The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is a famous proficiency test accepted by 11,000 organisations worldwide. It primarily assesses four skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
There are primarily two types of IELTS: Academic and General. However, one must choose this depending on the aim of going abroad. Besides, one needs to understand the scoring pattern and the marking criteria. Underlined below is the IELTS scoring pattern and how to send IELTS scores to universities conveniently.
Calculating IELTS Scores
IELTS is marked from a band score of 1 to 9. Here, nine is regarded as the highest score and one as the lowest. One should try to achieve a high band score to ensure a place in the top-tier universities. It also demonstrates one’s command of the language. Nevertheless, each university has different IELTS score requirements as a precondition for acceptance.
Besides, the overall band score is calculated by taking an average of the four sections. However, there is nothing to pass or fail in IELTS as one can reappear for it as many times as one wants.
The band score is given below for easier understanding:
| Description | Band Score | Skill Level |
| Expert | 9 | Candidates have operational command over the language. The usage of English is accurate and fluent. One has a complete understanding of it |
| Very good | 8 | Complete command over the language with few errors. The candidate tends to misunderstand in some situations. One can handle complex argumentation well. |
| Good | 7 | Candidates have operational command over the language, but occasional errors may occur. One can reason logically and can handle complex language well |
| Competent | 6 | Can communicate effectively, although some inaccuracy may occur. One can use and communicate in complex language. |
| Modest | 5 | One has partial command of the language. The candidate can cope with complex language in most situations. |
| Limited | 4 | One’s usage of language is limited to familiar situations. However, one displays difficulties in understanding and expressing. One is unable to use complex language |
| Extremely limited | 3 | One can convey meaning in familiar situations. However, one experiences frequent breakdowns while communicating. |
| Intermittent | 2 | Candidate experiences excellent difficulty understanding spoken and written English |
| Non-user | 1 | The candidate is unable to use the language leaving a few isolated words |
| Did not attempt the test | 0 | The candidate did not answer any questions |
Here is how the average band score is calculated:
| Sections | Band |
| Writing | 5.0 |
| Reading | 6.5 |
| Speaking | 7.0 |
| Listening | 6.5 |
| Overall Band Score | 6.5 |
Raw Scores of Academic Reading and Listening
One can easily calculate their scores in reading and listening sections. In both sections, the candidate has to answer 40 questions each. One can use the chart below to estimate the raw scores of these modules. However, the raw scores may vary between Reading and Listening:
Listening
| Raw | Band |
| 11-12 | 4 |
| 13-15 | 4.5 |
| 16-17 | 5 |
| 18-22 | 5.5 |
| 23-25 | 6 |
| 26-29 | 6.5 |
| 30-31 | 7 |
| 32-34 | 7.5 |
| 35-36 | 8 |
| 37-38 | 8.5 |
| 39-40 | 9 |
Reading
| Raw | Band |
| 4-5 | 2.5 |
| 6-7 | 3 |
| 8-9 | 3.5 |
| 10-12 | 4 |
| 13-14 | 4.5 |
| 15-18 | 5 |
| 19-22 | 5.5 |
| 23-26 | 6 |
| 27-29 | 6.5 |
| 30-32 | 7 |
| 33-34 | 7.5 |
| 35-36 | 8 |
| 37-38 | 8.5 |
| 39-40 | 9 |
Sending IELTS Scores
IELTS is generally available 13 days after the exam and is applicable for paper-based tests. On the other hand, for computer-delivered IELTS, one receives marks within 3-5 days of the exam. Candidates who wish to send their scores to more than five universities must pay an additional fee.
They can send it by this method:
Step 1: Navigate to the official website of IELTS.
Step 2: Press on the tab ‘Register for IELTS’.
Step 3: Select the dates and preferred location.
Step 4: After the process is complete, choose the universities where the scores are to be sent.
Step 5: Pay with a debit or credit card.
Step 6: Take a printout of the acknowledgment receipt.
However, candidates must send IELTS scores to the universities as it is required for the admission procedure. One must follow the below-mentioned pointers steps to send scores:
Step 1: Choose five universities to whom the Test Report Form has to be sent.
Step 2: Candidates can either request sending their scores during the registration process or after they receive their Test Report Form.
Step 3: One must decide whether one wants to send the score electronically or with the help of a paper Test Report Form.
Step 4: One must pay for it after submitting their application.
If the university demands a hard copy of the Test Report Form, the candidate must contact the test center and forward it via airmail. This tends to cost extra. However, candidates must note that they will receive only one copy of the Test Report Form.
Sending IELTS Scores Electronically
One can send their scores electronically by following these methods:
Step 1: Select universities while registering for IELTS and ask the respective test centers to send them. IDP or British Council will do it free of charge; however, one may be charged additional fees if more than five universities.
Step 2: Attaching the Test Report Form in the mail along with their college applications.
The above outlined how to calculate scores and send IELTS scores to universities. One must prepare well to be able to achieve a high band score.