IELTS is the acronym for the International English Language Testing System. Over time, English has become an important language of communication at the national and international level. IELTS is a system used to scale the proficiency and fluency of people who desire to study or work in an environment where English is a primary language.
It is one of the most significant English exams in the world. British English is not a limitation when it comes to appearing for this exam. IELTS will ensure that you can survive in a foreign country and that language is not a barrier when you land in another country.
An IELTS band score is a score that is set for each skill. This skill set includes Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. A band score is given on the range from band 0 to band 9 for each skill and the overall score. We will talk about each skill set in detail as we go further.
Is 6.5 a Good Score in IELTS?
According to statistics and the institution’s requirements, the score band of 6.5 is interpreted as competent and is borderline B2/C1. The ideal band score considered or recommended for IELTS is 7.5. It all boils down to the fact that whether 6.5 is a good enough score to crack IELTS? The answer is yes, but it is always better to score above average to stay safe.
Anyone who scores more than 6.5, has higher chances to study in the universities or work as a professional in a country, where the primary language is English. The most popular countries are the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the USA.
Canada IELTS Score
Canada is a beautiful country and has recently become an immigration destination. To open the gates of immigration, the first step is to give IELTS or other such exams. In IELTS you need to score 6.5 bands overall and minimum 6 in all the other bands. This is the minimum requirement to make through the Express Entry Program or Express Entry Selection System.
If you plan to do your bachelor’s degree from a Canadian university, then the minimum score band required is 6 with no other band below 5. In case you are planning for a post-graduation, the minimum score band is 6.5 with no other bands less than 6.
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Academic IELTS Score
The IELTS is classified further in two categories:
- Academic
- GT (General Training)
The Academic tests are for individuals who plan to take admission in university or other such professional institutions. The reading and writing test differs for General Training and Academics. However, there is no difference between listening and speaking tests.
On the other hand, GT (General Training) test is designed to favour any general interest. There is also an option to choose between a paper-based exam and a computer-based exam. You have the liberty to select any.
IELTS Reading Score
The IELTS Reading test includes 40 questions, and each correct answer fetches you one mark. These scores are later converted into the band score from band 0 to band 9.
Tips to Score Between Band 7 to Band 9
- Key to master anything is to practice it as much as possible. Read as many passages as you can before appearing for the test. The level of passage quality can range from beginner to advanced level.
- Vocabulary is one of the key components that help you in interpreting the right meaning of the passage. Increase your vocabulary by including higher vocabulary words in your day to day communications.
- Analyse your weaknesses and make sure you keep improving on them until they become your strengths.
IELTS Listening Score
The listening test is a little tricky but can be cracked with good consciousness and of course, with good listening skills. When it comes to the test, there are 40 questions asked in response to four recordings. These recordings are a mixture of monologues and conversations.
You can listen to these recordings only once, and it takes up to 30 minutes. Based on that, you need to answer the questions. In the paper-based listening tests, you get extra 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the sheet. In computer-based listening tests, you only get 2 minutes as the answers are already there on the computer and you need to review it.
One major thing to remember is that the listening test for GT and academics is the same.
IELTS Writing Score
The IELTS writing test lasts for 60 minutes and is classified as writing task one and writing task two. In task one, you should try to finish it in 20 minutes to write 150 words. Academicians need to write a report based on a chart, and for General Training, the usual task is letter writing.
When it comes to task two, you should write 250 words in 40 minutes or the remaining time. Here, both General Training and Academics are supposed to write a formal essay.
The slots of 20 mins and 40 minutes are only a calculated recommendation. You are free to take as much time as you want for each writing task from the whole 60 minutes. The word limit of 150 and 250 words is compulsory for writing tasks one and two respectively.
IELTS Speaking Score
Speaking fluent English is one of the biggest barriers while preparing for IELTS. To solve this, you can join our course. The other areas that matter in a speaking test are grammar, vocabulary, cohesiveness, and such other factors.
The best way to deal with this is to communicate in English with your kith and kin. You can also watch web-series produced and released in English. When it comes to speaking, it plays an important role in the IELTS and when you travel further in the journey.
IELTS Score Calculator
To calculate the IELTS score, you need to have your individual band scores. In reading and listening, the marks you score out of 40 are converted into a band score. In speaking and writing the individual score bands are given in a few days. Once you have all the band scores, it is possible to calculate the overall band score.
Conclusion
Once your IELTS score goes for a toss, you are no longer eligible to be issued an ITA (Invitation to Apply) for immigration. In such cases, it is advisable to reappear for the examination to stay away from hanging in between.
To know more about the IELTS and to stay updated on the respective topic, stay in touch with our IELTS Ninjas, i.e., our mentors, to help you out in cracking the IELTS and also help you build the confidence that you can manage from hereon.
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