texts on various topics from:

• Books

• Newspapers

• Journals

• Magazines

General Training Reading

Similar to the Academic Reading section, the General Training Reading section of the IELTS exam also consists of 40 questions that are meant to assess a person's reading ability or skills. These must be responded to within one hour. This test is thought to be less difficult than the academic test. The passages contain terms that are often encountered. The questions in this section will assess applicants’ ability to comprehend information found in daily materials such as:

• Newspapers

• Notices

• Advertisements

• Handbooks

• Brochures

Check out these articles to learn more about the IELTS:

How is the IELTS Reading Test Evaluated?

To understand the IELTS Reading band score, it is necessary to understand the pattern and types of questions that will be asked in the section. In the General and Academic Reading tests, applicants can expect a range of question styles, such as:

• Matching features

• Matching sentence endings

• Multiple choice

• Identifying information

• Summary, note, table, flow-chart completion

• Diagram label completion

• Short-answer questions

• Identifying a writer's views/claims

• Matching information

• Matching headings

• Sentence completion

IELTS Reading score adheres to the standard of no score deduction in the event of an erroneous response. The IELTS band score is the average of the individual scores obtained in each unit. It is also the result of 40 questions, with each correct answer worth one mark. The overall IELTS Reading score of 40 is then converted into the Academic Reading band score. Here are some key points to consider:

• A candidate may earn a score of ‘.5’, such as 7.5 or 6.5.

• A '.25' score will be increased to a '.5' score. A 6.25 score, for example, will be rounded to 6.5.

• A '.75' score is converted to the next whole number, for example, 6.75 is rounded to 7.0.

• A '.1' IELTS academic reading score will be adjusted to a lower number, for as 6.1 becomes 6.0.

Note: Given that there is no time allotted for transferring answers for the listening exam, reading answers should be transferred concurrently. Following the verification of the reading module answers, raw scores are generated and compared to the matching IELTS Reading band score ranging from 0 to 9. If both Academic and General Training tests vary, certain slabs are noted for raw scores corresponding to IELTS bands, which we will discuss further.

IELTS Reading Raw Score Conversion

The below-highlighted tables will help test takers to understand better the IELTS Reading raw score conversion to IELTS band scores for Academic and General Training tests:

Academic Reading Raw Scores Conversion 

General Training Reading Raw Scores Conversion 

IELTS Reading Band Score Scale

The IELTS Reading scores are reported on a 9-band scale. They are intended to be simple and unambiguous. They are reported as band scores ranging from 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest). The same scoring system is used in all IELTS Reading sections in different IELTS formats. The table given below showcases the IELTS Reading band score chart:

Tips to Improve Your IELTS Reading Band Score

To ensure that applicants can accurately answer a range of question types in the 60 minutes and achieve a higher IELTS Reading band score, they will need to manage their time. Listed below are some common preparation tips that will help applicants to manage their time and improve their Reading scores: 

• Read the Passage Quickly: The IELTS Reading test section includes 3 different reading passages. Applicants can swiftly skim through the full section to get the gist. Reading every sentence in detail is time-consuming and useless. Look for headings and subheadings, as well as significant points that describe the passage. This will help later while looking for answers.

• Take Special Note of the Introduction and Conclusion: The opening and conclusion of the passage frequently express the author's point of view. When applicants read these 2 sections of the reading passage, they can correctly answer the majority of the questions. After reading the introduction and conclusion, skim over the body of the passage.

• Determine Keywords: A keyword will assist applicants or readers in identifying the notion related to the passage. When skimming through the passage, identify these terms and underline or highlight them. This can assist readers in answering the majority of the questions that follow the passage.

• Go Through All the Questions Before Answering: Before applicants begin answering, it is always a good idea to have a glance at all of the questions. Remember that questions appear in groups of three, four, or more, so read that group before diving into the text. Make a point of emphasising essential information words in the questions, and because you have already reviewed the passage and recognised keywords, it will be easier to find answers.

• Answer Every Question: Always remember to answer every question, even if the answer or option is tough to find. If one is running out of time, remember that no marks will be deducted if the answer is wrong, so make an educated guess and one may get the answer right.

• Do a Final Check/Revision: Applicants can improve their IELTS Reading band score by checking their answers in the end. Applicants must ensure that they answer all of the questions and allow at least 20 minutes to check them.