Most candidates prepare for IELTS by practising English, which is not the same as preparing for the test. This guide explains how the band scale works, how the overall score is calculated and rounded, and what examiners are actually assessing in each of the four papers — including what separates a 6.0 from a 7.0.
3 pages. The nine-band scale · overall band calculation with worked examples · the four papers and their timings · the four Writing criteria and Task 2 weighting · the four Speaking criteria and the three parts · where marks are most often lost · pre-booking checklist.