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Decoding IELTS Average Scores for Academic and General Sections

Updated on 27 January, 2024

Kanika Pruthi

Kanika Pruthi

Sr. Content Writer & Study Abroad Expert

The International English Language Testing System popularly known as IELTS was introduced in the year 1989, it is an English language proficiency test among non-native speakers who want to study, work or migrate to countries where English is mostly spoken. The IELTS average score varies between 6.5-8 approximately. The average IELTS band score is calculated on the basis of evaluating all four sections, namely Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. The score in each section gets equal weightage. The average score is what determines knowledge and proficiency of the English language in candidates. Aspirants should be clear about the calculation framework behind their IELTS average test scores. This will help them carefully evaluate their preparation levels.

 

IELTS Average Scores- A Handy Guide 

This table will help you understand IELTS average scores-

Particular Modules  The Average Score Threshold
Listening8
Speaking7.5
Reading7.5
Writing7
Total 7.5

 

IELTS Band Score

The overall band score is calculated between 0-9. The average IELTS score is rounded upwards or downwards to the upcoming half/whole band. Here’s taking a closer look at the band scores and what they mean:

Band Score FigureThe Level of SkillsWhat It Basically Means 
Band 9Expert userYou possess complete operational control over the English language. Usage of the language is suitable, fluent and accurate and there is total understanding.
Band 8Very good userThere is total operational control over the English language with only unsystematic inaccuracies happening occasionally and usage which is sometimes inappropriate. You may misunderstand a few things in situations that are not familiar although you can take care of detailed argumentation nicely.
Band 7Good user

In this case, the aspirant has good operational command over English although there are occasional usage, accuracy and understanding deficiencies in some situations. 

 

He/she can generally tackle complex language nicely and suitably understand the reasoning of a detailed nature. 

Band 6Competent userCandidates in this band have effective English command in spite of usage that is inappropriate, inaccuracies and some misunderstandings. They can fairly understand and use complex language in situations of a more familiar nature. 
Band 5Modest userCandidates in this band have partial English language command and are likely to cope nicely with overall meanings in most scenarios. However, they are likely to make mistakes too and should be capable of tackling basic communication in their fields. 
Band 4Limited userThe overall competence of candidates will be limited only to situations of a familiar nature. They will display problems frequently in expression, understanding and usage of complex language.
Band 3Extremely limited userCandidates can only understand and communicate general meanings in scenarios that are very familiar. There are frequent communication breakdowns too.
Band 2Intermittent userAspirants have difficulties in understanding written and spoken English.
Band 1Non-userCandidates have zero ability to use the English language with the exception being some isolated words.
Band 0Did not attempt the testCandidates did not answer the questions at all.

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Country-Wise IELTS Average Score 

IELTS average scores are given below in this table- 

Country Name Score for Reading Score for ListeningScore for WritingScore for SpeakingTotal Score
Germany7.77.96.37.47.4
Canada6.97.26.17.26.9
France7.17.05.96.66.7
China6.25.95.55.45.8
Cambodia5.65.95.55.85.8
Brazil7.06.85.96.76.7
Greece7.37.56.16.87.0
Colombia6.86.55.86.56.5
Egypt6.46.85.86.56.4
Korea6.36.35.65.86.0
Indonesia6.76.85.86.36.5
Japan6.15.95.55.55.8
Jordan6.16.45.66.56.2
Hong Kong6.97.16.06.36.6
Italy7.37.05.96.66.8
Kuwait5.25.65.15.95.5
Oman5.05.15.15.55.2
Mexico6.76.65.86.56.5
Malaysia7.17.46.16.86.9
Nigeria6.57.06.27.26.8
Nepal5.86.35.65.85.9
Philippines6.87.36.16.86.8
Russia6.97.06.06.76.7
Saudi Arabia5.25.45.05.85.4
Qatar5.15.65.05.85.4
Spain7.37.26.06.86.9
Sri Lanka6.26.65.86.56.3
Taiwan6.36.35.66.06.1
Turkey6.56.65.76.26.3
Thailand6.16.45.55.96.0
United Arab Emirates4.85.04.75.45.1
Ukraine6.66.75.86.56.5
Vietnam6.36.25.75.76.1

 

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General Training Mean performance

Here is a mean performance table for General Training:

NationalityReading band scoreListening band scoreWriting band scoreSpeaking band scoreOverall
France6.97.16.16.96.8
Canada6.67.16.27.06.8
United States of America7.37.67.07.97.5
Cameroon5.45.85.96.55.9
Brazil6.86.96.16.86.7
Argentina6.66.66.06.36.5
Colombia6.26.35.86.46.2
Italy6.36.45.86.46.3
China6.36.35.85.96.2
Indonesia5.86.15.76.06.0
Jamaica6.77.26.78.07.2
Hong Kong6.86.96.16.46.6
Korea5.76.05.65.65.8
Japan5.66.05.65.85.8
Nigeria6.47.06.57.36.9
Malaysia6.97.26.36.96.9
Spain6.76.66.06.56.5
Mexico6.56.66.06.66.5
Nepal5.96.66.06.36.3
Philippines5.76.35.86.36.1
Thailand4.85.45.25.45.3
Saudi Arabia4.45.14.85.55.0
Russia7.07.06.26.76.8
Turkey6.16.35.86.26.2
Sri Lanka6.46.96.06.86.6
Taiwan5.96.25.76.16.0
Ukraine6.26.45.86.36.2

 

Download IELTS Sample Papers

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Average IELTS Score for India 

The average score band in India ranges between 5.5-6. Here is a table that shows the average scores. 

Nationality India 
Reading5.82
Listening6.3
Speaking6.01
Writing5.77
Total 6.04

 

More Resources to Read About IELTS:

IELTS Writing Task 1 AcademicIELTS Last Minute TipsIELTS Academic Reading
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Listening Scores for IELTS

This is the very first module with 40 minutes’ duration and 30 minutes are given for appearing in it. There are four recorded dialogues, monologues and conversations. Multiple choice and short answer type questions have to be answered on the basis of the recordings. Here is a table that shows the marking of Listening scores:

Basic Score Band Score Threshold  
11- 12 range4
13- 15 range4.5
16- 17 range5
18- 22 range5.5
23- 25 range6
26- 29 range6.5
30- 31 range7
32- 34 range7.5
35- 36 range8
37- 38 range8.5
39- 40 range9

 

Reading Scores for IELTS 

This module contains three lengthy passages that require approximately 60 minutes for completion. This table will demonstrate marking for both the IELTS General Training and Academic Training sections. 

IELTS Academic Reading- 

These tests are marked out of 40 and the raw score will be converted into a suitable band score.

Basic Score  Band Score Threshold 
4- 5 range2.5
6- 7 range3
8- 9 range3.5
10- 12 range4
13- 14 range4.5
15- 18 range5
19- 22 range5.5
23- 26 range6
27- 29 range6.5
30- 32 range7
33- 34 range7.5
35- 36 range8
37- 38 range8.5
39- 40 range9

 

IELTS General Reading- 

This section also has 40 questions with every question containing a single mark each. The band scores are usually reported in increments of half and one point each. 

Basic Score  Band Score Threshold
6- 8 range2.5
9- 11 range3
12- 14 range3.5
15- 18 range4
19- 22 range4.5
23- 26 range5
27- 29 range5.5
30- 31 range6
32- 33 range6.5
34- 35 range7
36 range7.5
37- 38 range8
39 range8.5
40 range9

 

Writing Scores for IELTS 

The average writing score is 6.0 for IELTS. Task 1 will ask candidates for summarizing or explain any graph, table or chart within 150 words. Task 2 will need you to write a short essay within 250 words.

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Download IELTS Preparation Guide For Free

Get to know about the latest updates on the IELTS Exam, Eligibility, Preparation Tips, Test procedure,  Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Registration Process, Important Exam Dates, and much more!! This guide is a one-stop solution for every IELTS Aspirant who aims to crack the exam with an impressive band score.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average score for IELTS?

There is no exact average score that can be mentioned for IELTS in this case. However, the average usually stands anywhere between 6.5-8. The score is calculated after analyzing and assessing all the four sections of the examination like listening, reading, writing and speaking. The score in every section gets individual and equal weightage as well. 6.5-8 is considered good enough to get you admission into most global universities. Anything above 7 is always a plus point. Anything around 6.0-6.5 may also get you admission into some universities.

How to calculate average IELTS score?

You should know that the average score in IELTS is calculated with a simple system. The individual scores in the four sections of the IELTS examination, namely Writing, Reading, Listening and Speaking, will be equally given weightage. 

The total band score will be calculated after taking the average of these four scores. Hence, you have to add these four scores and divide them by four to get the final band score in the IELTS examination. The band score is between 0 and 9 in the test. Scores are rounded off to the immediate whole/half bands.

What is IELTS speaking average score?

It is hard to accurately predict an average score in the IELTS Speaking section. This section assesses the pronunciation, command, accuracy and grammatical range of the candidate along with overall fluency. The average score could be anywhere around 5-6.5 for India. However, you should aim at getting anywhere around 6.5-7.5 at least, if not 8. This will give you a better overall band score in IELTS. You should remember that this is one of the most important sections in the examination.

Is 7.0 a good average score in IELTS?

Yes, you can say that 7.0 is a good score in the IELTS examination. However, what you should ensure is a score that is at least 6.5 in all the individual sections, i.e. listening, speaking, reading and writing. Most students aim for a score of IELTS 7.0 and hence it is a really good score indeed and will get you into your preferred university globally as well. 7.0 is indicative of your command over English being good enough to study in any English-speaking country at an elite institution.

What is IELTS Writing Average Score?

The average IELTS writing score can be between 6.5 and 8. You should aim for at least 6.5-7 in this section. This section will contribute greatly towards your overall band score in the IELTS examination. Try and practice as much as you can before the examination in order to sharpen your abilities to pick up essay topics and enumerate points logically in paragraphs. The more you practice, the more confident you will be on the day of the test.

What is IELTS Reading Average Score?

There is no such specific average that you can refer to in this regard. However, it is usually between 6.5-8 that you should aspire for. There are scores between 5.5-6.5 as well which many candidates get in this section. This section assesses your ability to understand passages and tests your knowledge of the language and vocabulary as well. You should keep practicing in order to score well in this section and bolster your total IELTS band score as a result.

What is IELTS listening Average Score?

The average score in the IELTS listening section is anywhere around 6.5 and 8. You should aim for this score in order to ace the section and enhance your total band score in the examination. This section is very important and you should make sure that you are alert enough to pick up the questions and answer them accordingly. If you cannot understand a question, do not get bogged down by it; simply move on to the next one and maintain your focus at all times.

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Kanika Pruthi

Sr. Content Writer & Study Abroad Expert

Kanika has 5+ years of experience as a writer and content developer. She has written for a wide range of industry verticals, including hospitality, restaurants, non-profits, finance, IT, HR, technology, payroll, and education. She has worked as a creator for a few leading companies and has also helped brands grow through her creative writing.

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