How do IELTS scores reflect English language proficiency levels?
Results are reported on a Test Report Form in individual Band Scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. These scores are averaged to give an Overall Band Score. The Test Report Form can thus indicate a candidate’s strengths and weaknesses in different language skills. Scores are reported on a 9 Band scale. A descriptive statement for each Band is shown below. Band 9 – Expert User Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding. Band 8 – Very Good User Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well. Band 7 – Good User Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning. Band 6 – Competent User Has g
