IELTS Listening Score: A Guide To Band Calculation and Scoring System 

Are you struggling to get a high band score in the IELTS listening test you need and how to scoring system works? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many test-takers find the IELTS listening score band calculation to be the most challenging part of the exam. 

But fear not, because, in this article, I’ll share an in-depth analysis of the IELTS listening scoring system, score calculation and conversion, and some tips and tricks to help you boost your listening score as well as overall band score.

So, let’s dive in and get you on the path to IELTS success!

What is IELTS and Its Components

IELTS, which stands for the International English Language Testing System, is a widely recognized examination designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. 

Whether you’re planning to study abroad, work in an English-speaking country, or simply want to evaluate your language skills, IELTS is the go-to test. 

So, what makes up this renowned exam? Well, it consists of four key components: 

1. Listening 
2. Reading
3. Writing
4. Speaking 

In the listening section, you’ll be immersed in various audio recordings and answer questions based on what you hear. 

The reading component tests your comprehension skills through a series of passages and comprehension exercises. 

When it comes to writing, you’ll be challenged to express your thoughts and ideas effectively within a given timeframe. 

And finally, the speaking segment assesses your ability to communicate fluently and coherently, as you engage in a conversation with an examiner. 

With these four elements, IELTS provides a comprehensive evaluation of your English language abilities, paving the way for exciting opportunities and new adventures, and the test is scored on a scale of 0-9, with 9 being the highest possible score.

What is IELTS Listening Test

The IELTS listening test is an essential component of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. It is organized to evaluate your ability to understand spoken English in various contexts, such as conversations, lectures, and presentations. 

The test consists of four sections, each with 10 questions, and lasts for approximately 30 minutes. During the test, you will listen to a range of audio recordings, and you will be required to answer questions based on what you hear. 

Learn more about IELTS listening.

4 Types of IELTS Listening Section

The Listening module consists of 4 sections. Each section presents a different type of audio recording and the recordings range from conversations and monologues to academic lectures and discussions.

Section 1: Everyday Conversations

• Conversation between two people in a social context.
• Assessing practical information, such as directions and schedules.
• Common topics: hotel bookings, reservations, and services.

Section 2: Informative Monologues

• Monologue or speech in a social context.
• Comprehending factual information like locations, dates, names, and descriptions.
• Topics may include specific places or subjects.

Section 3: Academic Conversations

• Conversation with multiple speakers in an academic setting.
• Understanding complex ideas, arguments, and opinions.
• Academic-oriented topics: assignments, projects, research.

Section 4: Academic Lectures

• Academic lecture or monologue on an academic topic.
• Longer and more detailed presentation.
• Involves complex concepts, specialized vocabulary, and academic reasoning.

6 Types of Listening Questions in IELTS

1. Form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion
2. Plan/map/diagram labeling
3. Matching
4. Multiple choice
5. Sentence completion
6. Short answer question

What is IELTS Listening Score?

The IELTS listening score is a measure of your ability to understand spoken English. It evaluates how well you can comprehend conversations, lectures, and other audio recordings in English. Your listening score is determined by how accurately you answer the questions. The score ranges from band 1 to band 9, with band 1 indicating a non-user and band 9 representing an expert level of English comprehension. So, the higher your score, the better your listening skills in English. 

Understanding the IELTS Listening Scoring System

If you’re preparing for the International English Language Testing System test, it’s important to have a clear understanding of how the listening section is scored. The listening module is one of the four sections in the IELTS exam.

Now, let’s explore how the IELTS listening section is scored. The listening test is marked on a scale of 0 to 9, with 9 being the highest score. You receive one mark for each correct answer, and there is no negative marking for incorrect answers. The number of correct answers is then converted into a band score using an official scoring table.

To calculate your overall listening band score, the number of correct answers is first converted into a raw score. The raw score is then mapped to a band score using a conversion table specific to the listening section. 

Raw Score Calculation and Conversion To Band Score

The IELTS listening test is scored on a band scale of 0-9, with 0.5 increments. The raw score you receive is based on the number of correct answers you provide. Each correct answer is worth one point, and there is no penalty for incorrect answers.

To calculate your raw score, you need to count the number of correct answers you provided in the listening test. For example, if you answered 30 questions correctly out of 40, your raw score would be 30.

The conversion of a raw score to a band score is based on a conversion table provided by the test organizers like the British Council and IDP. The conversion table is designed to ensure a consistent and fair assessment of the test taker’s listening ability across different test administrations.

Insert table

How is IELTS Listening Score Band Calculated?

The IELTS Listening score is an important component of the IELTS exam, and it is used to determine the test taker’s overall band score. But how is the IELTS Listening score band calculated? 

Let’s break it down step by step:

Step 1: Raw Score Calculation

The first step is to calculate your raw score. Your raw score is based on the number of correct answers you provide in the listening test. Each correct answer is worth one point, and there is no negative marking for wrong answers. 

For example, if you answered 30 questions correctly out of 40, your raw score would be 30.

Step 2: Conversion To Band Score

The raw score is then converted into a band score using a conversion table provided by the IELTS test makers. The conversion table takes into account the difficulty level of the test and ensures that scores are comparable across different test versions.

For example, if your raw score is 30, your estimated band score would be 7.0, according to the conversion table.

Step 3: Overall Band Score Calculation

Your overall band score is calculated by taking the average of your scores in each of the four components of the IELTS exam: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each component is weighted equally, and the overall band score is rounded up or down to the nearest 0.5.

For example, if you score 7.5 in Listening, 8.0 in Reading, 7.0 in Writing, and 7.5 in Speaking, your overall band score would be (7.5 + 8.0 + 7.0 + 7.5) / 4 = 7.5. Your final overall band score would be 7.5, which is rounded up from 7.

IELTS Listening Score Calculator

The IELTS listening score calculator is a tool that helps you estimate your IELTS listening band score based on the number of correct answers you get in the listening test.  It allows you to enter your raw score and see your estimated band score. You can also see the approximate number of correct answers you need to achieve a certain band score.

For example, if you enter a raw score of 32 out of 40, the calculator will show you that your estimated band score is 7.5. It will also tell you that you need about 35 to 36 correct answers to get a band score of 8, and about 30 to 32 correct answers to get a band score of 7.

A listening calculator is useful for estimating your listening performance and setting realistic goals for improvement.

IELTS Listening Test Score Chart

The IELTS Listening test score chart provides a clear breakdown of the band scores and the corresponding levels of English language proficiency.

The score chart shows that a band score of 9.0 represents an expert user of English, while a band score of 0.0 indicates that the test taker did not attempt the test. The chart also shows that a band score of 5.5 is the minimum requirement for many academic and professional institutions around the world.

The score chart can be a useful tool for test takers to understand their performance in the listening test and to set goals for improvement. It can also help test takers to understand the requirements of academic and professional institutions and to aim for the minimum band score required for admission or employment.

This chart shows the different levels of English language proficiency corresponding to each band score in the IELTS Listening test. The higher the band score, the higher the level of proficiency in English. A band score of 5.5 is the minimum requirement for many academic and professional institutions around the world.

IELTS Listening Score Table

The IELTS listening score table provides a breakdown of the scores and corresponding band levels. The IELTS Listening test is scored on a scale of 0 to 9, with 0 being the lowest and 9 being the highest. The score table is divided into 10 bands, with each band representing a specific level of English language proficiency.

IELTS Listening Score Range

The IELTS Listening score range is from 0 to 9. The score range is divided into 10 bands, with each band representing a specific level of English language proficiency. The score range is as follows:

– Band 9: Expert User

– Band 8: Very Good User

– Band 7: Good User

– Band6: Competent User

– Band 5: Modest User

– Band 4: Limited User

– Band 3: Extremely Limited User

– Band 2: Intermittent User

– Band 1: Non-User

– Band 0: Did not attempt the test

How To Interpret the IELTS Listening Score Table or Chart?

To interpret the IELTS Listening score table or chart, you need to know your score and the corresponding band level. For example, if your score is 7.5, your band level is 7. If your score is 6.5, your band level is 6. Band level indicates your level of English language proficiency.

IELTS Listening Band Score Criteria and Descriptors

The IELTS Listening score criteria are based on the band descriptors and assess your ability to understand spoken English. The score criteria and descriptors are as follows:

1. Band 9: You have a full understanding of spoken English and can understand complex ideas and opinions.
2. Band 8: You have a good understanding of spoken English and can understand most ideas and opinions.
3. Band 7: You have a good understanding of spoken English and can understand most ideas and opinions, but may have difficulty with some accents or complex language.
4. Band 6: You have a reasonable understanding of spoken English and can understand the main ideas, but may have difficulty with some details or complex language.
5. Band 5: You have a limited understanding of spoken English and can understand simple ideas, but may have difficulty with more complex language.
6. Band 4: You have a very limited understanding of spoken English and can understand only basic information.
7. Band 3: You have an extremely limited understanding of spoken English and can understand only very basic information.
8. Band 2: You have an intermittent understanding of spoken English and can understand only a few words or phrases.
9. Band 1: You have no understanding of spoken English.
10. Band 0: You did not attempt the test.

IELTS Listening Score vs Band

The IELTS Listening score and band are closely related. The score indicates your level of English language proficiency, while the band indicates your ability to understand spoken English. The score and band are as follows:

IELTS Listening Score Marking

The IELTS listening test is scored on a band scale from 0 to 9. Each correct answer in the test carries one mark, and the total score is then converted to the IELTS band score. There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so it’s important to attempt all the questions even if you are unsure.

IELTS Listening Score for General Training and Academic

The IELTS Listening test is the same for both General Training and Academic modules. However, the score requirements may differ depending on the purpose of the test. For example, if you are taking the IELTS for immigration purposes, you may need a higher score than if you are taking the IELTS for academic purposes.

IELTS Listening Passing Score

There is no passing or failing score for the IELTS Listening test. The score you need depends on the purpose of the test and the requirements of the organization or institution you are applying to.

How To Check Ielts Listening Score

To check your IELTS Listening score on the British Council or IDP websites, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official IELTS website: Go to either the British Council IELTS website at www.britishcouncil.org or the IDP IELTS website at www.ieltsidpindia.com

2. Access your test results: Look for the section on the website that provides access to your test results. This section may be labeled as “Results,” “Scores,” “Test Results,” or something similar.

3. Log in to your account: If you have already registered for the IELTS test and created an account, log in using your username and password. If you haven’t registered yet, you will need to create an account first.

4. Choose the test date: Select the specific test date for which you want to check the Listening score. If you have taken the IELTS test multiple times, make sure to select the correct date.

5. View your Listening score: Once you have selected the test date, you should be able to see your Listening score displayed on the screen. The score is usually provided on a band scale from 1 to 9, with 9 being the highest.

If you encounter any issues or have trouble finding your score on the British Council or IDP websites, you can contact the respective organizations directly for assistance. They will be able to provide you with the necessary information regarding your Listening score.

IELTS Listening Score Equivalent

The IELTS Listening score is equivalent to other English language proficiency tests, such as TOEFL iBT listening. The score equivalencies are as follows:

• IELTS Band 9: TOEFL iBT 30
• IELTS Band 8: TOEFL iBT 28
• IELTS Band 7: TOEFL iBT 24
• IELTS Band 6: TOEFL iBT 12
• IELTS Band 5: TOEFL iBT 4

IELTS Listening Band 9 Score

Achieving a band 9 score on the IELTS listening test demonstrates that you have an exceptional understanding of the English language. This level of proficiency means you can understand virtually everything you hear, even in complex situations. To achieve this, you must answer 39-40 questions correctly out of 40, and you should practice listening to a variety of English accents, improve your vocabulary, and develop strong note-taking skills.

Listening Score For Band 8

A band 8 score in the IELTS listening test indicates that you have a very good command of the English language. You can understand most of what you hear, even in complex situations, but may occasionally struggle with unfamiliar accents or vocabulary.  To secure this band, you need to answer 35-36 questions correctly out of 40.

IELTS Listening Score 7

To achieve a band 7 in the IELTS listening test, you must answer 30-31 questions correctly out of 40. This band signifies a good user with operational command of the language.

IELTS Listening Score 6

A band 6 in the IELTS listening test requires you to answer 23-25 questions correctly out of 40. This score indicates a competent user with an effective command of the language.

IELTS Listening Score 35 Out of 40

Scoring 35 out of 40 in the IELTS listening test places you in band 8, which means you’re a very good user with a strong understanding of the language.

IELTS Listening Score 28 Out of 40

A score of 28 out of 40 on the IELTS listening test corresponds to a band 6, which indicates a competent user with an effective command of the language.

32 Score in Listening IELTS

Scoring 32 out of 40 in the IELTS listening test corresponds to a band 7, which means you’re a good user with operational command of the language.

What is a Good Score on IELTS Listening Test?

A good score in the IELTS Listening test depends on your individual goals and the requirements of the institutions or organizations you are applying to. Generally, a band score of 7 or above is considered a good score. However, requirements can vary, so it’s important to check the specific score requirements of your intended institution or organization.

Is It Easy to Get 8.5 in IELTS Listening?

Achieving an 8.5 band score in IELTS Listening can be challenging, but it is certainly possible with adequate preparation and practice. To increase your chances, focus on improving your listening skills through regular practice, familiarize yourself with different accents, and develop strategies for managing the test effectively. If you want to get 8.5 in the IELTS listening section, you require to give 37-38 correct answers.

Average IELTS Listening Score

The average IELTS Listening score can vary depending on the test takers and the specific group being considered. However, as an approximate guide, an average score of 6 to 7 is considered good. 

Is IELTS Listening Difficult?

The difficulty level of the IELTS Listening test can vary depending on an individual’s language proficiency and familiarity with the accents and topics used in the recordings. Some test takers may find it challenging due to the speed of the recordings, unfamiliar vocabulary, or different accents. However, with adequate preparation and practice, it is possible to improve your listening skills and perform well on the test.

Why is IELTS Listening So Hard?

The IELTS Listening test can be challenging for several reasons. Some factors that contribute to the perceived difficulty include:

• Accents: The recordings in the test feature a range of accents, including British, American, Australian, and others. Understanding different accents can be a challenge for non-native English speakers.
• Vocabulary: The test may include vocabulary that is specific to certain topics or academic contexts, which can be unfamiliar to some test takers.
• Speed: The recordings are played only once, and they are generally delivered at a natural pace. This can make it challenging to catch every detail.
• Background noise: The recordings often have background sounds or noise, which can further complicate understanding.

Check more to know about why ielts listening is so hard.

How to Improve IELTS Listening Score to 9?

Scoring a perfect 9 in IELTS Listening requires a high level of English proficiency and strong listening skills. Here are some tips to help you improve your score:

• Practice regularly: Engage in regular listening practice using authentic materials, such as podcasts, TED Talks, and English-language movies or TV shows.
• Develop active listening skills: Focus on understanding the main ideas, details, and the speaker’s intent while listening to various types of audio recordings.
• Familiarize yourself with different accents: Listen to audio recordings featuring different accents to improve your ability to understand a range of speakers.
• Use practice materials: Make use of IELTS listening practice tests and sample recordings to familiarize yourself with the test format and timing. Read our latest article about best practice books for ielts and best listening apps.
• Improve your vocabulary: Work on expanding your vocabulary to understand a wide range of topics and to comprehend specialized vocabulary used in academic contexts.

Factors Affecting Your IELTS Listening Score

Several factors can affect your IELTS listening score, including:

1. Vocabulary: A strong vocabulary is essential for understanding spoken English. Familiarity with a wide range of words and phrases will help you grasp the meaning of the audio recordings more easily.

2. Concentration: The ability to maintain focus throughout the test is crucial, as you will only hear the recordings once. Distractions or lapses in concentration can lead to missed information and incorrect answers.

3. Note-taking: Effective note-taking can help you retain information and answer questions more accurately. Developing a personal shorthand system can be beneficial in this regard.

4. Listening for specific information: The test requires you to listen for specific details, such as names, dates, and numbers. Being able to identify and remember these details is essential for a high score.

Top 4 Common Mistakes to Avoid in the IELTS Listening Test

1. Not following instructions: Ensure that you read and follow the instructions carefully, as they may specify the format or word limit for your answers.
2. Spelling errors: Incorrect spelling can lead to lost points, so double-check your answers for accuracy.
3. Misunderstanding accents: The test includes speakers with various accents, so familiarize yourself with different English accents to avoid confusion.
4. Not using the given time effectively: Use the time provided to check your answers and ensure that you have completed all questions.

Best 4 Tips to Improve Your IELTS Listening Score

1. Practice regularly: Consistent practice with IELTS listening materials will help you become more familiar with the test format and improve your listening skills.
2. Develop your vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary by reading, listening to podcasts, and watching English-language media.
3. Improve your concentration: Develop your focus by practicing active listening and minimizing distractions during study sessions.
4. Learn to predict: Anticipate the type of information that may be required by analyzing the context and question types.

The Importance of Listening Skills

Listening skills are crucial for effective communication, as they enable you to understand and interpret spoken information accurately. In academic and professional settings, strong listening skills are essential for participating in discussions, following lectures, and collaborating with colleagues.

Importance of IELTS Listening Score For Test Takers

Comprehensive Communication: A high IELTS listening score reflects your proficiency in understanding English conversations, lectures, and interviews. It showcases your capability to comprehend different accents, vocabulary, and speech patterns, which are essential for effective communication in various academic, professional, and social settings.

Academic Success: For those aspiring to study in an English-speaking university, a strong listening score is vital. Lectures, discussions, and seminars form a significant part of academic life, and being able to follow and understand them seamlessly will greatly contribute to your academic success.

Professional Opportunities: Many employers require English proficiency as a prerequisite for hiring. A good IELTS listening score demonstrates your ability to comprehend instructions, participate in meetings, and effectively communicate with colleagues, clients, and superiors. This enhances your employability and opens up a wider range of career opportunities.

Immigration and Visa Applications: Several countries, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, consider IELTS scores as part of their immigration and visa application processes. A higher listening score improves your overall language proficiency score, increasing your chances of meeting the language requirements for immigration or obtaining a visa.

Self-Confidence Boost: Achieving a good listening score can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost your self-confidence. It validates your language skills and motivates you to continue improving your English abilities in other areas as well.

Minimum Required IELTS Listening Score for Immigration Purposes

The minimum required IELTS listening score for immigration purposes varies depending on the country and specific visa category. For example, in Canada, the minimum score for the Express Entry system is 6.0, while in Australia, the minimum score for the General Skilled Migration program is 6.0 as well. It is essential to check the specific requirements for your desired destination.

IELTS UKVI Listening Score

The IELTS UKVI listening score holds significant importance for individuals aspiring to study or work in the United Kingdom. This particular section of the IELTS UKVI test evaluates your ability to comprehend spoken English in different scenarios and contexts. It involves listening to a variety of recordings, including conversations, lectures, and interviews. Your task is to actively listen and answer questions based on the information you hear. The listening score you achieve is measured on a scale from 1 to 9, with 9 being the highest

IELTS Listening Score In Top Universities

Top 5 universities and their required minimum ielts listening score in below table:

Comparison With Other Sections (Reading, Writing, Speaking)

IELTS listening is one of the four sections of the IELTS exam, alongside Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section serves a unique purpose and assesses different language skills.

Compared to IELTS listening, the Reading section focuses on evaluating a candidate’s reading comprehension skills. In this section, test takers are presented with a variety of texts, including articles, advertisements, and academic passages, and are required to answer questions based on the information presented in the texts. The Reading section assesses a candidate’s ability to understand the main ideas, supporting details, and the writer’s opinion.

The IELTS Writing section measures candidates’ ability to express themselves in written English. Test takers are given specific tasks, such as writing an essay or a letter. They are expected to demonstrate their ability to organize and present information coherently, use appropriate vocabulary and grammar, and express their thoughts effectively. The Writing section evaluates a candidate’s writing skills, including their ability to convey arguments, analyze information, and provide clear and logical explanations.

The Speaking section of the IELTS exam focuses on assessing a candidate’s ability to communicate orally in English. Test takers engage in a conversation with an examiner, discussing a range of topics, expressing their opinions, and providing personal experiences. The Speaking section evaluates a candidate’s fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary usage, grammatical accuracy, and ability to engage in a meaningful conversation.

In conclusion, by understanding the IELTS listening scoring system, test-takers can effectively prepare for the exam, set realistic goals, and work towards achieving their desired band score in the IELTS listening test.

FAQs For IELTS Listening Score

Mirajul Islam

This is Mirajul Islam & I am a Biotechnology graduate from Rajshahi University, Bangladesh. I love to share my IELTS preparation experience with you. I am not a so-called IELTS guru. You will get top-notch tips & tricks to getting a 7+ band score.

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