IELTS presents a profile of your abilities to use English. In other words your IELTS result will consist of a score in each of the four abilities (listening, reading, writing, speaking) which is then averaged to give the Overall Band Score or final mark. Performance is assessed in each skill on a scale of 9 to 1. The nine overall Bands and their descriptive statements are as follows:
- Expert user
Has completely operational command of the language: suitable, accurate and fluent with comprehensive understanding.
- Very excellent user
Has fully functioning mastery of the language with just occasional unsystematic errors and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may develop in unexpected environments. Handles intricate detailed argumentation well.
- Good user
Has operational mastery of the language, yet with occasional mistakes, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in particular contexts. Generally handles complicated language well and understands thorough logic.
- Competent user
Despite mistakes, inappropriacies, and misconceptions, he is normally capable of using the language. Capable of using and comprehending simple but intricate language in familiar contexts.
- Modest user
Meets most of the language standards, although will likely make many blunders. In a position that requires the ability to do basic communication in his/her profession, it should be possible for him/her.
- A limited number of users
Familiarity, or basic competency, encompasses most situations. Often struggles with comprehension and expression. Unable to express complex ideas.
- Extremely limited user
General meaning is conveyed and understood only in very familiar situations. Communication disruptions are frequent.
- Intermittent user
Information is only exchanged in situations when people use short words and phrases that they are already familiar with. Cannot speak or write in English.
- The number of non-users
He has the ability to employ only a few words in a language.
- Did not attempt the test
There is no data to provide."
What is the pass mark?
There is no fixed pass mark in IELTS. The institution you want to enter will
decide whether your score is appropriate for the demands of the course of study
or training you want to undertake. However, as a general rule, scores below Band
5 in any one skill are considered too low for academic