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IELTS Listening Band Score Calculator

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Updated on Sep 29, 2024, 15:01

IELTS Listening is one of the prominent sections of the test! Before you start your preparation, it’s important to understand how the IELTS Listening Band score works. 
 

The scoring for IELTS Listening is very similar to the Reading section. The listening section gets a score in the range 0-9. Let’s find out more in detail! 

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1. IELTS Listening Band Score Calculator

The Listening test comprises 4 audio recordings of real-life situations, academic lectures, or societal issues. 

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2. What Does Your IELTS Listening Band Score Mean?

Each band between 0 and 9 signifies a certain level of proficiency. Have you wondered why most universities ask for a minimum of 6.0 for admissions? 6.0 indicates that your English is good enough for active communication at the university. 

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IELTS Listening Band Score Calculator

Enter your IELTS sectional score to get overall score

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The Listening test comprises 4 audio recordings of real-life situations, academic lectures, or societal issues. The 4 parts are as follows: 
 

  • Part 1: Conversations between two individuals,
  • Part 2: Monologues from everyday social contexts, such as speeches
  • Part 3: Group discussions involving up to four people
  • Part 4: Monologues from academic settings, like university lectures
     

The Listening test has 40 questions, and each correct answer earns you 1 mark. These questions are designed to assess your ability to understand, follow up with, and extract relevant information. 
 

All your correct answers (your raw score) are converted to an IELTS equivalent score. For example, to secure a band score of 8 on the Listening test, you typically need to attain a raw score of 35 out of 40 questions. 

 

IELTS Listening Band Score Chart

 

Here’s a full breakdown of what your IELTS Academic Listening Band Score means. Similarly, for those taking the General Training test, the conversion follows the same IELTS General Listening Band Score parameters.

 

IELTS Listening Scores

Raw Score out of 40 Band Score
39-40 9
37-38 8.5
35-36 8
32-34 7.5
30-31 7
26-29 6.5
23-25 6
18-22 5.5
16-17 5
23-25 4.5
11-12 4

 

2.

What Does Your IELTS Listening Band Score Mean?

Each band between 0 and 9 signifies a certain level of proficiency. Have you wondered why most universities ask for a minimum of 6.0 for admissions? 6.0 indicates that your English is good enough for active communication at the university.

 

To understand the specifics, refer to the band descriptors for listening, which explain how your scores reflect your listening abilities. Whether you are aiming for an IELTS GT Listening Band Score or an academic score, this information will help you prepare effectively.
 

Here is a full breakdown.

 

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IELTS Band Score Descriptors

Band Skill Level Description
9 Expert User Fully commands the language fluently, accurately, and appropriately with complete understanding.
8 Very Good User Fully commands the language with occasional minor errors. May misunderstand in unfamiliar situations but handles detailed arguments well.
7 Good User Commands the language well, with occasional errors and misunderstandings. Handles complex language and detailed reasoning
6 Competent User Generally communicates effectively, with some errors and misunderstandings. Can understand fairly complex language, especially in familiar situations.
5 Modest User Can grasp overall meaning in most situations despite making many mistakes. Can manage basic communication within their field
4 Limited User Basic competence in familiar situations but often struggles with understanding and expression. Difficulty using complex language.
3 Extremely Limited User Understands general meaning in very familiar situations, with frequent communication breakdowns.
2 Intermittent User Can communicate basic information using simple words or phrases in familiar situations. Struggles with understanding spoken and written English.
1 Non-user Unable to use the language except for isolated words
0 Did not attempt the test No information available about the user

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FAQs

Q. How do you calculate the IELTS Listening band score?

A. Your performance in the listening section determines your IELTS Listening band score. You are scored on a scale of 0 to 9. The IELTS Listening test has 40 questions, with each correct answer earning you one mark. The sum of your scores, known as raw scores, is converted into an IELTS band score.

Q. What are the different levels of the IELTS Listening band score?

A. The IELTS Listening band score ranges from 0 to 9, with each band representing a specific listening proficiency level. A score of 0 suggests that the user likely did not attempt the test, while a score of 9 indicates an expert listening comprehension level. Typically, scores of 6.0 and above are considered good enough for most universities.

Q. How can I improve my IELTS Listening band score?

A. Improving your IELTS Listening band score requires regular practice and targeted preparation. Here are a few strategies to help you improve:

 

  • Practice listening to audio materials, including lectures, conversations, and news reports.
  • Develop effective listening techniques, such as predicting, focusing on key information, and noting important details.
  • Familiarise yourself with different accents and speaking styles to enhance your listening comprehension.
  • Take practice tests to assess your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Q. What are the criteria for assessing the IELTS Listening band score?

A. The IELTS Listening test does not have specific band descriptors like the other sections. Instead, your score is based on the number of correct answers you provide across various question types. These questions assess your ability to understand main ideas, specific details, opinions, and implied meanings in spoken English.

Q. What are the various question types used in IELTS Listening?

A. The question types in the IELTS Listening test include:
 

  • Multiple Choice
  • True/False/Not Given
  • Matching
  • Sentence Completion
  • Summary Completion
  • Diagram/Map/Plan Labelling
  • Short Answer Questions
Q. Is there a break between sections in the IELTS Listening test?

A. No, there are no breaks between sections in the IELTS Listening test. The entire section lasts approximately 30 minutes and must be completed in one sitting. You will listen to four recordings and answer questions based on each recording. It's essential to manage your time effectively to complete all questions within the allotted time.

Q. Can I write on the question paper during the IELTS Listening test?

A. Yes, you can write on the question paper during the IELTS Listening test. You can underline key points, circle important words, and make notes to help you answer the questions. However, remember to transfer your answers to the answer sheet before the end of the test.

Q. How many questions are there in the IELTS Listening test?

A. The IELTS Listening test consists of 40 questions, divided into four sections, with each section containing ten questions. You will listen to four recordings, and each recording corresponds to one section of the test. Each correct answer earns you one mark.

Q. What can I do to improve my listening speed for the IELTS Listening Test?

A. To improve your listening speed for the IELTS Listening test, practice listening to a variety of audio materials regularly. Focus on understanding the main ideas and key details while listening, and try to predict what the speakers will say next. Additionally, use techniques such as note-taking and summarising to help you process information more efficiently while listening.

Q. How long does the IELTS Listening test last?

A. The IELTS Listening test lasts approximately 30 minutes. It consists of four recordings, and you will have time to read the questions and write your answers as you listen to each recording. The test is divided into four sections, with each section corresponding to one recording.