Understanding IELTS scores
How to make sense of IELTS scoring from Band 5.5 to Band 6.5.
The Australian government has just shared its new plan for immigration. Starting from 2024, there will be changes to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) English language requirements for Student and Temporary Graduate visas.
The IELTS Academic test assesses how well you can use English across four skill areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It’s used to see if your English levels meet the requirements for studying at university or working in a professional setting such as medicine, teaching, or law.
From 2024, if you want a student visa, you will need a higher IELTS score of 6.0 (up from 5.5) and if you want a graduate visa, you will need a score of 6.5 (up from 6.0).
So, what do these changes to IELTS scoring mean for you?
Don’t let the new English language requirements get you down! Credit: SDI Productions/Getty Images
IELTS is scored between Band 1 (non-user) and Band 9 (expert user). Each section is rounded to the nearest whole or half band and the average of these scores is used to calculate the Overall Band Score.
In the listening and reading parts of the test, you will have to answer 40 questions in each section. The more questions you get correct, the better your score will be.
In the speaking and writing parts of the test, you need to talk or write about different academic topics. These sections are marked by trained examiners who assess your responses based on a set of criteria, including how well you’ve answered the question, how well you’ve linked and organised your ideas, and how well you have used the different features of English: grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.
Detailed IELTS Band Descriptors are available at:
Understanding IELTS Band 5.5
The previous score of 5.5 for a student visa meant that you could understand the general meaning of English and use it in most situations, though you would make a few mistakes. You would feel more confident with topics you knew well.
When you listened or read, you would understand the main ideas if the language used was clear, straightforward, and the topics were familiar.
When speaking about a topic, you would need to speak slowly and use simpler words and grammar. You would be able to write about things you know and organise your ideas, but you would make lots of errors in grammar, vocabulary, and connecting your ideas.
Understanding IELTS Band 6.0
IELTS 6.0 is a step up from this and means you are a competent user of English. You understand the language well even though you still make lots of errors. You can also use and understand some more difficult language, especially when the topic is one you know lots about.
When you listen or read, you understand the main ideas, but harder language or ideas will be more difficult. You will be able to talk about things you know for a while, but you might make some mistakes and have to pause to think about what to say next.
You can write about topics you know well and organise your ideas using paragraphs and linking words. You will be able to use a mix of simple and complex grammar and vocabulary, and, although there will be errors, these will not change what you mean.
Understanding IELTS Band 6.5
To be eligible for a graduate visa, you will now need to increase your score to an IELTS 6.5, which will mean you are good at using English. You will understand the language well and can use and understand some difficult language, especially with topics you know a lot about. Even though you will make some mistakes with harder English in new situations, you can still manage.
When listening or reading, you will be able to understand the main points of many texts, even if they’re difficult or new. You will be able to talk for a while, sometimes without too much effort and using different ways to connect ideas.
You will be able to write about topics you know and do not know and will organise your ideas logically. You will be able to use a variety of grammar and vocabulary and will use many simpler English language features correctly.
Moving up to a 6.5
The jump between a 6.0 and a 6.5 may seem small, but it can be challenging. There are two reasons why this can be difficult.
First, to get a 6.5, you need to show some skills from a Band 6.0 and some from a Band 7.0. This can be difficult because at a 7.0, you need to understand and use complex language and detailed reasoning really well.
The second reason is when you get better at using and understanding English, you might not learn as quickly. This is normal! You need to develop more words and harder language to get better, and that takes time.
The jump between a 6.0 and a 6.5 may seem small, but it can be challenging. Source: iStockphoto / dimarik/Getty Images
To improve your IELTS score, you need to practise using English as much as possible. Choose ways that are enjoyable so that you stay motivated. Here are some ideas:
- Practise listening with , a video series that includes worksheets with IELTS-style questions.
- Watch movies in English with the subtitles on to improve both your reading and listening skills, then review them on a platform such as IMDb to practise writing.
- Read news articles on a variety of topics to stay up to date with current events and increase your vocabulary, then rewrite them in your own words to practise your writing skills.
- Read aloud to someone else. It can help you improve your understanding, and you can practise your speaking at the same time.
- Practise speaking in different situations. Find things you like doing that help you feel relaxed and confident. Check out these great resources: , .
- Listen to to help you develop your ability to listen for main ideas and practise .
- IELTS practice tests will help you to become familiar with the IELTS question types. Use the test to identify the areas that you need to work on and practise developing those skills using the strategies above. There are lots of free practice tests available online. Get started with:
