The IELTS Writing Band Descriptors are the official criteria used to score your writing. Understanding them is essential to improving your performance. Each task (Task 1 and Task 2) is scored separately and is evaluated based on four key criteria. Let’s break them down:
1. Task Achievement (Task 1) / Task Response (Task 2)
This measures how well you address all parts of the task.
Band 9:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with well-developed ideas.
- Presents a clear position throughout (Task 2).
- Task 1: Highlights key trends and provides detailed comparisons.
Common Issues:
- Band 5: Responds to some parts of the task but misses others. Ideas are underdeveloped or irrelevant.
- Band 6: Addresses all parts of the task but may lack detail or clarity.
Tips for Improvement:
- For Task 1: Always include an overview and cover all data or aspects.
- For Task 2: Analyze the question thoroughly, develop clear ideas, and stay on topic.
2. Coherence and Cohesion
This evaluates the logical flow and organization of your writing.
Band 9:
- Information is logically organized with a clear progression.
- Skillfully uses cohesive devices (e.g., linking words like however, therefore, in addition).
- Paragraphs are well-structured.
Common Issues:
- Band 5: Ideas are disconnected, and linking words are overused or misused.
- Band 6: Ideas are organized, but cohesion may be mechanical or repetitive.
Tips for Improvement:
- Use a variety of cohesive devices naturally.
- Plan your essay to ensure logical paragraphing.
- Avoid overusing linking words like “and” or “also.”
3. Lexical Resource
This focuses on your vocabulary range and accuracy.
Band 9:
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary naturally and precisely.
- No noticeable errors in word choice or spelling.
Common Issues:
- Band 5: Limited vocabulary with frequent repetition and noticeable errors.
- Band 6: Adequate vocabulary but with some repetition and occasional awkward word choices.
Tips for Improvement:
- Learn synonyms and topic-specific vocabulary.
- Avoid memorized phrases; focus on natural usage.
- Practice paraphrasing the question and your ideas.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy
This assesses your sentence structures and grammar.
Band 9:
- Wide variety of sentence structures with no grammatical errors.
- Natural and accurate use of complex sentences.
Common Issues:
- Band 5: Frequent grammar errors with limited sentence variety.
- Band 6: Some variety in sentence structures but with noticeable grammar mistakes.
Tips for Improvement:
- Practice using complex sentences (e.g., conditionals, relative clauses).
- Focus on common error areas (e.g., subject-verb agreement, tenses).
- Get feedback to identify recurring grammar mistakes.
How the Band Scores Are Calculated
Each criterion is scored out of 9. The overall band score for each task is the average of these four scores. Task 2 is weighted more heavily (66%) than Task 1 (33%) in the final Writing band score.
Sample Band Descriptions
Band 9:
- Fully addresses the task with clear, well-supported ideas.
- Excellent flow, vocabulary, and grammar.
Band 7:
- Addresses the task well but with minor flaws in clarity or development.
- Generally accurate vocabulary and grammar with some errors.
Band 5:
- Limited response to the task, with disorganized ideas, basic vocabulary, and frequent grammar errors.
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