In this episode, you’re going to learn all about IELTS band scores, including  how the scores are calculated what’s considered a “good” score&nbsp; what the different band scores mean what IELTS score you should aim for&nbsp;  Episode resources and links:&nbsp;  IELTS Writing IELTS Reading Learn more about IELTS Scores  Learn how to improve your IELTS band score with Magoosh! Use coupon code ieltspodcast to save 20% at ielts.magoosh.com&nbsp; &nbsp; Episode 18 Transcript: What is a good IELTS Score? Welcome to the Magoosh IELTS Podcast! This is Episode 18. In this episode, you’re going to learn all about IELTS band scores, including how the scores are calculated, and what’s considered a “good” score in different parts of the world. First Eliot and I will discuss what the different band scores mean, and then we’ll talk a little more about what IELTS score you should aim for depending on what your academic and professional goals are. Don’t forget to visit us at IELTS.Magoosh.com for more great resources to improve your IELTS band score. Use coupon code “ieltspodcast” to save 20% off your IELTS test prep. Okay let’s get started! &nbsp; Naomi: Today we’re going to talk about different scores you can get on the IELTS, and what those scores mean. Eliot: When you take the IELTS, you will be given a score between 1 and 9 on each section of the test--as well as on the test as a whole. Naomi: So let’s start from the top. Eliot, can you tell our listeners what a 9 on the IELTS means? How are these scores calculated? &nbsp; Eliot: Well it varies a little from section to section (you can find rubrics for the IELTS Speaking and Writing sections on our website--we’ll put a link in the show notes), but in general, scoring 9 on the IELTS means that you are completely fluent in English. You understand everything and you don’t really make mistakes. You’re an English expert! Naomi: What about an 8? Is that pretty similar to a 9? Eliot: An 8 is very close to a 9--it means you’re basically fluent, but you might make a few mistakes, in especially tricky or unfamiliar situations. Maybe you’re not an “expert”--but you’re very, very good at English! Naomi: Okay, I’ll take 7. A score of 7 on the IELTS means that you’re good at English, but you do make mistakes sometimes. The difference between a 7 and an 8 would be that 8s really only make mistakes in extremely difficult situations. Eliot: A score of 6 means you’re a “competent” English user. You know English well enough to navigate some fairly complex language, and even though you make some mistakes, you generally know your way around the language--and you definitely know the basics. &nbsp; Naomi: A band score of 5 means you’re a “modest” English user. You definitely make mistakes, but you’re still able to understand overall meaning in most situations, especially ones that you’re familiar with. Eliot: If you score a 4, you would be considered a “limited” English user. You can really only understand basic English in familiar situations, and beyond that you have problems understanding or expressing yourself. Naomi: A 3 means you’re an extremely limited English user. You can only understand and communicate small amounts in very basic situations. Eliot: If you score a 2, this means you had a very difficult time understanding or communicating much at all. Naomi: And a 1 means you had no ability to use or understand English except for a few words here and there. Eliot: You can also get a 0 if you don’t answer any questions at all, but we figure if you’re putting in the time to listen to this podcast, that’s definitely not going to happen. Naomi: Okay, so now that we know what each score means, what scores should students aim for? Eliot: Well, it really depends on what school or program they’re applying for. Most universities or governments will have their IELTS score requirements published online, but to give you an idea of...

What Is a Good IELTS Score?

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