Skill level Expert user Description Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.

Skill level Very good user Description Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.

Skill level Good user Description Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.

Skill level Competent user Description Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

Skill level Modest user Description Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.

Skill level Limited user Description Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.

Skill level Extremely limited user Description Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.

Skill level Intermittent user Description No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.

Skill level Non-user Description Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.

Skill level Did not attempt test Description No assessable information provided.

IELTS Reading band scores and what they mean

IELTS Reading band scores

Your IELTS Reading scores are calculated by the number of correct answers you have out of 40 questions in the test. You get one mark for each correct answer in the IELTS Reading test. The total correct answers will determine your 'raw' score from which your band score will be determined. It's very important to try and answer every question as a blank answer will get no marks.

Your IELTS Reading band score contributes to your overall IELTS band score.

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IELTS Reading Band Scores

The IELTS Reading test contains 40 questions. Each correct answer is awarded 1 mark. Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.

The IELTS Academic and General Training Reading tests are graded on the same scale. The Academic Reading test may contain texts which feature more difficult vocabulary or greater complexity of style. It is usual that a greater number of questions must be answered correctly on a General Training Reading test to secure a given band score.

Here are the average number of marks scored at different levels of the IELTS scale in Academic Reading, and General Training Reading sections. The precise number of marks needed to achieve these band scores will vary slightly from test version to test version.

Marks out of 40

Academic

Band Score 5: Reading 15
Band Score 6: Reading 23
Band Score 7: Reading 30
Band Score 8: Reading 35

General Training

Band Score 4: Reading 15
Band Score 5: Reading 23
Band Score 6: Reading 30
Band Score 7: Reading 35

IELTS Reading Assist

Complete an official mock reading test and receive personalised feedback from an IELTS Expert. Get a detailed report within 3-5 days on your reading skills indicating your strengths and weaknesses, and strategies for improvement via an action plan.

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