IELTS

What is IELTS?

IELTS = The International English Language Test is designed to measure your English Language skill. Passing the IELTS test helps prospective student’s study abroad in English-speaking universities. Taking the IELTS General Test helps migrate to English as the native language. The IELTS Examination will assess your ability to listen, read, write, and speak in English. The IELTS score is graded on a scale of 1-9.

Importance of taking an IELTS exam?

If you are interested in working, living, or studying in an English-speaking country, you must demonstrate a high level of English language ability. English is the third most spoken language globally, with 379 million speakers worldwide. Communicating in the native language of the country you wish to work or study in has many benefits. More than 10,000 employers globally recognize it, universities, schools and multiple other immigration bodies.

IELTS Score Breakdown

IELTS is graded on a scale of 0-9. The scores from Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening are averaged, giving an overall score. Below is the overall score with an explanation. This explanation will help you understand how examiners decide what score you get and your proficiency level.

Band Score	Skill Level	Description
9	Expert user	The test taker has fully operational command of the language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding.
8	Very Good user	The test taker has fully operational command of the language with occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. As a result, they may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. On the other hand, they handle complex and detailed argumentation well.
7	Good use	The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. However, they generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.
6	Competent user	The test taker has an adequate command of the language despite inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. In addition, they can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
5	Modest user	The test taker has partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. They should be able to handle essential communication in their field.
4	Limited user	The test taker’s basic competence is limited to familiar situations. They frequently show problems in understanding and expression. In addition, they are not able to use complex language.
3	Extremely limited user	The test taker conveys and understands the only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication.
2	Intermittent user	The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
1	Non-user	The test taker cannot use the language except a few isolated words.
0	Did not attempt the test	The test taker did not answer the questions.

What IELTS score do I need?

The higher you can score in your IELTS, reflects the better your understanding and ability to communicate in English. Each immigration body, university, workplace or institution will have specific IELTS score requirements. The score you need will depend on what you are looking to do in the country, i.e. work or study. Therefore, it is always wise to check their websites to know the required band before sitting for the IELTS exam.