IELTS Scoring Explained (2025): Band 7 vs 8 vs 9 + Examiner Tips

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Description:
This episode of "IELTS Prepare by IDP" features host Roco Negro and IELTS expert Rose Aravanis, who boasts over 20 years of experience as a teacher, trainer, materials writer, and published author. The discussion focuses on "How IELTS is Scored" and how test-takers can leverage this knowledge to improve their scores.
Rose clarifies that IELTS does not have a pass or fail; instead, every test-taker receives a score from Band 1 (lowest) to Band 9 (highest), reflecting their English proficiency at the time of the test. A Band 0 is only given if a test is not attempted. Scores are provided for individual sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) and an overall score, with all sections being equally weighted. Individual section scores can include half bands (e.g., 6.5), and the overall score is an average of the four sections, rounded to the nearest full or half band. IELTS scores are generally recommended to be valid for two years, though institutions may accept older scores.
A significant part of the episode is dedicated to "Band Descriptors," which are the criteria examiners use to assess writing and speaking skills. Understanding these descriptors is crucial for test-takers as they reveal what is being assessed, helping them prepare better and avoid unnecessary mark deductions. It's recommended to review all band descriptors, not just the target score, to understand the progression of skills.
For IELTS Writing, four main criteria are assessed:
1. Task Achievement/Response: Evaluates how fully, appropriately, accurately, and relevantly the response addresses the task requirements, including correct format. For essays (Task 2), it also assesses the clarity, extension, and support of ideas, and the clarity of the test-taker's position. Bullet points are not allowed as responses must be in continuous prose.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Assesses the organization and logical flow of the response, including how well ideas and language are linked. Paragraphing is vital, especially for Task 2 (from Band 6 up) and for achieving Band 8 or higher in Task 1.
3. Lexical Resource (Vocabulary): Judges the range, accuracy, and appropriacy of vocabulary used, emphasizing that words must fit the context.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Evaluates the variety and correctness of grammatical structures. Mistakes are allowed, but their frequency and impact on communication are crucial, especially for Band 7 and above.
For IELTS Speaking, there are also four criteria, with lexical resource and grammatical range and accuracy being similar to writing. The other two unique criteria for speaking are:
1. Fluency and Coherence: Refers to the ability to speak continuously at a normal pace without excessive effort, logically linking ideas and language to form connected speech. Hesitations, if for ideas rather than language and not too frequent or long, may not severely impact the score.
2. Pronunciation: Assesses the range of phonological features used, including individual sounds, word stress, and connected speech. The goal is intelligibility; having an accent is acceptable as long as it doesn't hinder understanding.
Rose offers key recommendations for test-takers aiming to move from Band 6 to Band 7:
• For Writing: Practice English generally, learn as much as possible about the test and band descriptors (including watching official videos), and do practice tests under exam conditions. It's crucial to spend approximately 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2 due to their weighting (Task 2 is worth two-thirds of the writing mark). Always read tasks carefully to stay on topic and allow time at the end to check and correct any mistakes or typos, as fewer errors are expected at Band 7.
• For Speaking: Practice speaking frequently to improve fluency and reduce hesitation. Importantly, listen carefully to examiner questions and develop ideas beyond one-word answers.
The episode also addresses common test-taker questions, confirming that assessment criteria are the same for computer-based and paper-based tests, that ideas in speaking are only judged for their relevance, and clarifying rules around bullet points (not allowed), paragraphing (crucial for higher bands), and writing in capital letters (acceptable if punctuation is clear).
The top three pieces of advice for test-takers are: thorough preparation (understanding the test and band descriptors), consistent English practice across all four skills (including practicing under exam conditions), and allocating time to check writing for corrections. The episode concludes by encouraging listeners to utilize free IELTS preparation materials and resources available in the show notes.