How to Get Band 8 in IELTS Exam: The Ultimate Guide

Scoring a Band 8 in the IELTS exam is a dream for many, as it proves that you have a very good command of English. However, not knowing how to get 8 bands in IELTS can make it challenging to achieve. 

Therefore, in this article, we will cover key strategies, marking criteria and targeted tips for each section of the IELTS exam and guide to your desired band score.

Importance of Band 8 in IELTS Exam

The IELTS exam will be graded on a 9-banded scale (1 being the lowest and 9 being the highest). So, depending on the university/organization you plan to apply to, there would be a minimum IELTS band score they would require, so make sure to find out about that.

Now, as an international student, if you manage to score an 8 or higher, there may be some courses, like law or literature degrees that may require a band 8, but other than that, the score is good enough to help with your admission at any university course, including the Ivy League Institutions. 

Before getting to the tips of achieving a Band 8, let’s try to understand how the overall band score is calculated?

How to Get Band 8 in IELTS Exam - The Overall Band Calculation

The overall band score is calculated by taking the average of the four component scores and rounded to the nearest whole or half band. The four component scores are of the Listening, Reading, Writing, and IELTS Speaking, and all the four scores are weighted equally.

If the average of the four sections ends in .25, then the overall band score will be rounded up to the next half band, and if it ends in .75, the overall band score will be rounded up to the next whole band. And if the average score ends with a fraction below .25 or .75, then the overall score will be rounded down.

How to Score Band 8 in Each Section of IELTS?

Now it is time to learn how to get 8 bands in each section of the IELTS exam, along with IELTS exam preparation tips for band score of 8+ in each section of the test. 

Band 8 in Listening

In the IELTS Listening, an audio recording will be played to you and you will have to answer questions based on what you understood from the conversation. This test will have a total of 40 questions and comprises 4 sections, with 10 questions in each section

So, if you’re aiming for a Band 8 in Listening, you’ll have to get at least 35 out of 40 (Band 8.0) or get at least 37 out of 40 (Band 8.5). 

Tips to Get Band 8 in IELTS Listening

Check out the top 5 IELTS Listening tips for a Band 8+ given below:

• Develop prediction skills: Before the recording begins, read the questions and try to guess what kind of word might be the answer (noun, verb, number, name, etc.). If the question is “He will arrive at ___ p.m.” – you know the answer will be a time. So, master the art of IELTS Listening predicting answers with prepositions and other context clues.
• Familiarize yourself with common distractors: Speakers often correct themselves mid-sentence. Example: “The meeting is on Thursday… oh no, sorry, it’s actually Friday.” – Always listen until the end and learn how to tackle IELTS Listening distractors to avoid marking the incorrect answer.
• Use abbreviations when note-taking: Don’t try to write everything down. Instead, use short forms and correct them during answer transfer time.
• Improve your concentration stamina: The duration of the test is 30 minutes without any break in between. So, train your brain with longer listening sessions from TED Talks, audiobooks, etc.

Band 8 in Reading

In the IELTS Reading, you’ll have to read different materials and then complete a set of exercises for each text. This test will also have a total of 40 questions and comprises 3 sections with a variety of question types. 

So, if you’re aiming for a Band 8 in Reading, have a look at the table below to learn about the score needed* in this section.

*minimum marks required may vary slightly from test to test)

Tips to Get Band 8 in IELTS Reading

Check out the IELTS Reading tips and techniques to increase your reading speed and get 8 bands given below:

• Manage Your Time Efficiently: Time is limited in the IELTS Reading section, so developing the ability to read swiftly is essential. Therefore, practicing timed IELTS Reading practice tests will help you complete all tasks within the allotted time.
• Identify and Track Keywords: Every question includes key terms that can lead you directly to the correct answer. So, focus on these words and locate where they appear in the passage. Additionally, be alert to synonyms or paraphrased versions of these keywords, as the test often rephrases information.
• Use Skimming and Scanning Techniques:  Start by skimming the passage in 3–4 minutes to get a general idea of the content. Highlight important sections and words as you go and then use scanning to locate specific details required for each question. It will help you find answers without reading everything in depth.
• Consider Grammar Carefully: IELTS Grammar plays a vital role in identifying the right answers. Even if you have found the right section, understanding the grammatical structure can help you choose the correct option. Poor grammar awareness can lead to confusion, even when you're looking in the right place.

Band 8 in Writing

The IELTS Writing test will have 2 tasks, but it is important to remember that Writing task 2 weighs two times more than Writing task 1. So make sure to not spend more than 20 minutes for Task 1.

Here is a table outlining the IELTS Writing Test marking criteria with detailed descriptions:

Tips to Get Band 8 in IELTS Writing

Have a look at the tips on how to improve your IELTS Writing band score to get 8 bands given below:

• Use Advanced Connectors Thoughtfully: Instead of relying on basic linking words like ‘and’ or ‘but’, try incorporating more sophisticated connectors such as ‘nevertheless’, ‘in contrast’, or ‘moreover’. It will not only improve coherence but also impress the examiner with your language range.
• Follow the Word Count Strictly: Sticking to the recommended word limit is essential. Writing too little can lead to incomplete answers, while writing too much may waste time and affect clarity. So, practice writing concise yet complete responses to stay within the time constraints.
• Expand Your Vocabulary: A strong IELTS vocabulary shows your ability to express ideas precisely and fluently. Therefore, make it a habit to learn and use new words in context. However, always ensure that the words you use are appropriate and natural for the topic.
• Be Authentic in Your Response:  Avoid directly repeating phrases from the question. Instead, paraphrase ideas in your own words and keep your responses relevant and original. However, do not force complex words into sentences; rather, let clarity and meaning guide your language choices.
• Proofread Before Submitting:  Take the last few minutes to review your work. Check for grammar mistakes, awkward phrasing, and spelling errors. Even a quick read-through can catch small issues that might otherwise cost you valuable marks.

Band 8 in Speaking

For the Speaking Test, you will have a conversation with the examiner, where you’ll be assessed on your ability to communicate on any random topic. The test has 3 sections. 

The IELTS marking criteria for speaking, with detailed descriptions, are outlined in the table below.

Tips to Get Band 8 in IELTS Speaking

Check out these useful IELTS Speaking tips to impress the examiner and boost your IELTS speaking score to a band 8.

• Focus on Clarity, Not Accent: You do not need to sound like a native speaker to do well. The examiner is trained to understand a range of English accents. Concentrate on speaking clearly and pronouncing words accurately. Your accent will not negatively impact your score as long as you are easy to understand.
• Reduce Filler Words: Using too many fillers like ‘um’, ‘uh’, or ‘you know’ can interrupt the natural flow of your speech. Instead, pause briefly to gather your thoughts or use meaningful phrases and expressions to fill the gaps confidently and smoothly.
• Vary Your Speaking Tone: Add energy to your answers by changing your tone and emphasizing important words. This not only shows your comfort with the language but also keeps the conversation dynamic and engaging for the examiner.
• Expand Your Answers with Examples: Avoid giving short or one-word responses. Try to elaborate on your thoughts by giving reasons, examples, or personal opinions. This shows your ability to communicate ideas effectively and demonstrates fluency.
• Practice Common Topics Aloud: Familiarize yourself with recent IELTS topics in IELTS Speaking tests, such as hobbies, education, or travel. Practicing out loud helps build confidence, improve fluency, and reduce nervousness on test day.

To sum up, getting a Band 8 in IELTS is absolutely achievable with the right strategy, discipline, and mindset. It is not just about hard work, it is also about smart preparation. So, work on your weaknesses, get expert feedback, and keep practicing with real test materials.

Useful Links:

• How Your IELTS Speaking Band Score is Calculated
• IELTS Speaking Criteria: What IELTS Examiners Look for in the Speaking Test?
• How to Prepare IELTS at Home?
• How to Get A High Score in IELTS in One Month?
• How to Improve Your IELTS Listening Skills?
• Useful IELTS Reading Resources for Academic and General Training
• How Your IELTS Writing Band Score is Calculated?