IELTS General Reading Score

The IELTS general reading scores range from band 0 to band 9 in the increment of 0.5. Your raw scores obtained out of 40 will be graded on the scale of 0-9. These band scores will represent your English-language competency as the band scores are awarded based on your performance in the IELTS general reading section. The overall IELTS test score will be an average of the all four sections, reading, writing, listening and speaking. Thus a good reading score will ensure you a perfect overall IELTS band score. In this article you will learn about the IELTS general reading band scores, its calculation methods, band descriptors, etc. 

Check Out our YouTube Channel to Practice Full-Length IELTS Reading Tests Daily

How IELTS General reading band score calculated?

The IELTS general reading section consists of 40 questions and each question carries 1 mark. The overall score for the section will be 40 marks. The raw score obtained out of 40 will be graded on the scale of 0-9 in the increment of 0.5. Thus whole and half band scores like 6, 6.5, 5, 7.5, etc. are possible. If you get 39 out of 40 your score will be 8.5, if your score is between 34-35, your band score will be 7, and so on. To score a 7+ band score you must have at least 34 questions correct out of the 40 questions. 

IELTS Band score chart for general reading

Also read: How to calculate the overall IELTS band score? Give link

IELTS general reading score calculator

You will be given one mark for each correct answer and there is no negative marking in the IELTS general reading test. The total marks for the reading section will be 40 and the score obtained by you will be graded from 0-9. For example, if your score is 33, you will be given a band score of 7, if it is 19, your band score will be 5.5, and so on. To get a high band score, you must be able to answer more than 30 questions correctly. An internal survey conducted among 1 lakhs of IELTS aspirants showed that answering the reading section questions is simple, if you have regular reading practice and familiarity with the IELTS general reading question types. 

Also read: IELTS general reading tips

What is a good IELTS general reading score?

78% of the IELTS general aspirants feel that having a reading score above 37 giving a reading band score of 8 will contribute to a good overall IELTS general test. 65% of IELTS test takers have recommended the band score of 7 to be a good score as an overall IELTS band score above 7 is sufficient for acquiring your visa in many countries. The overall band score for the IELTS will be given based on the average band scores of all the 4 modules. 

How questions are marked in IELTS general reading? What is the criteria?

IN the IELTS general reading section, each question will be given 1 mark. The total number of questions in the reading section is 40 and thus the total marks will be 40. Your raw score obtained out of 40 marks will be converted into a 9 band scale. The score will be given in a whole and half band based on the number of correct answers. The general reading marks will be awarded based on criterias like coherence and cohesions, logical thinking, spelling, grammar and lexical resources. 

How can a non native English speaker score a 9 band in IELTS general reading? 

A non-native English speaker can score a 9 on the IELTS general reading test, if they are having vigorous reading practice along with a strong vocabulary. You must enrich yourself with the specific reading skills like, skimming, scanning, paraphrasing, summarizing, etc to answer the reading questions smartly. Strategies your answering methodology as per your convenience and follow the necessary tips to score a band 9 in your IELTS general reading section. 

Practice papers to improve your IELTS general reading score

To improve your IELTS general reading score chart, you must have regular practice to evaluate your skill level. To help you in the reading preparation, a set of practice tests based on individual reading questions types are given below. 

What if I’m not satisfied with my IELTS general reading score?

If you know you have performed well, yet your scores are not upto your expectations, you can apply for the Enquiry for Results  in the same test centre where you took the exam. Your answer sheets will be re-scored by the senior examiners. These examiners will not be informed about your results, thus the scoring will be done from the start and a new result will be released. 

Even after the reevaluation, if you are not satisfied with the reading score, you can retake the IELTS general test. Remember, you can retake the full exam only, particular module retake is not allowed. You can register for the IELTS retake exam on the official website by paying the retaking IELTS exam fees of INR 12,000. You can retake the IELTS exam any number of times in a year. 

Summary

We hope this article will help you in having a clear understanding about the IELTS general reading scores. The IELTS general reading band scores will reveal your English language proficiency. According to various surveys, scoring above a band score of 7 will guarantee hassle free visa processing for the professionals and students.