IELTS Writing Band Score: The IELTS Writing Band Score is a critical component of the International English Language Testing System, designed to assess a candidate's ability to articulate thoughts effectively in written English. The Writing section is divided into two tasks: Task 1 and Task 2, each testing different skills. Task 1 focuses on analyzing and describing visual information, such as graphs, tables, or processes (Academic module), or writing a formal or informal letter (General module). Task 2 requires candidates to write an essay on a given topic, showcasing their ability to present arguments, justify opinions, and express ideas coherently within a structured framework.
IELTS Writing Band Score Marking Criteria | ||||
IELTS Writing Score | Task Response | Coherence & Cohesion | Lexical Resource | Grammatical Range & Accuracy |
9 | Fully addresses all parts of the task. Develop a clear and well-supported position. | Ideas are perfectly organised and flow effortlessly. Transitions are varied and sophisticated. | Wide range of vocabulary used precisely and fluently. Idioms are used effectively. | Complex grammatical structures are used flawlessly with a high degree of accuracy. |
7-8 | Responds to all parts of the task. Presents a clear position with relevant supporting arguments. | Ideas are well-organised and flow logically. Transitions are used effectively. | Varied vocabulary used accurately and appropriately. | A wide range of grammatical structures is used with a high degree of accuracy. |
5-6.5 | Addresses most parts of the task. Develops a position with some supporting arguments. | Ideas are generally organised and flow with some occasional lapses. Transitions are used somewhat inconsistently. | Fair range of vocabulary used with occasional inaccuracies. | Range of grammatical structures used with some errors. |
4 | Attempts to address the task but may miss some key points. Lacks clear development of a position. | Limited organisation and ideas may not flow logically. Transitions are rarely used. | Limited vocabulary used with frequent inaccuracies. | Basic grammatical structures used with frequent errors. |
2-3 | Partially addresses the task or may be irrelevant. Lacks a clear position or supporting arguments. | Ideas are poorly organised or lack logical flow. Transitions are rarely used. | Extremely limited vocabulary used with many inaccuracies. | Very basic grammatical structures used with many errors. |
1 | Fails to address the task or communicates very little information. | No clear organisation or ideas are not connected. Transitions are not used. | Very few words used with many inaccuracies. | Little to no grammatical accuracy. |
0 | Does not attempt the task or write a completely irrelevant response. | No message was communicated. | No words were used or unintelligible communication. | No grammatical structures were used. |
IELTS Writing Band Score | ||
Band Score | Academic Reading | General Training Reading |
9 | 39-40 | 40 |
9 | 37-38 | 39 |
8 | 35-36 | 38-38 |
8 | 33-34 | 36 |
7 | 30-32 | 34-35 |
6.5 | 29-29 | 32-33 |
6 | 23-26 | 30-31 |
5.5 | 19-22 | 27-29 |
5 | 15-18 | 23-26 |
4.5 | 13-14 | 19-22 |
4 | 10-12 | 15-18 |
3.5 | 8-9 | 12-14 |
3 | 6-7 | 9-11 |
2.5 | 4-5 | 6-8 |
2 | 3 | 4-5 |
How to Improve IELTS Writing Score?
How is the IELTS Writing Band Score Calculated? | |
IELTS Writing Band Score Task 1 | IELTS Writing Band Score Task 2 |
Task Achievement: 10 | Task Achievement: 10 |
Coherence and Cohesion: 18 | Coherence and Cohesion: 10 |
Lexical Resource: 10 | Lexical Resource: 12 |
Grammar: 12 | Grammar: 8 |
55 | 35 |
Marking Criteria for IELTS Writing Test | |
Marking Criteria | Description |
Task Response | This criterion assesses how effectively you tackle the essay questions. Examiners assess whether you present a clear and well-developed stance on the issue. They evaluate if your arguments are supported by relevant examples and evidence, demonstrating critical thinking and a comprehensive understanding of the task instructions. |
Grammatical Range and Accuracy | This aspect focuses on the complexity and correctness of your sentence structures. The examiners also assess the basic grammar to know if you are utilising a variety of tenses, verb forms, and grammatical structures with confidence and accuracy. This demonstrates your control over the language and ability to express yourself clearly. |
Coherence and Cohesion | This criterion examines how smoothly your ideas flow and connect. It checks the sentence formation, usage of transition words and phrases to create a logical flow and the overall progression of your thoughts throughout the writing. Strong coherence and cohesion ensure your writing is clear, easy to follow, and impactful. |
Lexical Resource | This criteria focuses on the richness and accuracy of your vocabulary. The examiners take a close look at your ability to use a variety of words that go beyond basic vocabulary. They value your ability to demonstrate an extensive and appropriate word choice that conveys your ideas and aligns with the specific demands of the writing task. |