Although the score range for each of the four test sections (Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing) is from 0 to 30, each section is a separate measure and each measure has its own scale. Therefore, scores obtained on a section can be compared to other scores from the same section, but it is not appropriate to compare scores across different sections.
The Reading and Listening sections are scored by computer with a score range from 0 to 30. The Reading section has 36–56 tasks based on reading passages from academic texts and answering questions. The Listening section has 34–51 tasks based on listening to lectures, classroom discussions and conversations, then answering questions.
Speaking Section
Each of six tasks is rated from 0 to 4. The sum is converted to a scaled score of 0 to 30.
ETS-certified test scorers rate responses and evaluate how well you develop your topic and deliver your message in English.
Writing Section
Two tasks are rated from 0 to 5. The sum is converted to a scaled score of 0 to 30.
The writing section is scored by:
evaluating the integrated writing task for development, organisation, grammar, vocabulary, accuracy and completeness
rating the independent writing essay on overall writing quality, including development, organisation, grammar and vocabulary
Human rating — multiple, rigorously trained raters score tests anonymously. ETS raters are continually monitored to ensure fairness and the highest quality.
eRater® automated scoring technology is used with human ratings to score the independent and integrated writing tasks. Using both human judgment for content and meaning with automated scoring for linguistic features ensures consistent, quality scores.