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)