How to Calculate IELTS Listening Band Score: Calculator for Listening

The listening test is an important component of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Students migrating to English-speaking countries have to achieve a qualifying band score in the IELTS test. It is required to be eligible for higher education, secondary education, work permits, training, or professional registration. For example, a Canadian visa requires the minimum IELTS score for Canada immigration.

The IELTS test comprises four different sections – listening, reading, speaking, and writing. The listening and speaking sections are the same for the general training and academic exams. Whereas, the reading and writing sections are different.

The thirty-minute-long listening exam is the most complex and straightforward part of IELTS. This is because of the large number of questions that have to be answered in a limited amount of time. Candidates get another 10 minutes to jot down their answers onto the answer sheet. While the IELTS exam format mostly remains the same, the syllabus is updated. Please note that the exam format for the IELTS listening test includes fill-in-the-blanks and multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Candidates have to answer 40 of these in 30 minutes.

The listening section evaluates the comprehension level of candidates. The scores also depend on the understanding of different accents and dialects. A good IELTS listening band score confirms a candidate’s ability to understand English. It is the primary language in countries like Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, among others.

What is the minimum IELTS score required to study in Canada?

The minimum IELTS band score required for undergraduate programs in Canadian institutions is 6.5. It is 7.0 for postgraduate programs. The scores are awarded according to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). The score requirement also varies according to the profession. For example, if you aim to work as a lawyer in Canada, a 7.0 score is necessary. To broaden your horizons, prepare to score more than 7.0, as some institutions also require a high band score. With preparation and a firm grasp of the English language, achieving a complete 9.0 score in IELTS is easy.

If you haven’t achieved your desired IELTS band score yet, you can retry. You can use the most recent exam score to apply for the immigration process. It will also extend the validity period of your scores. Remember to submit the score within a year of applying.

IELTS Listening score calculator

The calculator measures the scores after checking your answers. These are then converted into IELTS listening band scores.

Number of correct answers	Listening band score
39-40	9
37-38	8.5
35-36	8
32-34	7.5
30-31	7
26-29	6.5
23-25	6
18-22	5.5
16-17	5
13-15	4.5
11-12	4

IELTS Listening exam format

The IELTS listening exam format is the same for both general training and academic tests. Candidates have to listen to a recorded conversation between two people or a monologue and answer a series of questions. 

Here’s a breakdown of the test:

1. Four recordings in different English accents
2. Examiner will play the recording only once
3. Ten or more questions per recording
4. Half an hour to complete the test
5. 10 minutes to write the answers on the answer sheet

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Recordings of IELTS Listening exam

There are four different recordings played during the test, and each recording consists of different situations.

Recording 1 consists of a normal conversation between two people. The test includes ten MCQs.

Recording 2 contains a monologue on any topic, eg., a festival, shop, etc. There are ten questions in the form of MCQs and fill-in-the-blanks. The ‘fill in the blanks’ questions was added recently.

Recording 3 includes a recorded conversation between 4 people having an educational exchange, eg., a teacher discussing a topic or an upcoming exam with students. This section also contains ten questions. It is considered to be the most challenging part of the IELTS listening exam.

Recording 4 has a monologue on a particular academic topic, eg., a course subject or a university lecture. This set also has ten questions, including MCQs, and fill-in-the-blanks.

Types of questions in the IELTS Listening exam

There are six different types of questions asked in the listening section”

1. Multiple-choice questions
2. Matching
3. Arrange, design, and classify
4. Designing, flow chart, notes, and summary completion
5. Completing sentences
6. Short answer questions

What is the IELTS band requirement for Canada after 12?

Students applying for Canadian visas have to achieve at least a 6.5 to 7.0 score to be eligible for a visa. A minimum score of 6.0 is required in each section of IELTS, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Scores less than 6.0 will make you ineligible for applying for a Canadian student visa. However, if you’re planning to pursue higher education in Canada, achieve a minimum of 7 or higher than the 7.0 IELTS band score.

What is the minimum IELTS band requirement for Canada?

To apply for immigration to Canada, you’ll have to take the IELTS general training or the academic exam. The department of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) take at least six months to process your application. Ensure that your IELTS score is valid for the entire duration. 

Please note that the IELTS exam score is valid for two years and the validity period starts from the date of taking the examination. Aim for at least a 6.5 score in each band and a total score of 7.0 to strengthen your chances of receiving a Canadian visa. Try to score well as many academic institutions accept high band scores ranging from 7.0 to 9.0.

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