🎧 IELTS Listening Band Score Explained

The IELTS Listening section is worth 25% of your total IELTS score and is the same for both the Academic and General Training tests. Understanding how your Listening band score is calculated will help you set realistic goals and measure your progress more accurately.

🔢 Total Number of Questions

The Listening test consists of 40 questions. Each correct answer receives 1 point. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.

📊 Score to Band Conversion Table

Use the table below to estimate your band score based on how many correct answers you got:

Correct Answers	Band Score
39–40	Band 9
37–38	Band 8.5
35–36	Band 8
32–34	Band 7.5
30–31	Band 7
26–29	Band 6.5
23–25	Band 6
18–22	Band 5.5
16–17	Band 5
13–15	Band 4.5
10–12	Band 4
6–9	Band 3.5
3–5	Band 3
1–2	Band 2.5

🧠 How the Test Is Designed

The test includes 4 sections, each with 10 questions.
The recordings are played only once.
You’ll hear a variety of accents: British, Australian, North American, etc.
All answers must be written clearly and spelled correctly — even small errors can cost points.

📌 What If You Get a Half Band?

If your raw score falls between two band scores, your final Listening band is rounded to the nearest half or whole band (e.g., 6.25 becomes 6.5, 6.75 becomes 7.0).

❗ Why Do Some People Score Lower Than Expected?

Incorrect spelling (especially with names, numbers, and places)
Not following word limits (e.g., “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS”)
Answering while listening instead of scanning ahead during the pauses
Not capitalizing proper nouns (when required)

🎯 How to Track Your Listening Progress

Take official practice tests and use the score chart above
Track your scores over time to see if you're improving
Use band score goals to guide your preparation (e.g., aim for 35+ for Band 8)

📣

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Note: You can take the full exam or choose to take the Reading, Listening, Writing, or Speaking exam individually.

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