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A small but important change will be introduced in the score system, 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 modules will be reported in whole or half-bands in the same way as the Reading and Listening modules. This means the Test Report Forms may show scores in increments of 0.5. For example, where test takers in Writing or Speaking might once have received a score of either 6.0 or 7.0, they may now receive a score of 6.0, 6.5, 7.0 or 7.5.

Why is the scoring 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 full and half-bands is already used for Listening and Reading. A large number of organisations that use IELTS scores gave the feedback 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 express their opinion that they would like more detailed information on performance in each skill.

What will the benefits be?
There will be two main benefits to the new arrangements:

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 item.
Test takers will get a report that gives them more information on their strengths and weaknesses.
It will also mean that the IELTS scores are easier for every one to understand because all parts of the exam will now be reported in the same way.

Does this change the way the exams will be marked?
No. Examiners will assess test takers performance in exactly the same way as at present. The full and half-band scores will then be determined when the scores are processed by the IELTS scores calculation system/software. There will not be any change in the way examiners mark the tests, test takers, so the meaning of the overall Band Scores remains unchanged.

Should teachers and test takers change the way they prepare for the exams?
No. The tests and the way they are marked will remain exactly the same.

Can test takers get half-band scores for previous tests?
It is not possible to issue half-band scores for Speaking and Writing for tests taken before 1 July 2007.