IELTS, which stands for International English Language Testing System, is a test for English accepted in many English speaking countries. The entrance exam scrutinizes the candidates’ proficiency in the language, in case they wish to seek employment or want to pursue higher education in English speaking country, where the test score is accepted. Although the test is highly competitive, it has certain benefits over other entrance exams for study abroad. For instance, there is no passing or failing in IELTS. Instead, candidates are graded on the basis of their performance in the test, using a scale ranging from 1 to 9, for each part of the test i.e. Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Candidate's result from the four parts then produce an overall Band score. The unique 9-Band system measures scores in a consistent manner. Detailed information about the IELTS 9-Band scale is given below.
How the International English Language Testing System is Scored
IELTS 9-Band Scale
Band 9
Band 9 grade is given to those test takers who are the expert user of English. In other words, candidates having excellent command over the language will be awarded with Band 9 grade.
Band 8
Candidates having very good command in English with little factual errors will be graded with Band 8 scale.
Band 7
Test takers who have good command over the language but commit some small mistakes in some particular situations will be graded in this band scale.
Band 6
This band scale is for those candidates who can use and understand the language in familiar situations but having some misunderstandings or inaccuracies.
Band 5
Candidates having partial command in English will be awarded with Band 5 grade.
Band 4
This band is awarded to those test takers who have the basic knowledge about the language and is limited only to familiar situations.
Band 3
Candidates who can convey or understand only the general meaning that too in very familiar situations and with frequent breaks in communications will be given Band 3 grade.
Band 2
This band is for those candidates who face great difficulties while speaking or writing in English.
Band 1
Candidates unable to speak understand or write in the language will be awarded with this band.
Band 0
Band 0 is for those candidates who do not attempt the test.
