IELTS band scores are from 0 to 9. However, this page focuses on the main band scores of 5 to 8. If you are aiming for band 9, the main difference is the density of errors in your writing.
This task 2 marking criterion is about your answer to the IELTS essay question, your main ideas and how you develop them.
Band Score 5 | Band Score 6 | Band Score 7 | Band Score 8 |
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Does not completely address the task. May follow the general topic but not the specific issue in the essay question | Addresses the task - both the topic and issue are addressed | Addresses all parts of the task. All issues in the question are answered. | Sufficiently addresses all parts of the task. All issues in the essay question are answers well |
There is a position but it is not aways clear. Any opinion give is unclear. | Presents a relevant position. Any opinion given is clear. | Presents a clear position throughout the essay. Any opinion given is supported in all paragraphs in the essay | Presents a clear position throughout the essay. Any opinion given is supported in all paragraphs in the essay |
Possibly no conclusion | There is a conclusion - it may be repetitive or unclear | Main ideas are relevant | Main ideas are relevant |
Main ideas are not developed | Main ideas are relevant | Ideas are developed but there may be a lack of focus with supporting ideas or over generalisation | Ideas are developed, extended and well supported |
Some irrelevant detail |
Your score will increase if you:
The IELTS examiner will check the organisation of your essay, the paragraphs and your use of linking devices.
Band Score 5 | Band Score 6 | Band Score 7 | Band Score 8 |
---|---|---|---|
There is some organisation but may not use paragraphs | Organised information coherently | Logically organises information | Information and ideas are organised logically |
Uses linking devices but with mistakes or inappropriate use | Uses paragraphs but always logically | Good paragraphing | Paragraphing is sufficient and appropriate |
May be repetitive due to lack of referencing | Uses linking devices effectively but there may be errors in linking between and within sentences | Has one central topic for each paragraph | Manages all aspects of linking and cohesion |
Uses referencing but not always clearly | Uses a range of linking devices | No problems with referencing | |
May over or under use linking devices | |||
Good referencing |
Your score will increase if you:
Your use of vocabulary, your paraphrasing, your spelling and the number of mistakes you make will be assessed in this criterion.
Band Score 5 | Band Score 6 | Band Score 7 | Band Score 8 |
---|---|---|---|
Minimal range of vocabulary for the task | Adequate range of vocabulary for the task | A sufficient range of vocabulary for some precision | A wide range of vocabulary for precise meaning |
Frequent errors with spelling or word formation | uses some less common words but with errors | Uses less common words | Skilfully uses less common words |
Problems cause difficulty for the reader | Some errors in spelling and word formation | Some awarness of style and collection | Rare errors in spelling or word formation |
Communication is clear | Occasional errors in spelling or word choice |
Your score will increase if you:
The IELTS examiner will give you a band score for your sentence structures, the tenses you use, your control of grammar and also the number of mistakes you make.
Band Score 5 | Band Score 6 | Band Score 7 | Band Score 8 |
---|---|---|---|
Limited range of sentence structures | Uses both simple and complex sentence structures | Uses a variety of complex sentence structures | Uses a wide range of complex structures |
Tries to use complex sentences with limited success | Some errors in grammar | Many error free sentences | Most sentence are free of errors |
Frequent errors in grammar | Some errors in punctuation | Good control over grammar | |
Errors in punctuation | Communication is clear | Occasional errors in grammar or punctuation | |
Problems cause difficulty for the reader |
Your score will increase if you: