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IELTS Reading Band Scores: Complete Calculation Guide
The IELTS Reading test evaluates your ability to understand written English through a range of question types. It includes 40 questions based on three long passages, testing comprehension, vocabulary, and analytical reading skills.
To perform well, it’s essential to understand how IELTS Reading band scores are calculated and how your raw score (number of correct answers) converts into a final band score. This guide breaks down the scoring system for both Academic and General Training IELTS Reading tests.
How IELTS Reading Band Scores Are Calculated
You receive one mark for each correct answer in the Reading section. There are no negative marks, so it’s best to attempt every question.
Your total correct answers form your raw score, which is then converted into an IELTS Reading band score ranging from 1 to 9.
Although both the Academic and General Training Reading tests have 40 questions, the difficulty level of the texts varies. Hence, the raw-to-band conversion differs between the two.
IELTS Academic Reading Band Score Chart
Here’s how Academic IELTS Reading raw scores are converted into band scores:
Number of correct answers (Raw Score) | IELTS Reading Band Score |
|---|---|
15 | 5 |
23 | 6 |
30 | 7 |
35 | 8 |
Example: If you get 30 correct answers in Academic Reading, your score will be Band 7.
IELTS General Training Reading band score chart
The General Training Reading test uses simpler texts, so you need more correct answers to achieve the same band score.
Number of correct answers (Raw Score) | IELTS Reading Band Score |
|---|---|
15 | 4 |
23 | 5 |
30 | 6 |
34 | 7 |
38 | 8 |
Example: A score of 34 correct answers gives you Band 7 in General Training Reading.
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IELTS Reading Band Scores As Per Skill Level
Here are the Reading band scores according to the skill level. This will help you understand how you are marked based on the band you have scored:
Band scores
IELTS Reading band scores
Tips to Improve Your IELTS Reading Band Score
Practice skimming and scanning – quickly identify keywords and main ideas.
Focus on time management – spend no more than 20 minutes per passage.
Review question types – headings, True/False/Not Given, matching, etc.
Build academic vocabulary to interpret synonyms and paraphrasing in passages.
Take mock IELTS Reading tests under timed conditions to assess progress.
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