The IELTS scores you are given provide an assessment of your level of English. This can then be used by the institution you are applying to decide if you have the ability to successfully complete their course of study, or successfully live and work in the country if you are applying for work or citizenship. The overall IELTS scores and descriptors are illustrated below Band Descriptor 9 Expert user Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding. 8 Very good user Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies. Misunderstandings occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation as well. 7 Good user Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning. 6 Competent user Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. 5 Modest user Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field. 4 Limited user Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language. 3 Extremely limited user Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur. 2 Intermittent user No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty in understanding spoken and written English. 1 Non user Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words. 0 Did not attempt the test No assessable information provided. read less