Learn how your IELTS writing task 2 is marked and the difference between band scores 5, 6, 7 and 8 with tips to improve your score. You need to understand the 4 marking criteria used by the examiner to fulfil the requirements of the score you want.
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. Also remember that there is a penalty for being under the word count: see link at bottom of page. Tips
4 Marking Criteria for IELTS Writing Task 2
The examiner will assess your IELTS essay using the 4 criteria below. Each criterion is worth 25% of your total marks for task 2. You will be given a band score for each criteria and then a total score for task 2. See bottom of page for example of scoring.
- Task Response
- Coherence and Cohesion
- Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy
Task Response
This task 2 marking criterion is about your answer to the IELTS essay question, your main ideas and how you develop them.
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
Coherence and Cohesion
The IELTS examiner will check the organisation of your essay, the paragraphs and your use of linking devices.
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
Lexical Resource
Your use of vocabulary, your paraphrasing, your spelling and the number of mistakes you make will be assessed in this criterion.
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
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
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.
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)
Example of Writing Task 2 Scoring Calculated
You will get a band score for each of the above criteria and then a total score for task 2. Here’s an example:
- Task Response: Band 6
- Coherence & Cohesion = Band 7
- Grammar: Band 6
- Vocabulary: 6
Total Score for IELTS Writing Task 2: 6 + 7 + 6 + 6 = 25/4 = 6.25. This score will be increased to 6.5. To calculate your score, add all scores together and divide by 4.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Band Scores 5, 6, 7 & 8: Differences and Tips
All IELTS Band Scores Explained
Note: The information above is taken from the band score descriptors published by IELTS. To learn about band scores 1-9, please see the public band score descriptors for writing task 2 published by IELTS.
Recommended Pages for IELTS Writing Task 2
Main IELTS Pages
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