IELTS examiners mark each Writing task on four criteria, each from 0 to 9: Task Achievement in Task 1 or Task Response in Task 2, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. The four weigh equally within a task, and Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1. Band 7 needs a clear overview or a clear position, flexible linking, some less common vocabulary and frequent error-free sentences.
4
criteria per task, weighted equally
0 to 9
whole bands for each criterion
2×
Task 2's weight compared with Task 1
2023
the year the full scales were published
What are the four IELTS Writing criteria?
The four criteria are Task Achievement (Task 1) or Task Response (Task 2), Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Each task is assessed on its own, each criterion gets a band from 0 to 9, and IELTS states that the four are weighted equally and the task's score is their average.
| Criterion | The question it answers | Also covers |
|---|---|---|
| Task Achievement (Task 1) | Did you report what the figure shows, or write the letter the situation needs? | The overview; in a letter, the bullet points, purpose and tone |
| Task Response (Task 2) | Did you answer the question, with a clear position and developed ideas? | Every part of the prompt; relevant support |
| Coherence and Cohesion | Can the reader follow the argument from start to finish? | Paragraphing, linking words, reference and substitution |
| Lexical Resource | Is the vocabulary wide, precise and natural? | Collocation, style, and spelling and word formation |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | Is there a range of structures, used accurately? | Punctuation |
Two lines in that table surprise people. Spelling is marked under vocabulary, not grammar. And punctuation is marked under grammar, so a run-on sentence costs marks in the same criterion as a tense error.
Try placing these problems before reading on. Each one costs marks in exactly one criterion.
Check yourselfWhich criterion does each problem cost?
6 questions1A Task 2 essay discusses online learning well but never says whether the writer agrees or disagrees.
The answer is Task Achievement or Response. A clear position is a Task Response requirement. From Band 7, the descriptors ask that a clear and developed position is presented.
2Several words are misspelt, although the meaning is still clear.
The answer is Lexical Resource. Spelling and word formation are marked under Lexical Resource, not grammar. At Band 7 there are only a few errors in spelling and they do not detract from overall clarity.
3Commas are missing between clauses, and some sentences run on for five lines.
The answer is Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Punctuation is assessed with grammar. The Band 8 descriptor asks that the majority of sentences are error-free and punctuation is well managed.
4Every sentence in a paragraph starts with Firstly, Moreover, Furthermore or In addition.
The answer is Coherence and Cohesion. That is cohesion used mechanically, which the descriptors name at Band 6. Band 7 asks for a range of cohesive devices used flexibly, including reference and substitution.
5A Task 1 report gives almost every figure on the chart but never says what the main trend is.
The answer is Task Achievement or Response. The overview belongs to Task Achievement. Band 7 asks for a clear overview; a report that only recounts detail is described at Band 5.
6Phrases such as make a research and do a mistake appear in the essay.
The answer is Lexical Resource. These are collocation errors, which Lexical Resource covers. Band 7 shows an awareness of style and collocation, though inappropriacies occur.
How do examiners use the band descriptors?
An examiner gives each criterion the highest band whose description the script fully fits. The descriptors say so on every page: "A script must fully fit the positive features of the descriptor at a particular level." So a script that has the vocabulary of Band 8 but not its accuracy is not given 8 for Lexical Resource.
Two more rules shape how the descriptors work:
- Negative features cap a band. Some phrases are printed in bold in the official document, and IELTS explains that "Bolded text indicates negative features that will limit a rating." A script that shows one of those faults is held down on that criterion whatever else is good about it.
- Whole bands only. Each criterion is a whole number. A half band appears only after the four are averaged.
What does Task Achievement or Task Response ask for at each band?
Task Achievement (Task 1) and Task Response (Task 2) ask whether you did what the task asked: reported the key features with a clear overview, wrote a letter with a clear purpose and the right tone, or answered the essay question with a clear position. This is the criterion where an otherwise good script most often loses a band.
| Band | Academic Task 1 | General Training letter | Task 2 essay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | "Key features are skilfully selected, and clearly presented, highlighted and illustrated." | "All bullet points are clearly presented, and appropriately illustrated or extended." | "A clear and well-developed position is presented in response to the question/s." |
| 7 | "It presents a clear overview, the data are appropriately categorised, and main trends or differences are identified." | "It presents a clear purpose. The tone is consistent and appropriate to the task." | "A clear and developed position is presented." |
| 6 | "A relevant overview is attempted." | "The purpose is generally clear. There may be minor inconsistencies in tone." | A position is presented, "although the conclusions drawn may be unclear, unjustified or repetitive." |
| 5 | "The recounting of detail is mainly mechanical." | "The tone may be variable and sometimes inappropriate." | "The writer expresses a position, but the development is not always clear." |
Read down a column and the pattern is plain. In Task 1 the step to Band 7 is the overview. In the letter it is a clear purpose and a consistent tone. In Task 2 it is a position that is clear and developed. The Band 7 essay descriptor also names the commonest reason a script stays there: "a tendency to over-generalise or there may be a lack of focus and precision in supporting ideas/material." For the overview in practice, see how to write a Task 1 report; for positions, the six Task 2 essay types.
What does Coherence and Cohesion ask for at each band?
Coherence and Cohesion asks whether the writing can be followed: ideas in a logical order, paragraphs that each have a clear point, and links between sentences that help rather than decorate. Coherence is the order of the ideas; cohesion is the language that joins them.
| Band | In the descriptors' words | In plain English |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | "Information and ideas are logically sequenced, and cohesion is well managed." | The reader never has to work out how one idea leads to the next. |
| 7 | "A range of cohesive devices including reference and substitution is used flexibly but with some inaccuracies or some over/under use." | Links come from pronouns and summarising nouns as well as linking words. |
| 6 | Cohesion "may be faulty or mechanical due to misuse, overuse or omission." | Linking words are there, often too many, and paragraphs may lose their focus. |
| 5 | "The relationship of ideas can be followed but the sentences are not fluently linked to each other." | The ideas are in order, but the joins show. |
The most useful word in this criterion is reference. Writing "this", "these exchanges" or "such a change" to point back to an idea is what Band 7 means by reference and substitution, and it does more for cohesion than a fourth "Moreover".
What does Lexical Resource ask for at each band?
Lexical Resource asks how wide, precise and natural your vocabulary is: whether you can say exactly what you mean, use words in their usual combinations, and spell them correctly. Rare words help only when they are used accurately.
| Band | In the descriptors' words |
|---|---|
| 8 | "There is skilful use of uncommon and/or idiomatic items when appropriate, despite occasional inaccuracies in word choice and collocation." |
| 7 | "There is some ability to use less common and/or idiomatic items." "An awareness of style and collocation is evident, though inappropriacies occur." |
| 6 | "The meaning is generally clear in spite of a rather restricted range or a lack of precision in word choice." |
| 5 | "The resource is limited but minimally adequate for the task." |
One Band 6 line describes a familiar kind of writer: "If the writer is a risk-taker, there will be a wider range of vocabulary used but higher degrees of inaccuracy or inappropriacy." Reaching for impressive words you are not sure of does not lift this criterion; it moves you sideways within Band 6. Precision with ordinary words is the surer route to 7.
What does Grammatical Range and Accuracy ask for at each band?
Grammatical Range and Accuracy asks two things at once: whether you use a variety of sentence structures, and how accurately you use them, punctuation included. Range without accuracy and accuracy without range both stop at Band 6.
| Band | In the descriptors' words |
|---|---|
| 8 | "The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is well managed." |
| 7 | "A variety of complex structures is used with some flexibility and accuracy." "Grammar and punctuation are generally well controlled, and error-free sentences are frequent." |
| 6 | "A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used but flexibility is limited." |
| 5 | "The range of structures is limited and rather repetitive." |
The Band 6 descriptor adds a detail worth knowing: "Examples of more complex structures are not marked by the same level of accuracy as in simple structures." In other words, the typical Band 6 script is accurate in short sentences and makes its errors in relative clauses, conditionals and passives. Those are the structures to practise.
What do the descriptors say about length, copying and memorised answers?
The descriptors set four hard rules. Very short answers are rated at Band 1, copied wording from the question is not credited, memorised language counts against you, and a wholly memorised answer can be given Band 0.
- Twenty words or fewer. "Responses of 20 words or fewer are rated at Band 1." This appears under every criterion, for both tasks.
- Significantly underlength. At Band 3, the vocabulary descriptor says the resource may be inadequate "due to the response being significantly underlength", and the grammar descriptor that "Length may be insufficient to provide evidence of control of sentence forms." The minimums are 150 words for Task 1 and 250 for Task 2.
- Copied rubric. "Any copied rubric must be discounted." Sentences lifted from the question earn nothing, which is why introductions should restate the question in your own words.
- Memorised language. At Band 4 the vocabulary descriptor names "inappropriate use of lexical chunks (e.g. memorised phrases, formulaic language and/or language from the input material)." Band 0 is used "where there is proof that a candidate's answer has been totally memorised."
Nothing in the descriptors rewards length beyond the minimum. Extra words only give the examiner more evidence, good or bad.
What separates Band 6 from Band 7 in practice?
The difference between Band 6 and Band 7 is usually development and control, not vocabulary: a Band 7 paragraph makes one point and supports it, links its sentences through reference as well as linking words, and keeps its complex sentences accurate. Here is the same body paragraph, for the same question, written at each band.
Some people believe that online courses can replace classroom teaching at university. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Firstly, online courses have many advantages1 for students. For example, students can study in anytime2 and anywhere they want, so it is very convenient for people who has a job3. Moreover, online4 courses are more cheaper5 than classroom courses because universities do not need to pay for buildings. Also, students can watch the lectures again if they did not understand. However, there are some disadvantages, for example students cannot ask questions to teacher6 directly. In conclusion7, online courses are good for some students but not for everyone, so they cannot replace classroom completely.
- 1“Firstly, online courses have many advantages” A topic sentence so general that the paragraph has no single point. The ideas that follow are listed, not developed.
- 2“in anytime” At any time. A small error in a simple phrase.
- 3“people who has a job” People who have a job. Errors in more complex structures like relative clauses are typical of Band 6.
- 4“Moreover, online” Firstly, For example, Moreover, Also, However: a linker on almost every sentence is the mechanical cohesion the descriptors name at Band 6.
- 5“more cheaper” Cheaper, not more cheaper.
- 6“ask questions to teacher” Ask the teacher questions. A missing article and an unnatural pattern.
- 7“In conclusion” A conclusion inside a body paragraph, and a disadvantage squeezed into the same paragraph as the advantages: paragraphing that is not wholly logical.
Some people believe that online courses can replace classroom teaching at university. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The strongest argument for online courses is flexibility.1 A student who works full time can watch a lecture at midnight2, pause it for taking notes3 and replay the parts they found difficult, something a crowded lecture hall cannot offer. For many working adults, this is the difference between studying and not studying at all4. However, flexibility comes at a cost.5 Much of what students gain at university happens outside the lecture itself: in a quick question after class, or in a disagreement with classmates that changes how they see a problem. These exchanges6 are far harder to arrange online, which is why I believe online courses can support classroom teaching but not replace it entirely7.
- 1“The strongest argument for online courses is flexibility.” One central idea, stated first. The rest of the paragraph develops it.
- 2“A student who works full time can watch a lecture at midnight” A specific example that extends the main idea, rather than a list of three new ones.
- 3“pause it for taking notes” Pause it to take notes. A Band 7 script may still contain a few errors that do not affect communication.
- 4“this is the difference between studying and not studying at all” Reference (this) carries the idea forward without repeating it.
- 5“However, flexibility comes at a cost.” A linker that marks a real turn in the argument, which is when one is needed.
- 6“These exchanges” Substitution: a new noun phrase that sums up the examples before it.
- 7“which is why I believe online courses can support classroom teaching but not replace it entirely” The position, stated clearly and linked to the argument by a complex sentence.
Notice that the Band 7 paragraph is not more decorated. Its words are mostly ordinary. What changed is that it makes one argument, gives it a concrete example, turns once with a reason to turn, and ends on the writer's position. It still carries a slip, because at Band 7 "A few errors in grammar may persist, but these do not impede communication."
How do the criteria become your Writing band?
Each task's four criterion bands are averaged, and then the two tasks are combined with Task 2 counting twice as much as Task 1. IELTS publishes both rules; it does not publish exactly how the averages are rounded. The common method, which our Writing marking and calculator use, rounds each task down to a half band and then rounds the weighted result down.
| Task 1 criteria | Task 1 | Task 2 criteria | Task 2 | Writing band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7, 7, 6, 6 | 6.5 | 7, 7, 7, 6 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 8, 8, 7, 7 | 7.5 | 6, 6, 6, 6 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
| 6, 6, 6, 6 | 6.0 | 8, 8, 7, 7 | 7.5 | 7.0 |
The second and third rows hold the same two task bands in a different order, and give different results. A strong Task 2 lifts the Writing band; a strong Task 1 can only do a third as much. Spend your 60 minutes accordingly: about 20 on Task 1 and 40 on Task 2, as IELTS advises.
Try it
Work out a Writing band from the criteria
Task 1 band
Task 2 band
Writing band
6.5
Task 2 counts twice: (6 + 2 × 7) ÷ 3, rounded down to the half band.
The full arithmetic for all four papers is in how IELTS band scores are calculated.
Try it on a full paper
Writing · 60 minutes
A band for each task, your own sentences corrected, a Band 8 sample.
To see these criteria applied to your own writing, sit a test from the Writing test library, where both tasks are marked on the four criteria with your sentences corrected, or check a single essay with the Task 2 checker and a report with the Academic Task 1 checker.
Where to check this
Every rule in this guide comes from these official pages. Test centres can differ on dates and arrangements, so check yours too.
Questions people ask next
What are the four criteria in IELTS Writing?
Task Achievement (Task 1) or Task Response (Task 2), Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Each is scored from 0 to 9 for each task, and the four carry equal weight within that task.
Is spelling part of grammar in IELTS Writing?
No. Spelling and word formation are marked under Lexical Resource, together with vocabulary range, precision and collocation. Punctuation is marked under Grammatical Range and Accuracy. At Band 7, the descriptors allow only a few spelling errors that do not detract from overall clarity.
Do you need a clear position to get Band 7 in Task 2?
Yes. The Band 7 Task Response descriptor reads: a clear and developed position is presented. At Band 6 a position is presented, but the conclusions drawn may be unclear, unjustified or repetitive. Say what you think in the introduction and hold it to the end.
What happens if you write fewer than 250 words in Task 2?
The descriptors rate any response of 20 words or fewer at Band 1. Beyond that they give no word-by-word penalty, but a response that is significantly underlength gives too little evidence of vocabulary and grammar, which the Band 3 descriptors name. Writing at least the minimum avoids the problem entirely.
Are memorised answers penalised in IELTS Writing?
Yes. Memorised phrases and formulaic language are named as a weakness at Band 4 for vocabulary, and Band 0 is used where there is proof that an answer has been totally memorised. Learned linking phrases are fine; learned paragraphs are not.
When were the IELTS Writing band descriptors last updated?
The current public descriptors are marked Updated May 2023. On 3 May 2023 IELTS published the full assessment scales used by Writing examiners: the band descriptors and the key assessment criteria that support them.
Written by SpeakMetry Team
The team that builds SpeakMetry's mock tests writes these guides. Every rule is checked against the official IELTS, British Council and IDP pages listed in the guide, and every example question, passage and sample answer was written for the guide it appears in.
