ielts writing 6 5 means

IELTS Band Score - How it is calculated

IELTS scores range from 0 to 9. After taking IELTS exam you will get your Overall band score and band scores for each of the four parts separately: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. You can get either round scores or .5 scores (e.g.6.0, 7.0, 6.5, 7.5)

The Overall Band Score is the average score of all four parts of the IELTS exam.

Educational institutions and employers set their own IELTS passing score.

As a rule, 6.0 (competent user) is enough for admission to universities for undergraduate programs; 7.0 (good user) - work in Australia, degrees in law or medicine. In order to successfully pass IELTS Test (6.0+), your General English level shouild be Intermediate or higher.

Overall Band Score - How it is calculated

For example:

Listening: 6.5 Reading: 6.5 Writing: 5.0 Speaking: 7.0 Overall Band would be 6.5 ( 25 ÷ 4 = 6.25 = 6.5)

Listening: 6.5 Reading: 6.5 Writing: 5.5 Speaking: 6.0 Overall Band would be 6.0 (24.5 ÷ 4 = 6.125 = 6.0)

.25 will be rounded up to the next half band (.5) .75 will be rounded up to the next whole band (.0)

Listening and Reading tests contains 40 questions. One mark is awarded for each correct answer; scores are calculated by the number of correct answers you have out of 40 questions.

Listening and Reading Band Scores

The tables below indicate the average number of marks required to achieve a particular band score in Listening and Reading.

Reading Academic

IELTS Band scores descriptions and skill levels

8.0 Very good user The test taker has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well.

7.0 Good user The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.

6.0 Competent user The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

5.0 Modest user The test taker has a partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field.

4.0 Limited user The test taker's basic competence is limited to familiar situations. They frequently show problems in understanding and expression. They are not able to use complex language.

3.0 Extremely limited user The test taker conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication.

2.0 Intermittent user The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.

1.0 Non-user The test taker has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words.

0 Did not attempt the test

(source: https://www.ielts.org )

IELTS Scores compared to other exam scores

The following table gives an approximate comparison of IELTS with the most popular exams

English language levels (CEFR)

A - English Basic User A1 Beginner A2 Elementary English B - English Independent User B1 Intermediate English B2 Upper-Intermediate English C - Proficient English User C1 Advanced English C2 Proficiency English

Source : https://www.coe.int

How IELTS band scores align with CEFR

Note that the IELTS scores referred to are the overall band score reported on the Test Report Form, and not the band scores for individual parts of the exam.

How to master IELTS Writing: Task 1 & Task 2

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Understand IELTS scores

The IELTS band scores range from a band 0 to a band 9. Find out what level of English-language proficiency each band score corresponds to.

In the IELTS test, your English-language skills are measured against band scores. These band scores range from a band 0 to a band 9 with each band score corresponding to a level of English-language competence.

For example, a band score of 6 corresponds to a competent user who generally has effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. They can also use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

In your IELTS results, you will get a band score for each part of the test as well as an overall band score which is an average of your band scores for Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Listening. Your band scores are given as whole or half band scores and are rounded up to the nearest half or whole band score.

For example, if you get a 6.5 in Reading, 5 in Writing, 7 in Speaking, and 6.5 in Listening, the average of these 4 scores would be 6.25. This score would be rounded up to 6.5 for your overall band score.

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IRCC releases new SDS scores for English Language tests

IRCC announces that IELTS Academic test takers require lower overall band score than other tests.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Scores 5 to 8 with Tips

Learn how your IELTS writing task 2 is marked and the difference between band scores 5, 6, 7 and 8 with tips to improve your score. You need to understand the 4 marking criteria used by the examiner to fulfil the requirements of the score you want.

4 Marking Criteria for IELTS Writing Task 2

The examiner will assess your IELTS essay using the 4 criteria below. Each criterion is worth 25% of your total marks for task 2. You will be given a band score for each criteria and then a total score for task 2. See bottom of page for example of scoring.

Task Response

• Coherence and Cohesion
• Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy

This task 2 marking criterion is about your answer to the IELTS essay question, your main ideas and how you develop them.

Your score will increase if you:

• pay attention to ALL issues in the essay question
• write about the issues rather than just the general topic
• answer the essay question with relevant main points
• plan your supporting points so they don’t go off the topic
• write over 250 words

 Coherence and Cohesion

The IELTS examiner will check the organisation of your essay, the paragraphs and your use of linking devices.

• this means you should have two or three body paragraphs only
• have just one central topic in each body paragraph
• organise your ideas logically
• use a range of linking words
• avoid errors in linking words

Lexical Resource

Your use of vocabulary, your paraphrasing, your spelling and the number of mistakes you make will be assessed in this criterion.

• pay attention to collocations (which verb matches which noun)
• paraphrase carefully to avoid errors
• use a range of words appropriate for the topic
• spell words correctly
• avoid making errors (errors will lower your score – see table above)
• avoid using informal language

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

The IELTS examiner will give you a band score for your sentence structures, the tenses you use, your control of grammar and also the number of mistakes you make.

• use different grammar tenses (conditionals, perfect tenses, passive voice, past, future etc)
• pay attention to word order in your sentences
• use a range of sentence structures
• use the correct punctuation (full stops and commas)
• common grammar errors: articles, plural nouns, uncountable nouns, word order)

Example of Writing Task 2 Scoring Calculated

You will get a band score for each of the above criteria and then a total score for task 2. Here’s an example:

• Task Response: Band 6
• Coherence & Cohesion = Band 7
• Grammar: Band 6
• Vocabulary: 6

Total Score for IELTS Writing Task 2 : 6 + 7 + 6 + 6 = 25/4 = 6.25. This score will be increased to 6.5. To calculate your score, add all scores together and divide by 4.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Band Scores 5, 6, 7 & 8: Differences and Tips

All IELTS Band Scores Explained

Penalty for Under Word Count

Note: The information above is taken from the band score descriptors published by IELTS. To learn about band scores 1-9, please see the  public band score descriptors for writing task 2 published by IELTS.

Recommended Pages for IELTS Writing Task 2

• 100 Essay Questions for IELTS Writing Task 2
• All Writing Task 2 Tips, Model Essays and Videos

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Are you stuck at a 6.5 for writing?

Well, you are not alone. Every year we help hundreds of test takers who are struggling with IELTS writing to move from a 6.0 or 6.5 to a 7.0 or higher. What’s our secret? Very simply, we offer the highest possible quality lessons alongside personal support that is tailored to meet our students’ specific needs.

Our IELTS writing packages contain EVERYTHING you need to get a high score all in one place. Every grammar point, every academic skill, and every important piece of advice that only genuine experts can give. You can then focus on what’s important – working hard with our experts to reach a 7.0+ and moving forward in your life.

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All of our IELTS Writing Packages include the same core ingredients, which we know give you the best chance of moving up to a 7.0 in your next test:

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All of our packages include access to our world-class writing video library

Need help in the other areas of the exam too?

Then you are in luck! All of our writing packages include access to the daily live lessons for reading, speaking, and listening.  This means if you are scores in the other areas of the exam also need work, you can get help from our CELTA trained British teachers for no extra charge.

Our daily live lessons give you the chance to interact personally with our IELTS experts

What is the best IELTS Writing package for me?

We have an option for every student no matter what your timescale or budget.

If you have a short timescale  (maybe because you have an application deadline for university or PLAB coming up or a birthday that will decrease your migration points) , then we recommend that you sign up for either our Bronze or Silver Writing Package . These last 31 days and contain all the teaching you need to maximise your score in the shortest possible time.

However, if you have been stuck at a 6.5 for a long time and want the best possible chance of passing on your next attempt, then we recommend that you sign up for the Gold Writing package .

It starts with a one-to-one personalised assessmen t so that you will get to know our teachers right from the start of the course as they create a unique study plan based on your current problem areas.

Then, you will have three months access to our entire set of teaching materials as we work through every type of essay and report/ letter  to ensure that you are able to score a 7.0 in each of the 4 marking criteria.

For each essay, we will ask you to complete a set of our video lessons and practice activities before submitting your work for marking. And, trust me, no other course offers the depth of marking that we do – not only will we highlight, correct and explain each of your errors, but we will also re-write your essay/letter/report  so that you can see the exact changes you need to make to reach a 7.0.

Plus, our final marking will be done in a 45-minute one-to-one session so you have a chance to ask any final questions of queries before you sit you test for the last time.

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31 days access to our daily group lessons for reading, speaking and listening (minimum of 7 a week)

31 days access to our entire video library for writing and grammar

Access to 450 pages of downloadable practice activities including 100+ Band 9.0 model answers

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A free first essay assessment and study plan

Marking: 2 essays

Marking: 2 letters or reports

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A free first face-to-face essay assessment on Zoom/Skype and study plan

Marking: 5 essays (including one face-to-face session on Zoom/Skype)

Marking: 3 letters or reports

£149.99 Per three months

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A writing success story!

Abdul worked with us and took his writing from a 6.5 to an 8.0 thanks to our Gold Writing Package!

After spending an insane/exorbitant amount of money on IELTS prep courses, I still felt I was not quite ready.  With a pure stroke of luck, I came across Shelly’s podcast, and it was a game changer. The writing tutorials are not the usual PowerPoint based dreadful eLearning. Not only is the course content relevant to the exam (yes you need to prepare for all types of essays and letters), they are packed with humour as well, which takes the edge off the monotony of studying. The writing marking service is a must for anyone stuck at 6.5.

I have given IELTS several times and was stuck at 6.5 in writing. Before I discovered My IELTS Classroom, I took tuition from many so-called “expert IELTS teachers” on the internet but none of them were useful. Fortunately, I came to know about My IELTS Classroom and started viewing video lectures according to Shelly’s study plan. After I received an extremely detailed assessment report of my first writing task, I not only found out my weakness but also Shelly suggested various ways to improve my score. She is truly an expert IELTS teacher who provides support to individual students.

I would definitely recommend My IELTS Classroom. The videos are very comprehensive and informative and the material is very relevant to the exam. The marking service is also wonderful— it is punctual, motivating, and always provides very detailed feedback and expert insight into what your results will be in the exam. I definitely recommend My IELTS Classroom if you’re struggling with writing.

I’d been trying to pass the IELTS exam to register with the GMC without success for more than 2 years. I felt completely demotivated and hopeless because despite the fact that I had invested a huge amount of time and money, I couldn’t achieve my goal. Then I found Shelly’s online course. Thanks to her I changed the way I approached the writing task. Her clear instructions and individual lesson plans helped me develop my writing skills above my expectations. After a few weeks I felt a lot more confident and decided to attend the exam and I finally got the result I wanted. Many thanks Shelly and the team! I will always speak highly of you

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How the Overall IELTS Band Score is calculated

• 104 Comments
• All About IELTS

Last Updated: February 24, 2023

I am getting asked this question very often, which is why we created an IELTS Overall Score Calculator you can use.

For those who need to understand the process in detail – here is how the IELTS test centre calculates your overall band score:

Total score = (Listening score + Reading score + Writing score + Speaking score) / 4

For example, if you’ve received Listening 6, Reading 7, Writing 8, Speaking 7, your total score will be (6+7+8+7) / 4 = 7.

Your score can be either a whole band or a band and a half – for example 7 or 7.5. No other fractions are allowed, for example no 7.25 or 7.75.

So what do they do in such cases, when the total score is neither whole nor half band?

There is a rule: if it ends with .25, round up to the nearest half score, and if it ends with .75, round up to the nearest whole band score.

To demonstrate, if you’ve received Listening 6, Reading 7, Writing 8, Speaking 6, your overall score will be (6+7+8+6)/4 = 6.75 – the rule says round up – which means you get 7.

Another example: if your scores were Listening 6 Reading 7 Writing 8 Speaking 8, the overall score will be (6+7+8+8)/4 = 7.25 – the rule says round up to half score – which means you get 7.5.

However, if you’ve received Listening 6, Reading 6.5, Writing 6, Speaking 6, your overall score will be (6+6.5+6+6)/4 = 6.125 – the rule says round down to the nearest whole band score – which means you get 6.

Similarly, if you received Listening 6.5, Reading 6.5, Writing 6.5, Speaking 7, your overall score will be (6.5+6.5+6.5+7)/4 = 6.625 – the rule says round down to the nearest half band score – which means you get 6.5.

It’s not too difficult – just remember to apply the rule of rounding.

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104 thoughts on “How the Overall IELTS Band Score is calculated”

I got L.9, R.8,W.7 but speaking 6.5 that in total become 30.5/4=7.625 what will be my score and band overall

Hi Bisma, your overall score will be rounded down to 7.5, because 7.62 is closer to Band 7.5 than to Band 8.

Overall 7 band

For skilled worker. Visa I got ilets L5. W5 S5. R3.5. Will this b ok for skilled workers.

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When you get your IELTS test results you will be given an overall test score of between 0 and 9 on the IELTS scale. You will also get a score for each of the four sections of the test – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The IELTS scale helps organisations understand your level of English.

IELTS Band Score:

9 Skill Level: Expert

• The test taker has fully operational command of the language.
• Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding.

8 Skill Level: Very good

• The test taker has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage.
• They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well.

7 Skill Level: Good

• The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations.
• They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.

6 Skill Level: Competent

• The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings.
• They can use and understand reasonably complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

5 Skill Level: Modest

• The test taker has a partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes.
• They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field.

4 Skill Level: Limited

• The test taker's basic competence is limited to familiar situations.
• They frequently show problems in understanding and expression.

3 Skill Level: Extremely limited

• The test taker conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations.
• There are frequent breakdowns in communication.

2 Skill Level: Intermittent

• The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.

1 Skill Level: Non-user

• The test taker has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words.

0 Skill Level: Did not attempt the test

• The test taker did not answer the questions.

Calculating your overall score

For each section of the test – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking – you will be awarded a score on the IELTS scale. Your overall score is the average of your section scores, rounded to the closest half-point on the scale.

How long is my IELTS score valid?

We recommend that IELTS test results are considered valid for two years after a test has been taken. This is based on research into second-language loss. Organisations that accept IELTS can choose to accept results for a longer period, so you should check with them directly.

What score do I need for UKVI visa applications?

Find out what CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) level you need for UKVI and the IELTS band score equivalent .

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How to Improve from Band 6.5 to 7 in IELTS

Posted by David S. Wills | Aug 31, 2020 | IELTS Tips | 0

There are many frustrations that people feel about the IELTS exam, but perhaps the most common one is the sense of hopelessness that comes with trying to increase their score from band 6.5 to 7. 😩

In today’s lesson, I am going to show you how to increase your IELTS score from band 6.5 to 7 by providing honest, actionable advice. 🎯 It is not an easy process but it is definitely possible if you have the right attitude.

This lesson is going to be divided into several sections to make it easier for you to follow. If you want, you can skip ahead to the most relevant section:

Table of Contents

Do ielts examiners deliberately stop candidates scoring band 7, why is it so hard to achieve band 7, how to improve your score for listening and reading, band 6.5 vs 7 for ielts writing – what’s the difference, how to improve from band 6.5 to 7 for ielts speaking, from band 6.5 to 7: an overview.

First of all, it is essential that you understand the basics of IELTS and its scoring system. Unfortunately, most people do not really appreciate what it is about.

Here is a description from the British Council that makes the meaning pretty clear.

Still, to some people it is not obvious. How could there be such a big difference between a “competent user” and a “good user”?

Well, those small differences are actually quite important. Notice “ some inaccuracies” compared with “ occasional inaccuracies.” This might seem like a really minor distinction but it could equally be interpreted as “difficult to understand vs easy to understand.”

In short, there is a small jump between band 6 and 7, and of course this is even smaller when you consider moving from 6.5 to 7.

There is a popular theory among IELTS candidates that the IELTS organisers or examiners are engaged in a conspiracy against them. This has proven quite popular and is often discussed on Facebook and elsewhere.

It is an appealing theory that could be summarised like this:

IELTS makes a lot of money by charging people to take their exam. Most immigration departments, employers, and educational facilities want you to score band 7, so IELTS has imposed an unofficial policy that makes it almost impossible to score above band 6.5. Thus, people are forced to take the test again and again.

Like most conspiracy theories, this one is popular because:

• It is tempting to believe it.
• It is hard to disprove.
• The truth is unpalatable.

I can say with some confidence that IELTS does not deliberately suppress anyone’s score. The aim of this organisation is to provide an accurate assessment of people’s English abilities, and they do that very well.

(You can read more in this article: Is IELTS Unfair? )

If there is no great conspiracy, then one must ask why it is so difficult to score band 7 for IELTS .

In fact, many people easily score band 7 for reading and listening, but struggle for speaking and writing. Even some very advanced candidates struggle with the writing test.

This is all because band 7 means “a good user of English.” At this level, you are expected to communicate easily and make few mistakes. This is not hard with receptive skills such as reading and listening… but it is much more difficult for speaking and writing.

The fact is that scoring band 7 is not impossible. I have many friends who would sit IELTS tomorrow and score band 7 or 8 or 9. These are not the sort of people who spread conspiracy theories on Facebook, though! You would not hear them whining on Twitter or looking for cheats, shortcuts, and tricks.

Let’s face it – from the list of reasons above, we can see that #3 is often correct. Most people who score band 6 in IELTS are simply not ready to score band 7. They just did not meet the criteria and they do not know why.

Improving from Band 6.5 to 7 in IELTS Listening and Reading

For IELTS reading, moving from band 6.5 to 7 is not usually considered a big jump. This is because you can get many questions wrong and still be awarded a band 7. If you do the academic reading test and get 10 questions wrong, you will still be awarded a band 7!

*Note that the scoring system is a little different for academic and general reading because the general reading passages are noticeably easy in comparison to the academic ones. Scoring 30 questions right for academic IELTS would get you a band 7… but you would need to get 34 questions correct in the general test to achieve this same result.

Still, around the world people tend to find that reading is the easiest part of the IELTS exam. You have the material in front of you and you can logically work out many of the right answers. The hardest thing, of course is time.

Listening is a bit harder than reading because of course you cannot see the words that you need to understand. Yes, the questions are written in front of you but the actual material that you need to interpret is an audio recording.

Still, for this section it is also quite common that people score bands 7, 8, and 9. Again, you would need to get three quarters of the questions correct to score band 7.

For these two areas of the IELTS exam, you can improve your score by practising frequently. I would recommend doing a wide range of reading practice featuring different accents. Also, listen to English-language recordings for fun – podcasts , YouTube videos, TV shows, movies, sports events, etc. All of this will help.

You can do some specific IELTS listening and reading practice tests online but you should not rely too heavily upon them. Remember that your real test will be different. Instead, look at your scores to get an idea of what you might achieve in your next test. If you are routinely scoring about band 7 then you might want to wait until you can easily score 7.5 or 8 before you do the test. Remember that test-day nerves can reduce your score.

Finally, I will advise you to practise under realistic test conditions. This is because the time constraints of IELTS reading and listening are what make them difficult. Of course, if you had 2 hours to do the reading exam then you would have a good chance of scoring full marks.

How to Get Band 7 in IELTS Writing

Next, we come to the most difficult part of the IELTS exam – writing! Many people dread this section and it is now infamous. 😱 I have routinely met people who score band 9 for reading and listening, and then 7 or 8 for speaking… and just 6.5 for writing!

It may seem hard to believe but this is really common. There are various reasons why writing is the hardest part of the IELTS exam but we can summarise it thusly:

• You must produce language, not simply receive it.
• There are many aspects to consider – spelling, punctuation, structure, etc.
• Small mistakes can seriously obscure your meaning.

Put it this way: In IELTS writing, you could understand the question perfectly and then think of the most amazing answer… but a few small mistakes in your vocabulary and grammar could mean that it is hard to understand your meaning . This would cause your score to drop sharply.

Consider that you are judged according to 4 criteria:

• Task Achievement /Response
• Coherence and Cohesion
• Lexical Resource
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy

These all look at different areas of your ability but they also influence each other. If your grammar is really bad, then your cohesion will be harmed and if you have used the wrong word a few times, the whole meaning (Task Achievement) might become confused. Thus, all of your scores would be reduced.

One of the biggest problems with IELTS writing is that you can only make a couple of grammatical mistakes if you want to score band 7. With more than 250 words written, it is hard to keep to just 2 or 3 errors, and so hardly anyone scores more than band 6 for GRA. (Note: There are no half marks for individual criteria.)

The best way to target a band 7 overall score for IELTS writing is to excel at the two “thinking skills”:

Honestly, learning how to master Task Achievement/Response and Coherence and Cohesion is a process that can take a matter of days, but learning to master Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range and Accuracy could take years …

Thus, your best hope of scoring a band 7 would be doing this:

Obviously, you should hope for the best possible score, but realistically some people are not going to be able to score band 7 for the two language sections. They are just too difficult.

All of this might seem really hard to figure out, but you can have your IELTS writing assessed by an expert to find out your current level, then plan your progress from there. You can use my writing correction service to help you with this. It is the best way to progress towards an overall band 7 score for IELTS writing.

One last question: is there really a big difference between band 6.5 and band 7 for IELTS writing? The simple answer is “no.” The difference is not big… but there is a difference and to examiners it is quite clear.

When I am marking IELTS essays and assigning grades, I do two main readings of the text:

• I read quickly for the main idea and to analyse development/structure.
• I read slowly to correct all mistakes with vocabulary and grammar.

My first reading will give me a good idea of the candidate’s score for Task Achievement and Coherence and Cohesion, then the second reading will help me figure out the language parts: Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

Most of my writing correction students have the same basic problem: They are close to getting a band 7 but they just cannot quite get there. They want me to show them what’s wrong and how to fix it.

In most cases, the problem is… GRAMMAR !! 🤬 Yes, it’s true. This really is the biggest problem. As I mentioned before, trouble with grammar can harm your score for other sections as well by making your work very confusing.

Typically, I would say that the difference between a band 6.5 essay and a band 7 essay is that there are a few more language mistakes in a band 6.5 essay, and that these affect the other scores. I mentioned above that you can make just 2 or 3 grammar errors and score band 7 for GRA, so this is usually a major culprit.

Other possible problems that stop you from getting band 7:

• Many misspelled words
• An over-use of cohesive devices
• Over-generalisation (words like “always”)
• Misinterpreting the question

See more common grammatical errors here .

How to Get Band 7 in IELTS Speaking

Some people are really confident about speaking in other languages, so they easily score band 7 or higher for IELTS speaking, but for most people it is a nerve-wracking experience and poses some challenges.

In order to score band 7 for IELTS speaking, you need to first consider the 4 marking criteria:

• Fluency and Coherence
• Pronunciation

Here are the requirements for bands 6 and 7:

Note that there are no half bands given for the individual areas of marking. Thus, you cannot score 6.5 for Lexical Resource. You would instead be given 6 or 7.

Basically, a person who can score band 7 speaks quite freely and is easy to understand, while a person who scores band 6 is going to be more hesitant and a little harder to understand.

First of all, you need to find out your current level and identify the problems you face. For example, some people are amazing with vocabulary and grammar but struggle badly at pronouncing English words. A really common problem is for people to speak English with a high degree of fluency but a low degree of accuracy. This would give them a score like this:

Knowing this, you can prepare according to your strengths and weaknesses.

Your preparation should obviously depend upon your problems, so here are some suggestions. In the left column are weaknesses and in the right are exercises to overcome these:

I hope that this lesson has helped you to understand what is required to progress from band 6.5 to 7 in IELTS. Essentially, it is a matter of learning lots of English and a little about the exam. There are no mysteries and your hard work will always be rewarded accordingly.

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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How to score 6.5 band in the ielts test.

If you score a 6.5 band on the IELTS test , then consider yourself a competent candidate. Getting a 6.5 band on the IELTS test is a common goal for many individuals planning to study or work abroad as it is widely accepted by universities and organisations. Therefore, achieving this score requires a comprehensive understanding of the test format, as well as diligent preparation and practice.

In this blog, we will explore various strategies and tips that can help you improve your performance in each section of the IELTS test – Listening , Reading , Writing , and Speaking . From enhancing your vocabulary and grammatical accuracy to practicing time management and effective communication, this blog will provide you with invaluable insights to boost your chances of attaining a 6.5 band score on the IELTS test .

How is the IELTS score calculated?

Here is a table for you to understand how the IELTS band scores are calculated:

Tips and strategies to score 6.5 band score on the IELTS test

To achieve a 6.5 band score on the IELTS test , you'll need to focus on improving your English language skills and test-taking strategies. Here are some tips and strategies to help you score a 6.5 band on your IELTS test:

• Understand the test format: Familiarise yourself with the test format for each section - Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Practice sample questions to become comfortable with the types of tasks you will get.
• Practice regularly: Consistent practice is essential. Set aside time each day to practice Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking in English. Use official IELTS practice materials to understand the test conditions.
• Improve your vocabulary: Work on expanding your vocabulary. Learn new words, their meanings, and how to use them in different contexts. This will improve your writing and speaking abilities.
• Focus on grammar and sentence structure: Develop a good understanding of English grammar rules and sentence structures. This will help you construct clear and grammatically correct sentences.
• Improve listening skills: Practice listening to various English accents, podcasts, and videos. Pay attention to details and take notes during the listening section of the test.
• Practice reading comprehension: Improve your reading skills by reading different types of texts, such as articles, essays, and academic papers. Practice summarising and analysing the information you read.
• Time management: During the test, manage your time wisely. Allocate specific time for each section and attempt all questions.
• Practice writing essays: Work on writing essays on various topics. Focus on proper organisation, coherence, and appropriate use of linking words.
• Develop speaking fluency: Engage in conversations in English with friends, teachers, or language partners. Practice expressing your thoughts clearly and confidently.
• Mock tests and feedback: Take mock tests under timed conditions. Review your performance and seek feedback from teachers or language experts to identify areas for improvement.

Read more: Top 10 tips for IELTS success

Is IELTS 6.5 band a good score?

Yes, a 6.5 band score in IELTS is generally considered a good score. It signifies a competent level of English proficiency and indicates that the test-taker can handle most communication tasks in an English-speaking environment. The IELTS band scale ranges from 0 to 9 , with 6.5 falling in the "Competent User" category. A score of 6.5 is often sufficient to meet the English language requirements for many universities and colleges in English-speaking countries . It can also be accepted by immigration authorities for certain visa categories.

However, it's essential to check the specific requirements of the institution or organisation you are applying to, as different places may have different minimum score requirements. Additionally, some universities or visa categories may require a higher IELTS score for admission or application.

By following these tips and strategies , you can boost your chances of achieving a 6.5 band score on the IELTS test. Remember that consistent effort, practice, and dedication are key to success. Also, to know more about the IELTS test , you can visit your nearest IDP IELTS test centres .

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How to get IELTS 6.5?

Getting band 6.5 is a general requirement for university admission in many places.

As you know, getting from a 4.5/5 to a 5.5 or 6 is possible with some focused practice (and ideally some teaching if you can get it), but it will likely take time. Getting to a 6.5 is also possible , but that is a BIG jump from a 4.5 or 5. Unfortunately there is no magic trick to achieve this quickly. It will take a lot of practice . For example, regarding writing, someone who is getting a 4.5 / 5 is likely making a lot of grammar errors, whereas someone getting up to 6.5 will be making possibly only a few .

A score of IELTS 6.5 shows that a person is ‘ competent ’, meaning they can cope in a classroom situation even though there may be some mistakes or misunderstandings with language. For students who need it, many universities provide short English courses of one to three months before the degree programme begins.

Your overall IELTS score is calculated as an average of the four module scores:

IELTS Listening Band 6.5

• Get 26 out of 40 answers correct for IELTS 6.5*
• Spell answers correctly
• Not write more than the maximum number of words for each question

IELTS Reading Band 6.5 (Academic Module)

• Get 27 out of 40 answers correct for IELTS 6.5*

IELTS Writing Band 6.5 (Academic Module)

• Answer both questions adequately
• Show good ability to organise an answer (e.g. paragraphs, linking words)
• Attempt to use some higher-level vocabulary (even if not always accurate)
• Provide an overview with supporting details in Task 1
• Indicate a position and provide supporting arguments in Task 2
• Make yourself understood (even if grammatical mistakes are made)

IELTS Speaking Band 6.5

• Speak at length on certain topics
• Use a range of linking words to connect ideas
• Show good ability to paraphrase
• Use both simple and complex structures
• Speak with generally good pronunciation

As you can imagine, it will take a lot of time to make that change . So don't worry too much about IELTS itself at the moment. You have taken the test a few times, so you know what is in it. You just need to think about improving your English as much as you can. So just focus on getting involved in English all you can - listening to English radio, TV, speaking it whenever you can, and reading books / magazines in English. So do not stop practicing!

Assuming you have a general language ability of at least band 6, then it is mostly necessary to use appropriate strategies to ensure you get a score of 6.5. Otherwise, go back and study language intensively such as reading a lot and using English in everyday life.

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What is IELTS?

IELTS in its full form stands for the International English Language Testing System – an English Language proficiency test developed and run by the British Council in partnership with IDP Education and Cambridge Assessment English.

The IELTS system is highly regarded and widely recognised as the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration. Whether you are looking to study, develop your career, or settle in an English-speaking country, IELTS can pave the way. 

What sets IELTS apart?

The IELTS system has been setting the standard for English-language testing for more than 30 years. It is trusted by more than 12,000 organisations in over 140 countries around the world.

This means that when you take an IELTS test, you can be confident that the result will be recognised by the educational institution, employer, professional body, or government that needs to verify your English language proficiency. Governments in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom all trust IELTS when processing immigration applications.

Find out more about the organisations that recognise IELTS . 

How does IELTS work?

IELTS was developed by some of the world’s leading language assessment experts to test the full range of skills needed to study or work successfully in an English speaking country.

IELTS assesses the four key skills outlined below.

Find out more about the four sections of the IELTS test here.

Which IELTS test is right for me?

There are two main IELTS tests available - IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training:

• IELTS Academic  – is designed to measure your English language proficiency and to assess if it is suitable for an academic environment. The test reflects aspects of academic language and evaluates whether you’re ready to begin training or studying in English.
• IELTS General Training  – is designed to measure your English language proficiency in a practical, everyday context. The test reflects both workplace and social situations.

The right test for you depends on whether your goal is to study or work in your chosen country. 

Find out which is the right test for you.  

What about visa applications?

If you are taking the IELTS test to support a UK visa application to study, work, or live in the UK, you may need to take a specific version of the test, called IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). You can take a UKVI in Academic or General Training. 

Alternatively, you may need to take the IELTS for Life Skills test.

Find out about IELTS for UK visas and immigration .

What is IELTS equivalent to?

Comparing different test scores can be difficult, but IELTS is widely recognised as setting the standard for English language testing.

We engage in regular research and work with organisations on an ongoing basis to ensure they have every confidence in IELTS – and that all IELTS takers are setting themselves up for success by choosing us.

Who develops and runs IELTS?

IELTS is owned and run by the British Council, IDP Education and Cambridge Assessment English.

IELTS was one of the pioneers in developing four-skills English language testing, with the IELTS exam testing each of the vital areas of Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Today, IELTS continues to set the standard for English language testing internationally.

Download our test taker brochure and our information for candidates PDFs for more information on the IELTS test:

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