• IELTS

Brief Guide on IELTS Listening Band Score

427 Reads
3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Oct 18,2023 01:16 PM IST

Many universities mandate IELTS scores for international students to get admission to their institution, which is why it is essential that a student thoroughly prepares for the test. The test includes 4 sections: Speaking, Reading, Listening and Writing. This blog focuses especially on the listening test, how the scores are calculated and tips to improve band scores in the IELTS Listening test.

The IELTS exam is conducted in different sections, and the listening part is one of those sections, along with the writing, reading, and speaking sections. Usually, students have many questions regarding the listening part, about what to expect in the test and how to prepare for it. That’s why this blog is presented to provide some valuable insights on how to prepare for the listening part and score good bands in it. Read more to learn in detail about the IELTS Listening Band Score.

Listening test

The Listening part of the IELTS exam consists of about 40 questions that the candidate needs to answer within 30 minutes of time. During the test, the students are presented with four audio recordings, which contain monologues and conversations between the native English speakers. Each recording comes with 10 questions that need to be answered by the student according to the recording. The IELTS listening band scores are calculated on the basis of the candidate’s response to the 40 questions. These scores are further calculated on a 9-point scale.

There are 2 ways of conducting the IELTS Listening test:

General test: This test contains topics that are based on the general interest of the candidate.

Academic test: This test contains topics suitable for those entering university or professional institutions.

Despite the differences, the IELTS Listening Band scores are the same for both General and Academic IELTS exam. Also, the listening and reading test in IELTS helps to boost the band scores and get a better overall score, which is why it is important to improve IELTS Listening Skills.

How Are The IELTS Band Score Calculated?

Candidates get section-wise band scores (Listening, Speaking, Writing and Reading) and overall band scores. In case the candidate gets scores in decimals, for example, 6.25 or 6.80, then the marks will be rounded off to the nearest whole band or to the half band accordingly.

Below is an example of how IELTS Scoring and calculation works:

IELTS Sections	Band Scores
Listening	6.5
Reading	7.0
Writing	5.0
Speaking	6.5
Normal Addition Score	6.25
Overall	6.5

In the table above, the overall bands summed up to be 6.25, which were then rounded off to its nearest half band, 6.5.

Minimum Scores for IELTS

Although IELTS doesn’t have any minimum score criteria, the scores are calculated from band score “1” to band score “9”; there’s also a band “0” for students who didn’t appear in the test. As mentioned above, IELTS scores are calculated on the basis of 4 sections: listening, speaking, writing, and reading. These sections have individual band scores along with an overall IELTS band score. Every college and university has its own IELTS band requirement they expect from international students.

Tips to Get a Good IELTS Band Score in The IELTS Listening Test

Having good scores in the IELTS Listening Test is essential for an excellent overall score, especially considering how easy it is to score good marks in this section. Here are some tips that students can use to enhance their ability to listen to a foreign language and understand it to answer simple questions related to it:

Practice

An obvious yet underrated part of scoring well in the listening part is regular practice. Listening can be a tedious task, which is why people usually underestimate listening tests and skip the exercise. To make practice more fun, students can spice up the game and use other media to crack the IELTS exam. For example- YouTube, TV shows, Podcasts, etc. Students can make it work by being active listeners and writing down new words and highlights.

Try different accents

Some accents are more difficult to pick on as compared to others, which is why it is essential to practice with as many accents and styles as the student can find. Not only does it help to enhance listening skills, but it also helps to increase the efficiency of answering the questions.

Understand the exam pattern

Knowing what kind of questions you can expect from the test and in what format can significantly help in the test. Fortunately, the test format is similar for both academic and general candidates. For example, the exam time duration is 40 minutes, and the exam consists of 40 questions. There are 4 different sections in the test, which include:

Section 1: A short conversation about a daily topic.

Section 2: A monologue on the same issue.

Section 3: A conversation between several people in an academic context.

Section 4: A monologue on a topic mentioned in the previous section.

The format allows the opportunities to better prepare for the test.

Build vocabulary

Having a good vocabulary is vital as it helps with communication and understanding the other person. Students can learn these words organically from their surroundings rather than cramming a long list of random words, as that gives a more active IELTS vocabulary which can be used easily.

Conclusion

Succeeding in the listening part of the test can be difficult but not impossible if the student gets the right guidance. Proper teaching and guidance help to understand the aspects of the IELTS exam and prepare for the test as thoroughly as possible. However, the student still needs to do their parts and practice independently to boost their scores and get high IELTS band scores on their test. To get the best guidance, students can reach out to the Canamprep and start using the tips provided above for the best results.

Also read: Mastering Grammer for IELTS

FAQ

What does 30 out of 40 mean in IELTS Listening?

The 30 out of 40 score in IELTS Listening means a band less than 7 because, in IELTS, the bands are decided by the total score obtained in the test. The test consists of 40 questions, so having a score of 30 out of 40 marks means that the candidate has an under-band 7 score.

What is a good listening band to get admission to the top universities?

If the candidate wants to get admission to the top university, then they must have at least a 7.5 band on the IELTS listening test; a candidate with a 7.5 band is considered to be a good user of the English language.

Is it challenging to clear the IELTS?

With proper guidance and hard work, students can easily clear the IELTS exam. To get proper counseling, students can contact Canam Consultants.

How can a student enhance their IELTS listening score?

Students can use these tips to enhance their IELTS Listening scores:

• Practicing regularly

• Practicing with different accents

• Understanding the exam pattern

• Building strong vocabulary

Is 1 month enough for IELTS?

It is recommended to give at least 2-3 months of dedicated studying and preparation time to score good marks in the IELTS exam.

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

Popular Universities to Study Abroad

World class education waiting for you.

Shorelight Group - University of South Carolina

South Carolina, USA • 320 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 32000-41500 / year

QS - The University of Law - Nottingham Campus

England, UK • 29 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 11000-17000 / year

Alexander College - Burnaby Campus

British Columbia, Canada • 13 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 17000-17500 / year

New Brunswick Community College - Miramichi Campus

New Brunswick, Canada • 26 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 8000-13000 / year

EDUCO - The University of Alabama

Alabama, USA • 88 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 31000-32000 / year

Adler University - Vancouver Campus

British Columbia, Canada • 4 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 0-0 / year

City University in Canada - Vancouver Campus

British Columbia, Canada • 1 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 18000-19000 / year

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus

New South Wales, Australia • 16 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 22000-64000 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

The International Education Fair

Study in Canada, UK, USA, Australia, NewZealand, Dubai, Germany

18th Jan to 25th Jan • 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Hybrid Event

University Visits - College of the Rockies

Study in Canada • University Visit

Chandigarh • 10:30AM

In-Person Event

Study Abroad Application Fair

Study in Canada, UK, USA, Australia, NewZealand, Germany • Application Days

Nathana • 11:00AM

In-Person Event

Top countries destinations

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland
Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland
Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales
Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria
Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia
Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland
La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria
LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland
Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland
Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland
Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay
Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland
Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland
New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland
The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

Kent state university Ohio
San Jose State University California
Wright State University Ohio
Clark University Massachusetts
Rowan University New Jersey
Arkansas State University Arkansas
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

Blogs and Articles

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

A Disaster of Titanic Proportions Reading Answers- IELTS Academic Reading

‘A Disaster of Titanic Proportions - IELTS Reading Answers’ blog has been developed to provide students with the practice for the IELTS reading mo...

Updated on • Nov 30,2023 05:39 PM IST • IELTS

Describe a Chocolate You Didn't Like - IELTS Cue Card

The International English Language Testing System emphasizes effective international communication. The speaking section of an IELTS exam evaluates li...

Updated on • Nov 29,2023 12:22 PM IST • IELTS

Describe a Person Who Wears Unusual Clothes - IELTS Cue Card

If you're planning to take the IELTS Speaking test, it is essential to understand the different sections involved in the test. The second stage of the...

Updated on • Nov 28,2023 01:36 PM IST • IELTS

Describe a Difficult Decision That You Once Made - IELTS Cue Card

The CUE card section is an integral component of the IELTS Speaking Test. It generally measures an individual's ability to speak on a particular topic...

Updated on • Nov 28,2023 01:08 PM IST • IELTS

Nursing Colleges in Canada- Universities, Courses, Eligibility and more

If one wants to serve people, feel fulfilled and make a decent living, head to nursing schools in Canada. A nursing degree in this country sets one up...

Updated on • Nov 22,2023 11:53 AM IST • Study in Canada

MBA in Business Analytics in the USA: Universities, Eligibility, Admissions Process, Documents and Job Opportunities

The United States of America (USA) is at the forefront of higher education. To embrace the prominence of a data-centric world, special educational pro...

Updated on • Nov 20,2023 12:30 PM IST • USA

Describe an Interesting Song - IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Cue Cards play a significant role in assessing a candidate's ability to express their ideas and communicate fluently during the IELTS Speaking Test. T...

Updated on • Nov 16,2023 04:43 PM IST • IELTS

Highest Paying jobs in New Zealand for International students

New Zealand has gained a reputation as one of most beautiful, safe, and least corrupt countries in the world. Apart from the amazing lands...

Updated on • Nov 16,2023 12:27 PM IST • New Zealand

MBA in Finance in UK: Check Universities, Eligibility, Admissions Process & Scholarships

The UK stands out as a top destination for pursuing an MBA in Finance. With its blend of world-class education, strategic location, and diverse cohort...

Updated on • Nov 14,2023 12:43 PM IST • UK

LLM Abroad: Universities, Eligibility, Courses, Countries, Scholarship, Jobs for Indian Students

LLM is a course specially designed to teach students in the field of legal studies and master's in areas such as international law, environmental law,...

Updated on • Nov 14,2023 12:39 PM IST • Study Abroad

Atlantic Provinces of Canada- Educational and Career Prospects

The Eastern Canadian Provinces, known as Atlantic Provinces, border the Atlantic Ocean and are comprised of New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, ...

Updated on • Nov 14,2023 12:33 PM IST • Study in Canada

Study Smart, Study in Alberta - A Comprehensive Guide to Canadian Education

Alberta, a province in the heart of Western Canada, is a land of sunshine, forests, and a multicultural population. It is the most populous of the thr...

Updated on • Nov 14,2023 12:31 PM IST • Study in Canada

MSc Forensic Science in the UK: Universities, Admission Process, Eligibility Criteria, Scholarships, Jobs

Picture this: A world where each shadow has its secrets, every faint trace has a truth attached to it, and every ordinary piece of information has ext...

Updated on • Nov 07,2023 12:37 PM IST • study in the UK

Describe a Creative Person Whose Work You Admire - IELTS Cue Card

Cue Cards are part of the IELTS speaking test, where the candidate is required to speak on a given topic for about 2 minutes. This write-up emphasizes...

Updated on • Nov 07,2023 11:43 AM IST • IELTS

Cost of Living in Canada/ UK/ USA/ New Zealand/ Australia

It is an essential factor when students plan to relocate or are just curious about other countries' living expenses. But the cost of living in differe...

Updated on • Nov 07,2023 11:23 AM IST • Study Abroad

Post Graduate Diploma Courses in Project Management in Canada: Universities, Eligibility Criteria, Admissions Process, Scholarship & Jobs

Ever wondered how movies hit the screen right on time or how new apps mysteriously appear on our phone, perfectly polished and ready to use? It’s al...

Updated on • Nov 06,2023 05:58 PM IST • Study in Canada

Masters of International Business in Australia: Universities, Admission Process, Scholarships, Jobs

Masters of International Business offers the essential skills for managing international businesses worldwide. Completion of the program paves the way...

Updated on • Nov 06,2023 11:57 AM IST • Australia

A Comprehensive Guide About Dental Hygiene Courses in Canada

This article is a complete guide to dental hygiene courses in Canada which will cover topics such as what are the dental hygiene courses, why to pursu...

Updated on • Nov 06,2023 11:31 AM IST • Study in Canada

Describe a Difficult Thing You Did and Succeeded

The IELTS exam contains 4 sections: writing, speaking, reading and listening. One of the questions which come under speaking is cue cards. Cue cards a...

Updated on • Nov 04,2023 11:37 AM IST • IELTS

Masters in Accounting in Canada- Universities, Eligibility, Admission Process, Scholarships and Jobs

Canada is known for being internationally diverse and offering excellent educational opportunities. As a global nation, Canada welcomes candidates fro...

Updated on • Nov 03,2023 04:53 PM IST • Study in Canada

Brief Guide on IELTS Listening Band Score

Table of Contents

Listening test

How Are The IELTS Band Score Calculated?

Minimum Scores for IELTS

Tips to Get a Good IELTS Band Score in The IELTS Listening Test

Practice

Try different accents

Understand the exam pattern

Build vocabulary

Conclusion

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland

New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland

The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

University of Warwick England

De Montfort University England

University of West London England

University of Strathclyde Scotland

Aston University England

University of Bath England

University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

Newcastle University England

Kent state university Ohio

San Jose State University California

Wright State University Ohio

Clark University Massachusetts

Rowan University New Jersey

Arkansas State University Arkansas

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois

University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams