How IELTS Reading is scored
IELTS Reading contains 40 questions. Each correct answer receives one mark, giving you a raw score out of 40. That raw score is then converted to the IELTS 9-band scale and reported in whole or half bands.
IELTS states that the precise number of marks needed for a band can vary slightly from one test version to another. For planning, the official site publishes average raw-score benchmarks at key band levels.
IELTS Reading raw score to band: key official benchmarks
| Band | Academic Reading | General Training Reading |
|---|---|---|
| 8.0 | 35/40 average benchmark | Not shown in the official key benchmark table |
| 7.0 | 30/40 average benchmark | 35/40 average benchmark |
| 6.0 | 23/40 average benchmark | 30/40 average benchmark |
| 5.0 | 15/40 average benchmark | 23/40 average benchmark |
| 4.0 | Not shown in the official key benchmark table | 15/40 average benchmark |
These are planning benchmarks, not a promise that every test form uses exactly the same cut score. IELTS notes that raw-score requirements can vary slightly by test version.
Why Academic and General Training Reading scores differ
Both versions are reported on the same 1–9 band scale, but the Reading content is different. Academic Reading can use more complex vocabulary and styles of text. IELTS therefore notes that candidates usually need more correct answers in General Training Reading to receive the same band.
A useful example is Band 7: the published average benchmark is about 30 correct answers for Academic Reading and about 35 for General Training Reading.
What score should you target in practice?
Do not practise only to the minimum raw score you think you need. Build a small safety margin. If your goal is Academic Band 7, repeatedly scoring around 30 is less reassuring than repeatedly scoring above that benchmark under full 60-minute conditions. The same principle applies to General Training.
Track three numbers after each practice test: your raw score, your approximate band target, and the question types causing the most lost marks. That turns a score into an improvement plan.
How to move your Reading score up
First, separate timing problems from accuracy problems. If unanswered questions are costing marks, practise passage-level time limits. If you finish but miss evidence-based questions, analyse the question type instead of simply doing more full tests.
For two common high-error areas, use our True/False/Not Given strategy and Matching Headings guide. Then return to IELTS Reading practice and test whether the strategy improves your timed score.
Academic Band 7 vs General Training Band 7
This is one of the most important scoring differences to remember. A raw score that is around Band 7 in Academic Reading may be closer to Band 6 in General Training Reading. Always compare your practice result with the correct test type.
If you are preparing for Canadian immigration, make sure you are practising the test type required for your immigration pathway rather than assuming Academic and General Training scores are interchangeable.
Turn the score into timed practice
Use CBI Prep to practise Reading by question type, then complete a full mock under realistic computer-based conditions and compare your raw score with your target.
Official scoring references
Scoring details in this guide were checked against current IELTS and IDP IELTS information. Because IELTS explicitly says exact raw-score requirements can vary slightly from one test version to another, treat conversion charts as preparation estimates rather than official result predictions.