Original BandLadder material
Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.
Reading it online is free: create a free BandLadder account and the whole lesson opens in our study reader, on the web and in the app. Downloading the PDF to keep needs a plan; the free reader has every card.
The first 3 of 9 cards
the rounding rule to know
Some learners round their overall down. ielts.org says an average ending in .25 rounds up to the next half band.
My four bands average 6.25, so my overall is 6.0.the slip
An average of 6.25 becomes 6.5.
two steps, in order
Marks out of 40 convert with a table. Writing and Speaking use four equally weighted criteria.
marks out of 40, approx.
| Band | Listening | Academic Reading | GT Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.0 | 35 | 35 | 37 |
| 7.5 | 32 | 33 | 36 |
| 7.0 | 30 | 30 | 35 |
| 6.5 | 26 | 27 | 32 |
| 6.0 | 23 | 23 | 30 |
| 5.5 | 18 | 19 | 27 |
| 5.0 | 16 | 15 | 23 |
Whole bands follow ielts.org's averages; the rest is our estimate. Marks vary by test version.
Card 4 of 9 onwards
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Questions
Yes, to read online. Create a free BandLadder account and the full lesson opens in the study reader. No card details are needed.
The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.
The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.
Both versions of the test: it covers what they share and says where they differ.
IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. PTE is a trademark of Pearson. BandLadder is not affiliated with either.
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