IELTS Writing band descriptors
Four criteria, each a quarter of the band. Pick a band to see what each criterion looks like there, and what the next band asks for.
Task Response
Band 7Every part of the question is answered. A clear position runs through the essay, and the main ideas are extended and supported, though some are too general or lose focus.
Band 8Every part of the question is answered well. The position is clear and developed, and the ideas are relevant, extended and supported, with only an occasional lapse.
Coherence and Cohesion
Band 7Information is logically organised with clear progression. A range of linking words is used, with some under- or over-use, and each paragraph has one clear central idea.
Band 8Information follows a logical order and every kind of linking is handled well. Paragraphing is sufficient and suitable.
Lexical Resource
Band 7The range allows some flexibility and precision. Less common words are used with awareness of style and collocation, with occasional errors in word choice, spelling or word formation.
Band 8A wide range of words is used fluently and flexibly to give precise meaning. Less common words are used skilfully, with occasional slips in word choice or collocation, and spelling errors are rare.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Band 7A variety of complex structures is used. Error-free sentences are frequent, and grammar and punctuation are well controlled, with a few errors.
Band 8A wide range of structures is used. Most sentences are error-free, and errors are occasional.
Mark your own Task 2 essay
Paste an essay of up to 400 words. You get an estimate on each criterion, one quote from your essay and one fix. One free read every 24 hours, no account. We do not keep your essay.
Prefer to write it on the clock? Write the free Task 2 in 40 minutes.
Task 2, band by band
Task Response
| Band 9 | Every part of the question is answered fully. A clear position is developed throughout, with relevant, extended and well-supported ideas. |
|---|---|
| Band 8 | Every part of the question is answered well. The position is clear and developed, and the ideas are relevant, extended and supported, with only an occasional lapse. |
| Band 7 | Every part of the question is answered. A clear position runs through the essay, and the main ideas are extended and supported, though some are too general or lose focus. |
| Band 6 | Every part of the question is addressed, some more fully than others. There is a relevant position, though the conclusion may be unclear or repeat itself, and some main ideas are not developed enough. |
| Band 5 | Only part of the question is answered. The position is not always clear, and the main ideas are few, thinly developed or include irrelevant detail. |
Coherence and Cohesion
| Band 9 | The writing hangs together so naturally that the linking is not noticed. Paragraphing is skilful. |
|---|---|
| Band 8 | Information follows a logical order and every kind of linking is handled well. Paragraphing is sufficient and suitable. |
| Band 7 | Information is logically organised with clear progression. A range of linking words is used, with some under- or over-use, and each paragraph has one clear central idea. |
| Band 6 | Information is arranged coherently with overall progression. Linking words work, but some links are faulty or mechanical, words like 'this' and 'it' do not always point clearly, and paragraphing is not always logical. |
| Band 5 | There is some organisation but no clear overall progression. Linking words are too few, wrong or overused, ideas repeat because reference words are not used, and paragraphs may be missing or badly divided. |
Lexical Resource
| Band 9 | A wide range of words is used naturally and precisely. Errors are extremely rare slips. |
|---|---|
| Band 8 | A wide range of words is used fluently and flexibly to give precise meaning. Less common words are used skilfully, with occasional slips in word choice or collocation, and spelling errors are rare. |
| Band 7 | The range allows some flexibility and precision. Less common words are used with awareness of style and collocation, with occasional errors in word choice, spelling or word formation. |
| Band 6 | The range is adequate for the task. Less common words are attempted with some inaccuracy, and spelling or word-formation errors occur but do not stop the reader understanding. |
| Band 5 | The range is limited but just enough for the task. Spelling and word-formation errors are noticeable and may make reading harder. |
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
| Band 9 | A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy. Errors are rare slips. |
|---|---|
| Band 8 | A wide range of structures is used. Most sentences are error-free, and errors are occasional. |
| Band 7 | A variety of complex structures is used. Error-free sentences are frequent, and grammar and punctuation are well controlled, with a few errors. |
| Band 6 | Simple and complex sentences are mixed. There are some errors in grammar and punctuation, but they rarely get in the way of meaning. |
| Band 5 | The range of structures is limited. Complex sentences are attempted but tend to be less accurate than simple ones, errors are frequent and punctuation may be faulty. |
Questions people ask
What are the four IELTS Writing criteria?
Task Response (Task Achievement in Task 1), Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Each counts for a quarter of the band for that task.
How is the Writing band worked out?
Each task gets a band on all four criteria. Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1, and the result is reported in whole or half bands.
What is the difference between band 6 and band 7 in Task 2?
At band 7 a clear position runs through the essay and the main ideas are extended and supported. At band 6 some ideas are not developed enough and the linking can be mechanical.
Are these the official descriptors?
No. They are our own plain wording of what each band asks for. The free read below matches your essay to these same lines.