Listening
One of the four skills that contributes to your final IELTS band profile.
About IELTS
Understand the test before you practise it.
IELTS measures Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking on a 1-9 band scale. Knowing how the test is structured makes every practice session more focused.
Reading
One of the four skills that contributes to your final IELTS band profile.
Writing
One of the four skills that contributes to your final IELTS band profile.
Speaking
One of the four skills that contributes to your final IELTS band profile.
The band scale
Know what each band actually means.
IELTS is scored 1–9. Most candidates are chasing the 6.5–7.0 window — here's what separates the bands, so you know exactly what you're aiming at.
Band 4 Band 9
5.5 Modest
Partial command of the language; copes with overall meaning in most situations.
6.0 Competent
Generally effective command despite some inaccuracies and misunderstandings.
6.5 Competent +
Common minimum for immigration and many undergraduate courses.
7.0 Good
Operational command with only occasional inaccuracies. Typical university entry.
7.5 Good +
Handles complex language well; required by competitive programs.
8.0 Very good
Fully operational command with only occasional unsystematic slips.
Band descriptors summarised from the public IELTS scale. Your required band depends on your university, employer, or immigration authority.
Your target band is closer than you think.
Start today with one essay or one Cambridge test. Ten minutes is enough.