1.
IELTS Writing Band Score Calculator
IELTS Writing has two tasks: Task 1 and Task 2. The tasks differ slightly depending on whether you take the Academic or General Training tests.
Both tasks are scored based on the following parameters. These band descriptors adds 25% to your overall IELTS Writing Band Score.
IELTS Writing Band Descriptors
Task achievement (for Writing Task 1) or Task response (for Writing Task 2):
- Task Achievement in Writing Task 1 is based on how accurately you answer the questions.
- Task Response in Writing Task 2 (the essay task) is about how well you frame your essay, how clearly you express your opinions, and how well your arguments are supported.
Coherence and cohesion:
- Coherence evaluates how logical your arguments are and how well-sequenced they are.
- Cohesion, however, evaluates how well you link the words together using conjunctions and other transitional phrases.
Lexical resource:
- Evaluate your vocabulary range, including idioms, synonyms, and phrasal verbs.
- Evaluate if you’re using the right words in the proper context.
Grammatical range and accuracy:
- Check if you follow basic grammar rules, such as accurately using simple and complex sentences, verbs and tenses.
- Check if your sentences are accurate and if they read right in terms of language.
2.
What Does Your IELTS Writing Band Score Mean?
Most universities demand a score of 6 and above during admissions. To improve your overall band score, it’s important to pay attention to individual band scores.
Here’s what each of your IELTS Writing Band Scores means according to the IELTS band chart for Academic. Understanding the IELTS marking criteria writing can significantly boost your performance. For a detailed breakdown, refer to the IELTS writing band score chart.
Band 9
| Criterion | Description |
| Task Achievement | All requirements fully and appropriately satisfied. |
| Coherence and Cohesion | The message is fully clear and effortless to follow. Minimal lapses. |
| Lexical Resource | Full flexibility and precise use of wide vocabulary. Few errors minimal impact. |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | A wide range of structures are used flexibly and accurately. Minor errors are extremely rare. |
Band 8
| Criterion | Description |
| Task Achievement | All requirements fully and appropriately satisfied. |
| Coherence and Cohesion | Fluent expression of thoughts. Ideas are logically sequenced, with occasional lapses. |
| Lexical Resource | Wide resource fluently used minor errors. |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | A wide range of structures are used accurately. Occasional errors, minimal impact. |
Band 7
| Criterion | Description |
| Task Achievement | All requirements are covered with some occasional lapses. |
| Coherence and Cohesion | Ideas are presented clearly and are logically sequenced, with occasional lapses. |
| Lexical Resource | Wide resource used fluently, occasional errors, minimal impact. |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | A wide range of structures are used flexibly and accurately. Occasional errors, minimal impact. |
Band 6
| Criterion | Description |
| Task Achievement | Requirements covered, some lapses. |
| Coherence and Cohesion | Ideas are logically organised, with some lapses. |
| Lexical Resource | Sufficient Vocabulary range, occasional errors, minimal impact. |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | A variety of structures are used with some flexibility. Occasional errors, minimal impact. |
Band 5
| Criterion | Description |
| Task Achievement | Content barely relates to the task. |
| Coherence and Cohesion | Sentences are not interlinked, and it is hard to relate to the ideas. |
| Lexical Resource | Vocabulary is inadequate, leading to repetitive usage. Inappropriate word choice is found. |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | Limited evidence of sentence forms. Predominantly faulty grammar and punctuation. |
Band 4
| Criterion | Description |
| Task Achievement | Content barely relates to the task |
| Coherence and Cohesion | Low relevance or off-topic. No evidence of control of organisational features. |
| Lexical Resource | Vocabulary is extremely limited. |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | No evidence of sentence forms. |
Band 3
| Criterion | Description |
| Task Achievement | Writing fails to communicate any message. |
| Coherence and Cohesion | No rateable language is evident. |
| Lexical Resource | No resource is apparent except for a few isolated words. |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | No rateable language is evident. |
Band 2
| Criterion | Description |
| Task Achievement | The candidate did not attend or attempt the question. |
| Coherence and Cohesion | No rateable language was evident. |
| Lexical Resource | No rateable language is evident. |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | No rateable language is evident. |
Band 1
| Criterion | Description |
| Task Achievement | Responses of 20 words or fewer are rated at Band 1. |
| Coherence and Cohesion | Responses of 20 words or fewer are rated at Band 1. |
| Lexical Resource | Responses of 20 words or fewer are rated at Band 1. |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | Responses of 20 words or fewer are rated at Band 1. |
Band 0
| Criterion | Description |
| Task Achievement | The Candidate did not attempt the question. |
| Coherence and Cohesion | The Candidate did not attempt the question. |
| Lexical Resource | The Candidate did not attempt the question. |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | The Candidate did not attempt the question. |
