IELTS Writing Scoring, Marking Scheme and Score

IELTS Writing Scoring: Understanding how IELTS Writing is scored is essential for candidates aiming to achieve a high band score. The Writing section is divided into two tasks and assessed based on four clearly defined criteria. These are used by certified IELTS examiners to evaluate your performance and assign an accurate score from Band 1 to Band 9.

In this guide, we will explain each scoring criterion in detail, show how they are applied in both Task 1 and Task 2, and offer tips on how to improve your writing score.

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IELTS Writing Scoring Criteria 

The IELTS Writing section has two tasks:

• Task 1:

• Academic: Describe a graph, chart, map, or process.

• General Training: Write a letter (formal, semi-formal, or informal).

• Task 2:

• Essay writing. You’re asked to present an opinion, discuss an issue, or propose a solution.

You're given 60 minutes in total, 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2. Task 2 carries twice the weight of Task 1 when it comes to scoring.

Your IELTS Writing score is based on four main criteria. Each of these is equally weighted, worth 25% of your score:

1. Task Achievement (TA) for Task 1 / Task Response (TR) for Task 2

2. Coherence and Cohesion (CC)

3. Lexical Resource (LR)

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA)

Each criterion is scored individually on a band scale from 0 to 9, and the average of these four becomes your final band for the writing section.

1. Task Achievement / Task Response

This criterion checks whether you actually did what the question asked.

For Task 1 (Task Achievement):

• Did you cover all parts of the visual or information provided?

• Did you summarise the key trends accurately?

• Are your comparisons relevant and clear?

• Did you avoid including personal opinions or irrelevant details?

For Task 2 (Task Response):

• Did you answer the entire question? (e.g., both sides of an argument if asked)

• Did you present a clear position throughout?

• Are your ideas relevant, well-developed, and supported with examples?

2. Coherence and Cohesion

This is all about how well your writing flows and how easy it is to follow.

• Are your paragraphs logically organised?

• Do you use appropriate linking words (e.g., however, therefore, in contrast)?

• Is there a clear progression of ideas from one point to another?

• Do you avoid mechanical repetition of connectors?

3. Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)

This is your ability to use a range of words accurately and effectively.

• Do you avoid repeating the same words?

• Are you using precise vocabulary for the task?

• Can you use collocations and idiomatic expressions appropriately?

• Do you avoid spelling mistakes and misuse of words?

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

This checks both your control over grammar and your ability to use a range of structures.

• Can you write accurate, complex sentences?

• Do you make frequent errors in tenses, subject-verb agreement, articles, prepositions, etc.?

• Are your sentences varied in structure?

IELTS Writing Band Score Conversion

Here’s how the average of all four criteria translates into your final band:

IELTS scores are rounded to the nearest 0.5 or whole band. If your average ends in .25, it’s rounded up to the next half band. If it ends in .75, it’s rounded up to the next whole band.

What Band Descriptors Really Mean?

The IELTS band descriptors represent the overall result of the candidates, however, separate band descriptors are available for each IELTS test section on its official website.

Common Mistakes That Affect Scoring

Here are some common mistakes you should know to improve your IELTS Writing scoring:

1. Writing off-topic

• Always underline keywords in the question to stay on track.

2. Overusing connectors

• Don’t start every sentence with "Moreover" or "Therefore."

3. Repeating ideas

• Avoid paraphrasing the same point repeatedly to fill space.

4. Memorised templates

• Examiners know when you're using robotic phrases.

5. No clear opinion in Task 2

• Examiners want clarity. If it says "To what extent do you agree?", clearly state how much and why.

Also Read:

• IELTS Writing Task 1 
• IELTS Writing Task 2 
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer, Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

How to Improve Your IELTS Writing Score?

Here are some common tips to improve your IELTS Writing Scoring in 2025 IELTS:

1. Understand the band descriptors: Print them out. Break them down. Self-check every time you write.

2. Practice with real tasks: Use Cambridge IELTS books or reliable online mock tests.

3. Get feedback: Ask an IELTS tutor or a proficient English speaker to review your writing using the scoring criteria.

4. Learn how to plan quickly: Spend 5 minutes planning before you write. Organise your thoughts. Structure is key.

5. Improve your grammar naturally: Instead of memorising rules, read quality essays, articles, and editorials to see how grammar is used.

6. Keep a vocabulary diary: Don’t just collect big words. Learn how to use them in context.

IELTS Writing Tips, Strategy, and Practice

IELTS Writing Sample Band 7+ Task 2 Questions

1. Education

Question:

Some people believe that schools should focus more on academic subjects like maths and science, while others argue that subjects like music and art are equally important.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

2. Technology

Question:

With the rise of AI and automation, many jobs are being replaced by machines.

To what extent do you agree or disagree that this is a positive development?

3. Environment

Question:

Climate change is a growing concern across the globe. Some believe individuals can do little to help, while others think individual efforts are essential.

Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

4. Health

Question:

Many people believe that the government should be responsible for public health, while others think individuals should take care of their own health.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

5. Society & Culture

Question:

In some cultures, old people are highly respected, while in others, youth is more valued.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

6. Work & Money

Question:

Some people think that job satisfaction is more important than job security, while others argue that a permanent job is better than one you enjoy.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

7. Media

Question:

The media plays a powerful role in shaping public opinion. Some believe it should be strictly controlled, while others argue for complete freedom.

Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

8. Government & Society

Question:

Governments around the world spend large sums on space exploration, while many people argue that these funds should be spent on solving problems on Earth.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

9. Travel & Tourism

Question:

Tourism has become one of the biggest industries in the world. Some say it brings benefits to local economies, while others believe it leads to cultural and environmental damage.

Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

10. Education & Discipline

Question:

Some people believe that strict rules are essential for maintaining discipline in schools, while others feel that students should have more freedom.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

100 IELTS Essay Questions, Types, Preparation Tips

Guidance of PW IELTS

Physics Wallah offers multiple online IELTS courses for all students. Follow the IELTS pages to better prepare for the exam.