IELTS Writing Band Score, How to Calculate and Marking Criteria
The IELTS Writing Band Score is based on task achievement, coherence, lexical resources, and grammar. Performance in both Task 1 and Task 2 determines the overall band score for this section.
Silki Joshi28 Feb, 2025
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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 section has two sections namely, IELTS Academic and IELTS General. The questions asked in both these sections are the same yet the context is different. For instance, IELTS writing task 1 weighs 33% of the total marks and the marking can be done either as 6 or 7 or in half bands i.e. IELTS 6.5 or 7.5. Similarly, the IELTS Writing Task 2 also has two different sections, IELTS Academic and IELTS General. However, the IELTS writing band score is 66% in comparison to Task 1 of the writing marking criteria. Check out the table below to learn about the marking criteria for IELTS Exam Writing.| 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
IELTS writing section has two sub-sections namely, Academic and General Training. The authorities have designated different band scores for marks scored in the writing task. Candidates preparing for the IELTS writing exam can check out the table below to know about the band IELTS Writing band score-wise marks.| 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 |
IELTS Writing Task 1 Band Score
In IELTS Writing Task 1, your response is evaluated based on four criteria: Task Achievement , Coherence and Cohesion , Lexical Resource , and Grammatical Range and Accuracy . Each of these aspects is graded on a scale from 0 to 9, and the average of these scores determines your overall band score for Task 1. To achieve a high band score, you need to clearly explain and summarize visual data (charts, graphs, or tables) in a well-organized and concise manner, using varied vocabulary and accurate grammar. For example, achieving a Band 7 or higher requires demonstrating a clear overview, presenting key features, and avoiding errors that affect understanding.How to Improve IELTS Writing Score?
IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Score
IELTS Writing Task 2 is evaluated similarly to Task 1 but focuses on essay writing. The scoring criteria include Task Response , Coherence and Cohesion , Lexical Resource , and Grammatical Range and Accuracy . A high band score (Band 7 or above) requires a well-structured essay that directly addresses the task, presents a balanced argument, and uses a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures accurately. To achieve a Band 8 or 9 , candidates need to write essays that are well-developed, logically organized, and demonstrate precision in both content and language use.How is the IELTS Writing Band Score Calculated?
IELTS Band Score is calculated based on four marking criterias as listed above. The authorities add up the marks scored in both IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2. Then, these marks are divided by 12, the result is the Band Score attained in the IELTS Writing Test. For example, the following are the marks scored by the candidate in both tasks. The total marks scored is 90 marks in both tasks, dividing it by 12, we get 7.5 which is the IELTS Band 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
The IELTS writing band score is calculated considering four major marking criteria. Each of these criteria has a weightage of 25%. If you want to have a high IELTS writing band score then it is advisable to qualify for each of the criteria mentioned below.| 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. |
IELTS Writing Band Score FAQs
How is IELTS Writing band scored?
IELTS writing band score is calculated by considering the four criterias as listed in this article.
How to calculate the IELTS band in writing?
The IELTS band in writing are calculated considering the marks scored in both sections.
Is 6.5 in IELTS Writing bad?
No, it is a good score but having a high IELTS Band score makes your position safe.
Is getting 7 in IELTS Writing easy?
No, getting a 7 in the IELTS writing band score is not easy and one has to work on their grammar and writing skills.
How many bands are there in IELTS Writing?
There are a total of 9 IELTS band scores in writing.
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