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Understanding Your IELTS Results: A Comprehensive Guide

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Gail Pitts

20-Aug-2024

Gail Pitts

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Understanding Your IELTS Results: A Comprehensive Guide

Congratulations on completing your IELTS test! Whether you’re looking to use your results for academic, immigration, or professional purposes, understanding what your scores mean can be crucial for your next steps. In this guide, we’ll break down the scoring system, explain how your results are presented, and provide tips on how to improve your score if needed.

How is IELTS Scored?

The IELTS test is scored on a 9-band scale:

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

Note: You cannot “fail” the IELTS test. It’s designed to assess your English proficiency, not to pass or fail you.

• Listening and Reading: Your score is based on the number of correct answers out of 40 questions.
• Writing and Speaking: Scored by trained examiners based on a set marking criterion.

How Are IELTS Results Presented?

Your IELTS results are presented as band scores for each section of the test: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. An average score across all sections is calculated to give you an overall band score.

• Results Availability: For IELTS on paper, results are available 13 days after your test date. For IELTS on computer, results are available within 3 to 5 days.
• Receiving Results: Your test centre will mail a paper copy of your results. Additionally, up to five copies can be sent to academic institutions for free upon request.

 What Does Your IELTS Result Tell You About Your English Ability?

Each band score corresponds to a specific level of English proficiency. You can find detailed descriptions of what each band score means on the IELTS website. These descriptions can help you understand your strengths and areas for improvement.

How Can You Use Your IELTS Results?

Your IELTS scores are widely accepted:

• Academic: Many universities and colleges require IELTS scores for admission.
• Immigration: Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recognizes IELTS for visa and immigration applications.
• Employment: Numerous employers around the world use IELTS scores to assess English proficiency.

You can request to send your IELTS results to up to five organizations for free when you register for your test. If you need to send additional copies later, contact your test centre. If your test centre has closed, you can use the Application for Additional TRFs form to request results be sent to organizations.

Adding Your IELTS Score to LinkedIn

Including your IELTS score on your LinkedIn profile can make you stand out to potential employers. It demonstrates your commitment to English proficiency and can be a valuable addition to your professional profile.

Benefits of Adding Your IELTS Score:

• Showcase Your Skills: Highlight your English language skills to employers and recruiters.
• Increase Visibility: A complete LinkedIn profile with your IELTS score can attract more attention from potential employers.
• Achievement Display: Posting your IELTS score on your LinkedIn feed allows your network to see your accomplishment

• What If You Don’t Agree with Your Results?

          If you’re not satisfied with your results, you can request a re-evaluation through the Enquiry on Results (EOR) service. Here’s how it works:

• Re-marking: Your test is re-marked by senior examiners who do not know the original scores.
• Fee and Refund: There is a fee for this service, which is refunded if your score changes.
• Timeline: The re-mark process can take between 2 to 21 days. If you haven’t received your new results after 28 days, contact your test centre.

  How Can You Improve Your IELTS Results?

 To improve your IELTS scores, practice is key. Here are some tips:

• Study Regularly: Consistent practice can help improve your skills.
• Use Free Resources: Access free practice materials and courses available online.
• Take Practice Tests: Familiarize yourself with the test format and timing.
• Seek Feedback: Enroll in preparation courses for personalized guidance.