How Does the IELTS Band Scoring System Work Across the Test Format?

The IELTS exam pattern uses a 9-band scoring system across all four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section receives an individual band score, which is then averaged to calculate your overall score. The scoring system ranges from 1 (Non-user) to 9 (Expert user), with most test-takers aiming for a 6.5-7.5 to meet academic or professional requirements. Understanding the band descriptors for each section can help you tailor your preparation, as they focus on aspects like coherence, accuracy, and fluency.