How to Get 9 Band in IELTS?

While knowing the individual scores of your IELTS exams, you should also know how to calculate overall band score in IELTS. This can easily done with the help of elementary mathematics. After calculating, you can check in which category you fall according to the list given below:

IELTS Band Score and Life Skill Level

9 - Expert

8 - Very good

7 - Good

6 - Competent

5 - Modest

4 - Limited

3 - Extremely limited

2 - Intermittent

1 - Nonuser

The IELTS score ranges from non-expert to expert, or 0 to 9. The range is further extended by .5. The maximum band in the IELTS exam is 9, at which point the student is deemed an expert.

A set of individual scores is assigned to each of the four abilities that a candidate is evaluated on: speaking, reading, writing, and listening.

Before we start with the tips that will help you score the maximum bands in IELTS, you must be aware of the parameters on which the examiner will assess you in the speaking module.

The examiner examines you on four main parameters, that are:

• Lexical resource (the variety of vocabulary used)

• Pronunciation

• Fluency and coherence (how well you can answer the question asked)

• Grammatical range

The section is aimed at tips through which you can improve your reading bit for your IELTS exam:

• Don't limit yourself to simple language when preparing for the test. You can look through IELTS books to establish a solid foundation in the subject-specific vocabulary used in the test. Gaining proficiency in synonyms and paraphrases is essential for optimising exam scores. Prioritise comprehending the context above and memorisation of specific terms.

• Get better at scanning and skimming text to find keywords and recognise major concepts. Look through relevant parts quickly for information that addresses particular issues. Make notes, highlight important areas, and challenge the author's claims.

• Learn the various question types, such as matching headers and True/False/Not Given. Knowing the different kinds of questions enables you to modify your strategy and stay clear of grammatical traps.

• Prepare a time management plan in advance of the test. Depending on the length of the passage and the number of questions, allot time for each part. Keep in mind that lengthy paragraphs may first demand more skimming and scanning. Avoid being occupied with just one question.

• Think about enrolling in a specialised online IELTS reading course. With years of expertise, IELTS mentors offer insightful analysis, customised comments, and practice tasks that are specifically designed to address your areas of difficulty. Speak with IELTS reading teachers to see what needs to be improved.

Some of you might get stuck with what to write and how to write in your IELTS exam, so here are some tips which can help you improve:

• Decide which writing style it is—argumentative or descriptive— is to be used and what important points should be included. Emphasise essential terms and create a concise thesis statement summarising your main points. To guarantee a logical flow of ideas, start by drafting an outline that includes an interesting introduction, well-thought out body paragraphs, and a compelling conclusion.

• Recognise and decrease your regular grammatical errors by practising. Demonstrate your command of language by using a range of phrase forms to give your work depth and complexity.

• To support your arguments, include relevant instances, facts, and statistics to back up your views. Use your knowledge and sound reasoning to develop a strong argument demonstrating your capacity for critical thought. Make sure your thoughts flow naturally by using transitional words and phrases. Make your essay easy to understand by providing logical connections between each topic to take the reader through your thought process.

• Completing the task prompt in all its parts is essential. Avoid interruption and focus on the important topics you have to discuss. Try to stick to the suggested word count. While slightly going over the word count is okay, maintaining inside the range shows restraint and concentration.

The speaking section of the IELTS exam holds the most significance as this section is the most impromptu and spontaneous; therefore, we have some tips for you to improve your speaking skills:

• Talk naturally and steer clear of fillers and needless pauses. To show that you are at ease with the language, project your voice confidently and clearly. Don't just put words together; give your views and opinions in a detailed manner.

• Make an impression on the examiner by using a wide variety of terminology that is relevant to the subject and situation. Use idioms, synonyms, and descriptive language to help your writing create a clear and vivid image. While nearly flawless grammar is important, try to keep small mistakes to a minimum and show that you understand the fundamentals of grammar.

• Pay attention to word stress, intonation, and connecting sounds to produce a natural flow of speech. Speak in a different tone to keep the examiner interested. Make your comments more interesting by emphasising important points with the right amount of volume, intonation, and intensity.

• Provide your thoughts in a clear order and organise them rationally in your responses. Use transitional words along with phrases to link ideas and lead the examiner through your mental process. To show that you comprehend and are able to develop concepts, elaborate on your answers using examples, facts, and justifications.

Also, read: Universities Accepting IELTS 5.5 Band Scores in USA

The listening section is equally important as the other sections, and listening is a quality you should never take lightly, so these are the tips that will help you score that perfect score:

• Don't just go right into the audio. Learn about the different kinds of questions in advance (such as multiple-choice and completion). Examine the questions quickly to identify the essential details you should pay attention to. This enables you to anticipate the information and concentrate on the essential aspects discussed in the tape.

• Instead of waiting for the response, consider what may be said next using the keywords and context from the questions. Look for synonyms and paraphrases because the recording may not use all the terms listed in the questions. Pay attention to the speaker's aim and the entire message rather than just specific phrases.

• Create a system for taking notes that works for you. As you listen, make notes of important details, names, dates, and numbers. However, try not to become overly consumed with taking notes and concentrate instead on summarising the material. Keep in mind that you have limited space, so focus on the information that is most important to answering the questions.

• Based on the number of questions and duration of the audio, allocate time for each portion. Avoid being mired in one question; if you don't understand anything, go on to the next one and concentrate on it. If time allows, you can always return later. Recall that there are no consequences for answering a question blankly.

• Listen to different audio recordings, including news broadcasts, talks, and lectures, in the format of the IELTS. Practice in a timed manner to improve your listening endurance and replicate the real test setting. Examine previous IELTS Listening exam recordings and questions to comprehend the structure, accents of the speakers, and recurrent topics.

Also, read: IELTS Band Score Calculator

In this section, we have provided a list of a few resources that will help you get that perfect 9-band score and increase your chances of getting into your dream university.

To conclude, getting a good score on the IELTS exam plays a vital role in getting a step closer to getting admission to your dream university abroad. English Proficiency is the first step, and it plays a vital role in securing a study visa and getting admission to your desired university. Getting a good score in the IELTS exam would definitely give you an advantage over other people and can help ease the journey to your desired destination.

We hope the above information helped you understand how to score a perfect score of 9 bands in your IELTS Exam. Still, if you want a deeper understanding or have questions, we encourage you to speak with our expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). Visit our website for free online counselling, or contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011 for personalised support.

Question: Is getting a 9-band  in the IELTS exam possible?

Answer: Yes, it is very much possible, provided you are able to check all the boxes on which the examiner examines you. 

Question: Can I prepare at home and get an 8 or 9 band in IELTS?

Answer: You can always prepare at home, as the internet is a wide resource of information, but getting help from experts will help you gain insights that the internet cannot give you. The experts will guide you through things in a more organised manner. 

Question: Can I repeat the audio in the IELTS listening section?

Answer: No, the listening exam altogether cannot be repeated, stopped or resumed. You are supposed to answer the questions as you listen to the recording.

Question: In which English accent is the IELTS listening test conducted?

Answer: The exam has various language options, including British, American, Australian, and Canadian. 

Question: For how long do I have to speak in the IELTS speaking section?

Answer: The entire section lasts 11 to 14 minutes. Initially, the examiner gets to know you. Then, around 1 minute is spent preparing the cue card, approximately 2 minutes are spent speaking, and the rest of the time is spent answering follow-up questions. 

Question: How many IELTS test centres does India have?

Answer: There are several IELTS test centres in India. The test is offered in 78 locations across India. It's important to pick your location wisely to ensure a smooth journey on exam day. Choose a location that requires a short journey to ensure that you arrive at the exam site feeling refreshed. Finding a test centre near your house would be easy with so many websites. Remember to pre-book the test site according to your selected timing.

Question: Can capital letters be used to compose answers in the IELTS listening section?

Answer: Yes, the exam pattern allows both capital and lowercase letters. 

Question: Is any score below the 9 band in IELTS acceptable in colleges?

Answer: Yes, colleges, even the Ivy League ones, accept students below the 9 band. The score entirely depends on the university, course, and country.

Question: What is the minimum and maximum band in IELTS?

Answer: The minimum score that is acceptable by the universities on average is 6 bands. Conversely, the maximum is a 9-band score, at which point the student is considered an expert.

Question: What are the basic parameters for getting the highest score in the IELTS exam?

Answer: The basic parameters on which the examiner examines you are:

• Lexical resource (the variety of vocabulary used)

• Pronunciation

• Fluency and coherence (how well you can answer the question asked)

• Grammatical range