New IELTS Scoring Policies 2025

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most widely recognized English proficiency tests in the world. Every year, millions of candidates sit for it, hoping to unlock opportunities in study, work, or migration.

But there’s one area that creates endless confusion: IELTS scoring. Candidates often complain, “I was sure I deserved a Band 7, but I only got 6.5” or “My handwriting probably cost me marks.” Others are convinced that examiners are biased, or that Writing and Speaking are secretly marked by a computer.

The truth? IELTS scoring is not a mystery. It follows a strict, standardized method that combines objective marking for Listening/Reading and human assessment for Writing/Speaking. If you understand the scoring policies, descriptors, and rounding rules, you’ll stop stressing about the “why” and start focusing on how to improve.

This blog post breaks down:

• How IELTS bands are calculated
• The role of band descriptors
• Common myths (and why you should stop believing them)
• Practical tips to maximize your score

Let’s dive in.

How IELTS Band Scores Are Calculated

Before tackling descriptors or myths, let’s look at the math. IELTS uses a 9-band scale, with each band reflecting a certain level of English proficiency — from Band 1 (non-user) to Band 9 (expert user).

Step 1: Individual Module Scores

You receive a score for each of the four modules:

1. Listening

   • 40 questions, one mark each.
   • Raw score (out of 40) converted to a band using a conversion table.
   • Example: 30/40 ≈ Band 7.0 (but may vary slightly between test versions).

2. Reading

   • Also 40 questions, but Academic vs General Training have different conversion charts.
   • Example: In Academic Reading, 30/40 ≈ Band 7.0; in General Training, it might take 34/40 to hit Band 7.0.

3. Writing

   • Marked by trained examiners.
   • Based on four criteria:
     
     • Task Achievement (Task 1) / Task Response (Task 2)
     • Coherence & Cohesion
     • Lexical Resource
     • Grammatical Range & Accuracy
   • Task 2 carries twice the weight of Task 1.

4. Speaking

   • Also marked by examiners.
   • Four equal criteria:
     
     • Fluency & Coherence
     • Lexical Resource
     • Grammatical Range & Accuracy
     • Pronunciation

Step 2: The Overall Band Score

Your Overall Band Score is the average of the four modules.

Formula:

text{Overall Band} = frac{Listening + Reading + Writing + Speaking}{4}

Example:

• Listening: 7.5
• Reading: 7.0
• Writing: 6.0
• Speaking: 6.5
• Total = 27 ÷ 4 = 6.75 → rounded to Band 7.0

Step 3: Rounding Rules

Here’s where many candidates get confused. IELTS uses a fixed rounding policy:

• .25 → round up to .5 (e.g., 6.25 → 6.5)
• .75 → round up to next whole band (e.g., 6.75 → 7.0)
• Any other average → rounded to the nearest half or whole band

👉 This is why two candidates with nearly identical scores may end up with different overall bands.

Understanding IELTS Band Descriptors

Band descriptors are public documents that explain exactly what examiners are looking for in Writing and Speaking. Let’s break them down.

Listening & Reading Descriptors

Unlike Writing and Speaking, these sections are objective:

• One correct answer = one mark.
• No marks deducted for spelling mistakes as long as the word is correct and readable.
• No examiner bias — your performance depends purely on accuracy and time management.

👉 Example: In Listening, a raw score of 23/40 ≈ Band 6.0, while 30/40 ≈ Band 7.0.

Writing Band Descriptors

Examiners award scores for each criterion. Here’s what they mean in practice:

Example:

• A candidate who writes 300 words but repeats the same simple vocabulary may score well in Task Response but low in Lexical Resource.
• Another candidate with advanced vocabulary but poor organization may score higher in Lexical Resource but lower in Coherence.

Speaking Band Descriptors

👉 Occasional mistakes don’t lower your score drastically. Examiners assess your overall performance, not isolated errors.

Common Myths About IELTS Scoring — Busted

Now, let’s address the rumors floating around IELTS prep groups and WhatsApp chats.

1. Myth: Writing more words = higher score.
   Reality: Extra words don’t help if they’re repetitive or irrelevant. Examiners want quality, not quantity.

2. Myth: IELTS uses AI to mark Writing and Speaking.
   Reality: These sections are marked by trained human examiners, moderated regularly.

3. Myth: A single grammar mistake will ruin your band.
   Reality: Everyone makes mistakes. Examiners focus on patterns of accuracy, not perfection.

4. Myth: Examiners are biased.
   Reality: IELTS examiners are monitored, recorded, and standardized. Personal bias is minimized.

5. Myth: 30/40 in Listening always = Band 7.
   Reality: Raw-to-band conversion may vary slightly across test versions.

Practical Tips to Boost Your IELTS Score

Listening

• Practice with different accents (British, Australian, Canadian).
• Train your ear for numbers, dates, and names.
• Write answers directly in the correct format (don’t waste time rewriting).

Reading

• Skim for general meaning, then scan for details.
• Learn the difference between Academic and GT question styles.
• Manage time — don’t get stuck on one passage.

Writing

• Spend 5 minutes planning before writing.
• Use linking words naturally (however, therefore, in addition).
• Vary sentence structures — mix simple, compound, and complex.
• Check your essay quickly for grammar and spelling.

Speaking

• Extend answers beyond “yes/no.”
• Use fillers like “That’s an interesting question…” to buy thinking time.
• Record yourself to identify hesitation or repetition.
• Don’t memorize answers — examiners can spot it instantly.

What If You Disagree With Your Score?

If you feel your result was unfair, you can request an Enquiry on Results (EOR), also called a re-mark.

• You apply through your test center.
• Your test is reviewed by a senior examiner.
• Your score can go up, stay the same, or even go down.

Use this option only if you’re confident that your performance was stronger than the awarded score.

Quick Reference Table — IELTS Band Conversion (Approximate)

(Note: Tables vary slightly per test version.)

Final Thoughts

The IELTS scoring system is not as mysterious as people think. Once you understand:

• How raw scores convert to bands
• How descriptors guide examiner marking
• And how rounding rules work

…you’ll stop blaming “luck” and start preparing smarter.

👉 Focus on the criteria you’re scored against, not myths from prep groups.
👉 Balance your performance across all four modules.
👉 Use descriptors as a roadmap for practice.

With targeted preparation, your next IELTS scorecard may just surprise you — in a good way.