The IELTS Reading test consists of 40 questions and each correct answer is worth 1 mark. A score of 40 will be converted to the IELTS 9-point scale. The score report is in whole and half marks.
The same marking scale is used for the IELTS Academic and General Training reading tests. The Academic reading test may contain texts with more difficult vocabulary or more complex style. Generally, you need to answer more questions correctly in the General Training reading test to achieve the same band score.
Below are the average scores for the Academic Reading and General Training Reading sections at different IELTS bands. The specific scores required to achieve these bands may vary slightly depending on the version of the test.
40 points out of 40
Academic Reading:
- Level 5 score: 15 points for reading
- Level 6 score: Reading 23 points
- Level 7 score: 30 points for reading
- Level 8 score: Reading 35 points
Training Reading:
- Level 4 score: 15 points for reading
- Level 5 score: Reading 23 points
- Level 6 score: 30 points for reading
- Level 7 score: Reading 35 points