BEFORE THE TEST
CHOOSE A REALISTIC AND ACHIEVABLE GOAL
To obtain a satisfactory IELTS Band Score, it is necessary to be realistic. If the goal is to reach a
certain level of English proficiency, success can only be achieved with much practice. It is important
to know what an IELTS score in any of the Sub-tests means before you set yourself a goal. An outline
of the Overall Band Scale levels is given below:
9 Expert User -Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and
fluent with complete understanding.
8 Very Good User - Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional
unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may
occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
7 Good User - Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies,
inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles
complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
6 Competent User - Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies,
inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex
language, particularly in familiar situations.
5 Modest User - Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most
situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle
basic communication in own field.
4 Limited User - Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in
understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.
3 Extremely Limited User - Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations.
Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
2 Intermittent User - No real communication is possible except for the most basic information
using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet
immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and -written English.
1 Non User - Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few
isolated words.
0 Did Not Attempt The Test - No assessable information provided
It takes three months of regular intensive practice to improve by one overall Band.
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