IELTS Writing Band Descriptors Guide
Understand IELTS Writing band descriptors for Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammar. See what examiners look for at each band level.
Task Response
- Addresses all parts of the task
- Presents a clear position throughout the response
- Presents, extends, and supports main ideas (but may over-generalise or lack focus)
Coherence & Cohesion
- Logically organises information and ideas; clear progression throughout
- Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately although there may be some under/over-use
- Presents a clear central topic within each paragraph
Lexical Resource
- Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision
- Uses less common lexical items with some awareness of style and collocation
- May produce occasional errors in word choice, spelling and/or word formation
Grammar & Accuracy
- Uses a variety of complex structures
- Produces frequent error-free sentences
- Has good control of grammar and punctuation but may make a few errors
These are simplified summaries of the IELTS Writing Task 2 band descriptors. For official descriptors, refer to the IELTS website.
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