How to Get IELTS Band 7: Tips, Strategies, and Preparation Guide
International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )
Talk to ExpertScoring IELTS Band 7 means a candidate has a better English proficiency, opening doors for study, work, and immigration abroad. To get an IELTS Band 7, one should focus on mastering each section, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, by practicing regularly, and managing time effectively.
Getting an IELTS Band 7 is a dream for many test-takers, as scoring this score will open up numerous opportunities for studying and working abroad. A 7 band score in IELTS indicates, candidate’s command in English language, which is often a minimum requirement for top universities abroad.
Generally, top universities in the world from the best countries like the USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia require an IELTS score of 7 & above. So, if you are dreaming of getting admission in top universities abroad, getting a band 7 IELTS score is required.
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Understanding what the IELTS Band 7 score means, the specific requirements for each section of the IELTS exam—including IELTS Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking is important for test takers.
To help students in getting a good IELTS score, in this article, one can check the tips and strategies to score IELTS Band 7. Additionally, one should know the importance of IELTS vocabulary in achieving a high IELTS score. Candidates can even use the IELTS score calculator, and interpret the IELTS band score chart to track their progress.
What is IELTS Band 7 Score?
The IELTS Band 7 score indicates a "good user" of the English language. It means you can understand and communicate effectively in most situations, although you may still make occasional errors.
Requirements for Getting Band 7 in IELTS
To achieve a Band 7, you typically need to score:
- IELTS Listening: 30-32 out of 40 correct answers.
- IELTS Reading: 30-32 out of 40 correct answers for the Academic test; approximately 34-35 for General Training.
- IELTS Writing: A well-structured response demonstrating clear task achievement, coherence, verbal resource, and grammatical accuracy.
- IELTS Speaking: Fluency and coherence with appropriate vocabulary and grammatical range.
A IELTS Band 7 is important because many universities and employers require this score for admission or hiring purposes. It demonstrates that you can handle complex language tasks effectively.
IELTS Band 7 Requirements for Each Section
How to score IELTS band 7 in Listening?
To achieve Band 7 in IELTS Listening, candidates have to correct at least 30 correct answers out of 40. One can follow different strategies to improve listening skills, which are mentioned below.
- Practice with a variety of audio materials (podcasts, news reports).
- One should familiarize themselves with different English accents.
- Take practice tests under strict time management.
Also Check: How to Improve IELTS Listening Band Score
How to score IELTS band 7 in Reading?
For Band 7 in the Reading section of IELTS test, one needs to score about 30-32 correct answers. Candidates can check the quick tips to score good in IELTS reading section from below.
- Skim through passages to get the main idea before reading questions.
- Highlight keywords in questions to locate information quickly.
- Allocate time wisely during the IELTS preparation; spend no more than one minute per question initially.
- It is important to note that candidates should return to difficult questions after answering easier ones.
Also Check: How to Improve IELTS Reading Band Score?
How to score IELTS band 7 in Writing?
The IELTS writing section is a little tough in comparison to the other 3 sections of the IELTS exam. Candidates need to prepare well for IELTS writing section to know how to write, what should be the style of writing to get a good band score in the IELTS exam.
To score a 7 band score in IELTS exam one needs to know how to write a five-paragraph essay. For the IELTS academic test, one needs to write a summary of their IELTS essay. On the other hand, the IELTS General test requires you to write a formal letter.
You will be assessed in the IELTS writing section on the basis of how good your content is, what vocabulary you used in your writing, grammar, and other writing features. To score a good IELTS score of 7.0 in writing, one needs to use a wide range of good vocabulary, avoid any kind of grammar mistakes, and be organized with your thoughts of writing . One should present a clear position throughout the IELTS test essay with supporting arguments.
Also Check: IELTS Writing Task 1 & Task 2 Tips
How to score IELTS band 7 in Speaking?
Many countries require Band 7 in IELTS Speaking section because a candidate with this band holder in this section will be fluent in speaking. Getting a IELTS Band 7 requires a canduare with a wide range of vocabulary to speak about any topic. They should have a knowledge of complex grammar with clear pronunciation.
To get a IELTS score of band 7, one should practice answering common IELTS questions while focusing on speaking clearly and confidently. One can also practice using varied vocabulary and complex sentences among their friends, families, relatives, or, any experts around.
Also Read: IELTS Speaking Topics & Questions with Answers
How is IELTS overall 7 calculated?
Candidates use IELTS Band 7, if they are planning to study in top universities in English-speaking countries. Understanding how this IELTS score is calculated is important for better preparation. The overall IELTS band score is determined by averaging the scores obtained in four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
IELTS Band Score Calculation Method
The formula for calculating the overall band score in IELTS is as follows:
IELTS Band Score = (Listening Score + Reading Score + Writing Score + Speaking Score) /4.
Each section is scored on a scale from 0 to 9, with scores presented as whole numbers or half bands (e.g., 6.0, 6.5, 7.0).
For example, if you score the below mentioned score in each section of the IELTS exam, how your IELTS band score will be calculated.
- Listening: 7
- Reading: 6.5
- Writing: 7
- Speaking: 7.5
Using the IELTS band score formula:
IELTS Band Score = (7 + 6.5 + 7 + 7.5) / 4 = 28 / 4 = 7
In this case, the overall band score would be 7, indicating a "good user" of the English language.
What are Rounding Rules in Calculating IELTS Band Score?
Candidates should know that IELTS band score can be either a whole band or a band and a half. No other fractions are allowed on getting an IELTS band score. Like the IELTS band score will either be 7.0 or 7.5, no 7.25 or 7.75.
If your average IELTS score does not end in a whole or half band, specific rounding rules apply:
- If the average ends in .25, it rounds up to the next half band.
- If it ends in .75, it rounds up to the next whole band.
Example 1:
If your IELTS scores is this, Listening 6, Reading 7, Writing 8, Speaking 6
- Calculation:
Total Score = (6 + 7 + 8 + 6) / 4 = 27 / 4 = 6.75 - Rounding: This rounds up to 7.
Example 2:
If your IELTS scores is this, Listening 6, Reading 6.5, Writing 6, Speaking 6
- Calculation:
Total Score = (6 + 6.5 + 6 + 6) / 4 = 24.5 / 4 = 6.125 - Rounding: This rounds down to 6.
Preparation Strategies for Achieving IELTS Band 7
Scoring a band 7 in the IELTS test will require candidates to have a better understanding of the test format and a better practice. Candidates with the right approach and better preparation strategies can score IELTS band 7. One can check the below mentioned tips to score IELTS Band 7.
While it can be challenging, with the right approach and preparation, it is definitely a getable score.
Create a Study Plan
One should creative an effective study plan for IELTS preparation that includes:
- Daily practice sessions focusing on each section of the IELTS exam.
- Regular mock tests to track progress and identify weaknesses.
Improve Your English Skills Daily
Candidates should focus on English, and this can be done by:
- Reading English newspapers or books.
- Watching English movies or TV shows with subtitles.
- Engaging in conversations with fluent speakers.
Take IELTS Practice Tests
One should practice for the IELTS mock test on a daily basis. Practicing IELTS sample papers will help you familiarize yourself with the test format and timing. You can even identify areas that need improvement through proper analysis of mistakes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Aiming for IELTS Band 7
Scoring high IELTS band scores like Band 7 requires candidates to have better preparation. With preparation comes the common mistakes, which candidates do and end up losing scores, Here are some common mistakes to avoid while taking the IELTS exam and aiming for scoring band 7 IELTS score.
- In Listening: Not paying attention to instructions or missing keywords.
- In Reading: Spending too much time on difficult questions.
- In Writing: Lack of coherence or failing to answer all parts of the IELTS question.
- In Speaking: Hesitating too long before answering or using overly simplistic vocabulary.
Best Books for IELTS Band 7 Preparation
One should check the below mentioned recommended resources for IELTS:
- IELTS Cambridge Test Books
- Grammar for IELTS Writing Task 2 Ebook
- Ideas for IELTS Essay topics Ebook
- IELTS Trainer
- IELTS Official Practice Materials
- Barron's IELTS Superpack.
IELTS Band 7 Accepting Top Universities
| University |
IELTS Overall Band Score Requirement |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Shiksha Grade A++ |
7.0 - 7.5+ |
| Shiksha Grade A++ |
7.5+ |
| Shiksha Grade A++ |
7.0 - 7.5+ |
| Shiksha Grade A++ |
6.5 - 7.5+ |
| Shiksha Grade A++ |
7.0+ |
| Shiksha Grade A++ |
6.5 - 7.0+ |
| Shiksha Grade A++ |
7.0+ |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) Shiksha Grade A++ |
6.0 - 8.0+ |
| University College London (UCL) Shiksha Grade A++ |
6.5 - 7.5+ |
| University of California, Berkeley Campus Shiksha Grade A++ |
6.5 - 7.0+ |
You can sign up for a free Shiksha Abroad Counselling session for admission and application-related help. One will be assisted by Shiksha Counsellors with your admission process at Universities you are applying for. You can request a callback from our team of expert counsellors or write to us in the comments below.
IELTS Band 7 FAQs
Q. Is band 7 a good score in IELTS?
A. Yes, an IELTS band 7 score is considered a good IELTS score. Many top universities like Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge University, Oxford University, Harvard, Stanford accept an IELTS score of 7.0 and above.
Q. Is IELTS band 7 fluent?
A. Yes, the IELTS Band 7 speakers are considered as fluent. Many top countries require a band 7 fluency from international.
Q. Is IELTS 7 hard to get?
A. Getting an IELTS score of 7 is a little challenging but with a proper strategy and preparation this is achievable. Candidates can easily get IELTS band 7 by focussing on all 4 key sections of the test.
Q. Is 7 a pass in IELTS?
A. There are no passing marks in the IELTS exam. Candidates will be scored on the scale of 0 to 9 based on their performance in the test. Although IELTS 7.0 is the cutoff marks for various top universities abroad.
Q: Â What is IELTS exam all about?
Conducted by IDP, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the world’s most popular English language proficiency tests for candidates looking to pursue higher education abroad and global migration. The IELTS exam is available in two formats. The IELTS Academic and the IELTS General.
The IELTS Academic test is designed for candidates looking to pursue higher education across universities and colleges abroad. The IELTS General Test is for candidates who are looking to migrate to an English-speaking country such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the UK among others.
The IELTS exam evaluates the English speaking, writing, listening and reading skills of the candidate. Your total IELTS score will be a combination of the band scores from the four sections. You will receive IELTS scores based on each of the four skills on a band of 1 – 9, and you will also be awarded an overall band score. You can score whole (example 5.0, 6.0, 7.0) or half (example 5.5, 6.5, 7.5) bands in each part of the test.
Q: Â How can I practice for the IELTS exam?
After learning the complete format familiarize yourself with all the topics that you need to cover while preparing for the test. You can get online practice tests and make sure to do it while following the time. Prepare for the Listening test by listening to the audio recordings. Similarly, prepare for the Reading and Writing sections accordingly. Make sure you do as much practice as possible in order to get a decent IELTS score.
Q: Â What is the IELTS exam passing score?
There is no pass or fail in the IELTS exam. Students taking the IELTS exam are graded on their performance in the IELTS test using Bands from 1 – 9 for each skill of the test: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. Candidates would also receive an overall band score which would be the average of all the individual scores received by the candidate and rounded to the nearest half band. The IELTS exam does not have a passing score. Universities abroad would have an IELTS minimum score requirement which is often referred to as the IELTS cut-off. This is the minimum score that candidates need to achieve to apply to the university. Candidates should note that getting the minimum IELTS score does not guarantee admission to the university. Candidates are required to score higher than the expected IELTS cut-off.
Q: Â What is a good IELTS score?
A good IELTS score can vary depending on your specific goals, such as study abroad requirements, visa applications, or employment opportunities. Different institutions and organizations may have different score requirements, so it is essential to research and understand the specific score expectations for your intended purpose. In general, a score of 6.5 or higher is considered a good IELTS score. However, this may differ based on the individual's needs and the requirements of the institution or organisation they are applying to.
Some universities and programs may have higher score requirements, especially for competitive programs or fields of study. It is crucial to review the score requirements of the institutions or organizations you are interested in and aim to achieve a score that meets their criteria. Additionally, consider your own personal goals and requirements when determining what constitutes a good IELTS score for you. Get more details at What is a good IELTS score?
Q: Â Which month is the best for taking the IELTS exam?
The choice of the best month for taking the IELTS exam can vary depending on individual circumstances and preferences. It's important to consider factors such as your level of preparedness, availability of study time, and the application deadlines of the institutions or organizations you are planning to apply to. Some students may prefer to take the exam during months with fewer personal commitments or distractions, while others may choose months that align with their study schedules or coincide with the application cycles of their desired programs or universities.
It's advisable to plan ahead and consider factors such as the time needed for preparation, availability of test dates, and personal circumstances. Additionally, it can be helpful to check the availability of test slots and the registration process on the official websites of IDP IELTS India. Ultimately, the best month for you to take the IELTS exam will depend on your specific situation and preferences.
Q: Â How is the IELTS Listening test marked?
The IELTS Listening test consists of 40 questions, and you get one mark for each correct answer. Your total number of correct answers determines your "raw score, " which is then converted into a band score. It is important to try to answer every question, even if you are not sure of the answer. A blank answer will get you zero marks. The table below shows the average number of marks required to achieve a particular band score in the Listening test:
| Number of correct answers (Raw Score) | IELTS Listening Band Score |
| 39-40 | 9.0 |
| 37-38 | 8.5 |
| 35-36 | 8.0 |
| 32-34 | 7.5 |
| 30-31 | 7.0 |
| 26-29 | 6.5 |
| 23-25 | 6.0 |
Q: Â Why indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School - UK?
Indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School in the UK for several reasons, including its highly ranked programs, global outlook, and career support. Hult offers a range of full-time master’s degrees, immersive bachelor's programs, and MBA options that prepare students to excel in the global job market. The school is the largest and top-ranked global business school, providing students with an incomparable universal outlook. Additionally, Hult's focus on experiential learning, extensive career support, and the opportunity to study at multiple campuses around the world are attractive to Indian students seeking a global business education. Furthermore, the school's emphasis on innovation and meeting the needs of students and employers may also contribute to its appeal to Indian students
Q: Â How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?
Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.
- Know the exam pattern
- Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
- Solve previous year question papers
- Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
- Revise regularly
- Figure out weaker areas and learn them well
With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.
Raushan Kumar is a skilled writer and a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. He oversees various aspects of studying abroad, including educational opportunities, entrance exams, colleges, latest new... Read Full Bio
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