IELTS scoring, band scores and test topics

IELTS score range and IELTS band scores

The IELTS score range runs from band 0 to band 9, reported in whole and half bands. Each band has a description of ability. Band 9 means the test taker has fully operational command of the language; band 0 means the test taker did not attempt the test.

• 9: Expert
• 8: Very good
• 7: Good
• 6: Competent
• 5: Modest
• 4: Limited
• 3: Extremely limited
• 2: Intermittent
• 1: Non-user
• 0: Did not attempt the test

Source: IELTS — Scoring in detail. Checked 19 October 2026.

IELTS scoring: how the overall band score is calculated

The overall IELTS band score is the average of the four section bands, rounded to the nearest half band. An average ending in .25 rounds up to the next half band, and one ending in .75 rounds up to the next whole band. IELTS’s own examples: an average of 6.25 becomes 6.5, 3.875 becomes 4.0, and 6.125 becomes 6.0.

So one weak section can cost you half a band overall, and one strong section can lift you. If an organization requires a minimum per section as well as overall, check both numbers.

Source: IELTS — Scoring in detail. Checked 19 October 2026.

How Listening and Reading are scored

Listening and Reading each have 40 questions, and every correct answer earns one mark. The score out of 40 is converted to a band. IELTS gives approximate values, noting that the exact number of marks varies slightly between test versions:

• Listening: 16 marks about band 5, 23 about band 6, 30 about band 7, 35 about band 8
• Academic Reading: 15 marks about band 5, 23 about band 6, 30 about band 7, 35 about band 8
• General Training Reading: 15 marks about band 4, 23 about band 5, 30 about band 6, 35 about band 7

Source: IELTS — Scoring in detail. Checked 19 October 2026.

IELTS writing topics and IELTS writing questions

IELTS writing questions follow a fixed pattern even though the topics change. In Academic Task 1 you describe visual information, such as a graph, table, chart or diagram, in at least 150 words. In General Training Task 1 you write a letter of at least 150 words in response to a situation. Writing is assessed on task achievement or task response, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy.

IELTS does not publish a list of writing topics. What it does publish: Task 2 is on a topic of general interest, and you discuss a point of view, argument or problem in at least 250 words in about 40 minutes. Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1, so it deserves most of your writing practice.

Source: IELTS — Academic Writing format. Checked 19 October 2026.

Topics for IELTS writing Task 2

The official examples of IELTS general writing topics for Task 2 are children’s leisure activities, environmental problems and whether smoking should be banned in public places. That gives a fair picture of IELTS essay task 2 topics in general: everyday social issues that need no specialist knowledge.

Rather than memorizing topics for IELTS writing Task 2, practice the three kinds of prompt IELTS names: a point of view, an argument or a problem that you need to discuss. Our own illustrative prompt, not an official one: “Some people think children should spend more time on organized sports. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

Source: IELTS — General Training Writing format. Checked 19 October 2026.

IELTS speaking part 2 topics

In Part 2 the examiner hands you a task card that asks you to talk about a particular topic. You have one minute to prepare and then speak for 2 minutes; the whole part takes 3 to 4 minutes. IELTS does not publish a list of IELTS part 2 topics, so be wary of lists that claim to predict them.

Some candidates search for IELTS speaking task 2 topics; in the Speaking test it is called Part 2, and “Task 2” belongs to Writing. When you practice topics for IELTS speaking Part 2, focus on structure: one sentence of context, then each point on the card, then a reason or a short story to fill the full 2 minutes.

Source: IELTS — Speaking test format. Checked 19 October 2026.

Speaking topics for IELTS Parts 1 and 3

Part 1 lasts 4 to 5 minutes and uses familiar topics such as home, family, work, studies or interests. Part 3 lasts 4 to 5 minutes and discusses issues related to your Part 2 topic in a more general way. These IELTS speaking topics and questions move from personal topics in Part 1 to more general discussion in Part 3.

Examiners assess fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation, with equal weighting; the average gives your Speaking band.

Source: IELTS — Speaking test format. Checked 19 October 2026.

IELTS exam: questions people ask

What is the IELTS score range?

Band 0 to band 9, in whole and half bands, for each section and overall. Source: ielts.org, checked 19 October 2026.

How is the overall IELTS band score rounded?

It is the average of the four sections rounded to the nearest half band; .25 rounds up to the next half band and .75 to the next whole band. Source: ielts.org, checked 19 October 2026.

How many correct answers do I need for band 7 in Listening?

About 30 out of 40, according to IELTS; the exact number varies slightly by test version. Source: ielts.org, checked 19 October 2026.

Does IELTS publish speaking part 2 topics?

No. The task card gives a particular topic on test day; IELTS only describes the format. Source: ielts.org, checked 19 October 2026.

Which writing task counts more?

Task 2. It contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score. Source: ielts.org, checked 19 October 2026.

How long is an IELTS score valid?

IELTS recommends treating results as valid for two years; organizations can choose to accept older results. Source: ielts.org, checked 19 October 2026.