Skip to main content

Understanding Bands

The IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system to measure English language proficiency. Each band corresponds to a level of English competency, ranging from non-user (band 1) to expert user (band 9). Scores are reported in whole and half bands (e.g., 6.0, 6.5, 7.0).

Band Descriptions​

Band 9 (Expert User)​

  • Complete operational command of English
  • Appropriate, accurate, and fluent language use
  • Complete understanding of material
  • Examples of required skills:
    • Sophisticated vocabulary use
    • Perfect grammar control
    • Native-like comprehension
    • Natural and effortless expression

Band 8 (Very Good User)​

  • Fully operational command with occasional inaccuracies
  • Handles complex language well
  • Understands detailed arguments
  • Typical features:
    • Minor systematic errors possible
    • Good vocabulary range
    • Complex sentence structures
    • Strong comprehension skills

Band 7 (Good User)​

  • Operational command with occasional errors
  • Complex language generally handled well
  • Detailed understanding with some gaps
  • Characteristics:
    • Some inaccuracies in unfamiliar situations
    • Good range of vocabulary
    • Some errors in complex structures
    • Generally good comprehension

Band 6 (Competent User)​

  • Generally effective command
  • Some inaccuracies and misunderstandings
  • Can handle complex language in familiar situations
  • Common features:
    • Regular errors in complex structures
    • Limited vocabulary range
    • Basic communication achieved
    • Understanding of main ideas

Band 5 (Modest User)​

  • Partial command of language
  • Many mistakes but general meaning conveyed
  • Basic communication in familiar situations
  • Typical characteristics:
    • Limited grammar accuracy
    • Basic vocabulary
    • Frequent errors
    • Understanding of simple messages

Band 4 (Limited User)​

  • Basic competence limited to familiar situations
  • Frequent problems with understanding
  • Cannot use complex language
  • Features:
    • Simple sentence structures
    • Very limited vocabulary
    • Many basic errors
    • Difficulty with unfamiliar topics

Band 3 (Extremely Limited User)​

  • Conveys and understands only general meaning
  • Frequent communication breakdowns
  • Limited to familiar situations
  • Characteristics:
    • Very basic grammar
    • Minimal vocabulary
    • Many communication gaps
    • Limited comprehension

Band 2 (Intermittent User)​

  • No real communication except basic information
  • Great difficulty understanding spoken/written English
  • Severe limitations in all areas
  • Features:
    • Isolated words and phrases only
    • Very basic understanding
    • Frequent communication failure

Band 1 (Non User)​

  • Essentially no ability to use English
  • No comprehension except isolated words
  • Cannot produce basic communication
  • Characteristics:
    • Only few isolated words
    • No real communication possible
    • No meaningful interaction