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IELTS Listening Score: Band Score, Score Calculator, Score Chart, and Score for Top Universities

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Rituparna Nath

Content Writer at Study Abroad Exams | Updated On - Jan 30, 2023

IELTS listening score is calculated on a scale of 0-9. The Listening test will consist of 40 questions, all of which are connected to audio samples that will be provided to the candidates. The scoring differs slightly from the Speaking and Writing exams in that the replies are either correct or wrong. Each correct answer will get the candidate one mark, with the total number of marks determining the IELTS band score. Listening band scores are available in half bands (5.5, 6.5) or complete bands (6, 7). The IELTS listening score calculator turns raw values into scaled scores. Academic listening band score and general listening scores are computed in a similar way. The average IELTS listening band score in India is 6.5. A listening band score of 7 or above is required by top colleges.

Listening Band Score Chart​

The IELTS Listening score calculator overlooks the number of correct attempts to derive the total listening band score. This section comprises a total of 40 questions that are credited with one mark each. The total number of correct answers received out of 40 are converted into IELTS listening band scores on a scale of 0-9. No negative marking is there in IELTS academic listening score and IELTS general listening score. IELTS listening score chart is completely based on the correct number of answers converted into a 9 band scale. Listening and reading band score is assessed by certified experts who have extensive knowledge and teaching experience. The conducting bodies regularly assess their competence to establish their validity. A listening band score list has been provided below to calculate the listening band score chart academic and general listening band score:

RAW SCORE IELTS BAND SCORE
39- 40 9
37- 38 8.5
35- 36 8
32- 34 7.5
30- 31 7
26- 29 6.5
23- 25 6
18- 22 5.5
16- 17 5
13- 15 4.5
11- 12 4

Points to be noted after studying the above IELTS listening score table:

  • The above IELTS listening band score chart states how the band score decreases with lower raw scores.
  • Candidates always need to aim for higher band scores like IELTS 6.5 and higher to secure admission to the topmost universities.
  • Candidates need to focus on accurate grammar, and spelling while transferring their answers after listening to the record.
  • Candidates need to focus on time management while answering questions to help improve their listening score band.
  • Candidates can follow the table for both IELTS academic listening score chart and IELTS general training

IELTS Listening Score Calculator

IELTS Listening score calculator overlooks the number of correct attempts to derive at the total listening band chart. This section comprises a total of 40 questions that are credited with one mark each. The total number of correct answers received out of 40 are converted into IELTS listening band score on a scale of 0-9. No negative marking is there in IELTS academic listening score and IELTS general listening score. A listening band score list has been provided below in the sub-sections: 

IELTS Listening Band Score Descriptors

Candidates need to focus on increasing their IELTS listening score to successfully get admission to colleges. Candidates will get to know about their performance by studying the IELTS listening band score chart below:

Band Skill Level
Band 0 Did not attempt the test
Band 1 Non-user
Band 2 Intermittent user
Band 3 Extremely limited user
Band 4 Limited user
Band 5 Modest user
Band 6 Competent user
Band 7 Good user
Band 8 Very good user
Band 9 Expert user

From the above IELTS listening score card it can be stated that a score of 7 and above means the candidate has good listening skills. Since both academic and IELTS general listening score is similarly marked, candidates can follow the above table for any of the exam types.

How is the Listening Section of the IELTS Evaluated?

It is important to comprehend the IELTS Listening pattern for both the Academic and GT listening band score . The Listening marking pattern for listening band score academic and IELTS score general reading is exactly the same. IELTS - Listening modules consist of 40 questions, each with its own audio that is played in the form of multiple audio dips. Listening to the dialogue will allow you to write reasonably right responses on the question booklet. These responses are to be copied or mimicked on the answer sheet in an additional 10 minutes as transferring time. Finally, upon checking, raw scores out of 40 are generated as the number of right answers.The general training IELTS general listening band score has similar scoring criteria. Following that, these raw scores are evaluated for IELTS Bands ranging from 0 to 9. Certain slabs of raw scores are labeled with the IELTS Bands.

IELTS Listening Score in Top Universities

IELTS listening scores for universities range from 6.5 to almost 8.5. IELTS listening band score academic list of top universities help candidates understand the range of score they need to aim for. Here is the overall scores for reading listening band score that is acceptable in the top universities:

Most of the top universities require an IELTS listening score of 7 and above. Candidates need to prepare IELTS listening tips that help them in building proper skills.

How can non-English Speakers Score an IELTS Listening Band Score 9?

Non-English speakers sometimes find scoring high in the IELTS listening section difficult because of their lack of English practice. But it is possible to score an IELTS band 9 in listening. Candidates need to practice numerous IELTS listening practice papers, study from books, and engage in quizzes. Listening to English songs, watching English movies and TV series also helps in improving listening skills.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.

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