Half Band Scores

From 1 July 2007, we're making a small but important change which will make IELTS Band Scores more informative.

Scores for each part of the test will still be reported on the scale from 1 to 9, but now the Writing and Speaking tests will be reported in whole or half bands in the same way as the Reading and Listening tests.

Why is score reporting for the Writing and Speaking tests being changed?

This is the latest in a series of enhancements to IELTS, based on continual consultation with test takers, teachers, Recognising Organisations and other stakeholders around the world.

This range of scores - using whole and half bands - is already used for Listening and Reading. We have consulted a large number of organisations that use IELTS scores, and their feedback tells us that they find the half band scores very helpful as they allow them to specify required language levels more precisely. Many teachers and test takers have also told us that they would like more detailed information on performance in each skill.

What will the benefits be?

There will be three main benefits:

Recognising Organisations will be able to set their requirements for admission, recruitment, etc, more precisely, based on more detailed information about the test-taker's performance in each of the four skills.
The Test Report Form will give test takers more precise information on their strengths and weaknesses.
IELTS scores will be easier for everyone to understand because test taker performance in all skills will be reported in the same way.
Does this change the way the Writing and Speaking tests will be assessed?

No. Examiners will assess test takers' performance in exactly the same way as at present using the Writing and Speaking assessment criteria.
The scores for each criteria will then be processed by the IELTS scores calculation system to produce a final Writing or Speaking band score which may be a whole or a half band.

Since there will not be any change in the way examiners assess the test takers' performance, the meaning of the overall IELTS Band Score will remain unchanged. Therefore, Recognising Organisations do not need to change their IELTS score requirements unless they specify a Writing and Speaking band score in addition to the Overall Band Score.

Should teachers and test takers change the way they prepare for the Writing and Speaking tests?

No, because the tests and the way they are assessed will remain exactly the same.

Can test takers get half band scores for tests taken before 1 July 2007?

No, it is not possible to issue half band scores for Speaking and Writing for tests taken before 1 July 2007.

Where can I get more information?

Later this year, we will issue new versions of the Information for Candidates, IELTS Handbook, Official IELTS Practice Materials and the IELTS Scores Explained DVD. In the meantime, updates will be available on the IELTS website so that you can update older copies of these publications if you already have them, and we will be including printed updates with materials we send out.