IELTS Listening Raw Score Conversion
28 Out of 40 in IELTS Listening
Scoring 28 marks out of 40 gives an official Band 6.5 (Competent User (Band 6.5)) on the IELTS 9-band scale, corresponding to 70% accuracy and CEFR B2.
Band Score
6.5
CEFR Level:B2
Competent User (Band 6.5)
Band 6.5 Performance Description (28 / 40)
Competent listener (Band 6.0 - 6.5). You understand everyday social interactions and clear presentations, but complex academic jargon, fast linked speech, or accent variations lead to dropped questions.
Recommended Section Accuracy Breakdown for 28/40
To hit 28 marks out of 40 in Listening, aim for this target question distribution:
Section 18 / 10 (80%)Social dialogue & transactional details
Section 28 / 10 (80%)Everyday monologue (maps, guides)
Section 37 / 10 (70%)Academic discussion (2-4 speakers)
Section 45 / 10 (50%)Academic lecture monologue
Next Target Band Roadmap
Want to reach Band 7.0 in IELTS Listening?
You need 2 more correct answers to reach Band 7.0.
Required Raw Score30 / 40+2 correct answers
✓
Strengths at 28/40
- •Good understanding of Section 1 everyday transactional dialogues
- •Can follow simple chronologies and lists in Section 2
!
Audio Pitfalls & Traps
- •Writing the first number or name mentioned before the speaker clarifies
- •Spelling errors on months, days of the week, or double letters (e.g. "accommodation")
Actionable Drills to Increase Accuracy
1
Read ahead to predict the expected part of speech (noun, verb, number) before audio starts
2
Train on Australian, Scottish, Welsh, and North American accent variations
Explore Adjacent Raw Marks
Compare band conversions across neighboring raw scores