IELTS Reading Scoring Explained (Academic & General Training)
Understanding how your IELTS Reading score is calculated helps you set clear targets and interpret your practice test results accurately. Similar to the Listening test, the Reading score is based on the number of correct answers out of 40, which is then converted into an IELTS Reading band score from 0 to 9.
This guide explains the scoring process and highlights the key difference in score conversion between the Academic and General Training modules.
The Basics: Raw Score out of 40
- The IELTS Reading test (both Academic and General Training) has 40 questions.
- Each correct answer yields one mark.
- Your raw score is the total number of correct answers.
- Spelling must be correct for answers in completion or short-answer questions.
Converting Raw Score to IELTS Band Score: Academic vs. General Training
Your raw score is converted to the 0-9 band scale. Crucially, the raw score required to achieve a specific band score differs between the Academic and General Training modules. This is because the texts in the General Training module are generally considered less complex than those in the Academic module. Therefore, you typically need more correct answers in General Training Reading to achieve the same band score as in Academic Reading.
While exact conversion tables can vary slightly between test versions, here are indicative guides:
Indicative IELTS Academic Reading Score Conversion:
Band Score | Raw Score (Approx. out of 40) |
9.0 | 39-40 |
8.5 | 37-38 |
8.0 | 35-36 |
7.5 | 33-34 |
7.0 | 30-32 |
6.5 | 27-29 |
6.0 | 23-26 |
5.5 | 19-22 |
5.0 | 15-18 |
4.5 | 13-14 |
4.0 | 10-12 |
Indicative IELTS General Training Reading Score Conversion:
Band Score | Raw Score (Approx. out of 40) |
9.0 | 40 |
8.5 | 39 |
8.0 | 37-38 |
7.5 | 36 |
7.0 | 34-35 |
6.5 | 32-33 |
6.0 | 30-31 |
5.5 | 27-29 |
5.0 | 23-26 |
4.5 | 19-22 |
4.0 | 16-18 |
Source: Based on publicly available indicative conversion tables from IELTS administrators.
Key Difference: Notice that to get a Band 7.0, you might need around 30-32 correct answers in Academic Reading, but around 34-35 correct answers in General Training Reading.
Using the Score Conversion Information
- Use the Correct Table: Always refer to the appropriate conversion table (Academic or General Training) when estimating your band score from practice tests.
- Set Module-Specific Goals: Understand the raw score you need to aim for based on your target band score and the module you are taking.
- Track Progress Accurately: Monitor your estimated band score using the correct conversion to see your improvement realistically.
Conclusion
The IELTS Reading scoring system translates your number of correct answers into a band score, but the conversion differs for IELTS Academic Reading and IELTS General Training Reading. Use the indicative score charts relevant to your module to understand the performance level required for each band and to track your practice progress effectively.