IELTS Writing Task & Band Scores with Tips

IELTS TASK 2 Writing band descriptors

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.

4 Marking Criteria for IELTS Writing Task 2

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
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:

  • pay attention to ALL issues in the essay question
  • write about the issues rather than just the general topic
  • answer the essay question with relevant main points
  • plan your supporting points so they don’t go off the topic
  • write over 250 words

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:

  • have either four or five paragraphs but not more and not less
    • this means you should have two or three body paragraphs only
  • have just one central topic in each body paragraph
  • organise your ideas logically
  • use a range of linking words
  • avoid errors in linking words

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:

  • pay attention to collocations (which verb matches which noun)
  • paraphrase carefully to avoid errors
  • use a range of words appropriate for the topic
  • spell words correctly
  • avoid making errors (errors will lower your score – see table above)
  • avoid using informal language

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:

  • use different grammar tenses (conditionals, perfect tenses, passive voice, past, future etc)
  • pay attention to word order in your sentences
  • use a range of sentence structures
  • use the correct punctuation (full stops and commas)
  • avoid errors in grammar (errors will lower your score – see the table above)
    • common grammar errors: articles, plural nouns, uncountable nouns, word order)
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