IELTS Writing Task 1 & Task 2 Assessment Criteria

IELTS Writing Assessment Criteria

IELTS Writing tests consist of two compulsory tasks, IELTS Writing task 1 and IELTS Writing task 2. Each of these tasks is scored with respect to four different criteria.

Task Achievement (for Task 1)

This criterion examines the overview and information that you provide, details of your content, and the accuracy with which you have mentioned key features and illustrations.

You are supposed to write 150 words for Task 1. Else there will be a penalty for under word count.

Task Response (for Task 2)

In this criterion, the type of response that you write for the essay type question is determined. It assesses the main idea of your essay and the way you develop it with relative examples.

You are supposed to write 250 words for Task 2. Otherwise, you will be penalized for writing fewer word counts. To avoid such problems, you must learn how the examiner counts your word and how many words you must write.

Coherence & Cohesion

This IELTS Writing Criterion determines the proper use of linking words, paragraphing skills and use of cohesive devices (for example, connectors, conjunctions) is determined.

Also, the number of paragraphs is taken into consideration. Dividing your essay into more or fewer paragraphs might lower your score.

Lexical Resource

Under this criterion, the use of a sufficient range of vocabulary, proper spellings, correct implementation of collocations, and word formation are taken care of while scoring. You must avoid using wrong words and informal language.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

To score this criterion, things taken into consideration include sentence structures, proper use of tenses, putting right punctuations, use of simple as well as complex statements with clear ideas, and control over Grammar.

Take a look at IELTS Writing Marking Criteria for Task 1 & Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 1

Example

Task Achievement: 7
Coherence & Cohesion: 7.5
Lexical Resource: 6.5
Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 7

Total Score for Task 1: 7 + 7.5 + 6.5 + 7 = 28 / 4 = 7

IELTS Writing Task 2

Example

Task Response: 6
Coherence & Cohesion: 7
Lexical Resource: 7
Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 6

Total Score for Task 2: 6 + 7 + 7 + 6 = 26 / 4 = 6.5

Total Writing Band Score: 7 + 6.5 = 13.5 / 2 = 6.75 = 7 (rounded up)

To learn the band score in detail, you can refer to the below band descriptors.

Click here to download the Writing Assessment Criteria for Task 1.
Click here to download the Writing Assessment Criteria for Task 2.

IELTS writing test will examine your writing skills, help you manage time, and develop strategies to complete the tasks in stipulated time. Practice more and more to fetch a high score.

IELTS Writing Evaluation Criteria in Detail

The examiner assesses your IELTS Academic Writing & General Training Writing Test on the below-listed criteria. Each criterion contributes 25% of your total marks for Task 1 and Task 2.

What will be the penalty for under word count?

You will get a lower score as a consequence of not writing enough words. This, in turn, indicates that you haven't completed the task.

The examiner checks and counts the words. So, to avoid writing fewer words you must practice writing on the official writing answer sheet. This will help you judge the length of your writing. You can then save time by counting just the number of lines you have written instead of counting each word.

Some other factors that diminish your score…

Handwriting: If the examiner finds difficulty in reading your answers, your band score will get affected.

Writing Memorized Answer: If you write an essay or letter/report that is memorized, you will receive low scoring for it.

Incomplete Answer: If you fail to answer the whole question or provide only half a response, you would lose your score.

What if you write more than the required words?

There is no set upper limit for both tasks. But, writing too much doesn’t mean you would achieve a high score. Instead, focus on writing quality content.

In how many paragraphs will you divide your essay?

The essay must be divided into several paragraphs. Make sure you have at least 4 to 5 paragraphs in which you divide your essay for Task 2.

Every essay has an introduction and a conclusion - this constitutes two paragraphs. Then comes the body of the essay which must be divided either into two or three paragraphs. In total, your essay must comprise four or five paragraphs.

Organize the information properly while writing an essay
Make use of excellent English i.e. avoid spelling mistakes, incorrect use of grammar or sentence structures
Avoid copying the information provided in the question for writing the introductory paragraph of your essay. Instead, paraphrase the question and use it in the introduction paragraph.
Don't waste time counting the number of words you have written. Prefer counting the number of lines

Free IELTS writing practice tests will be of great help to ensure a good score on this test. You can even seek assistance from the Writing Correction Service available online and be sure of achieving the desired score.

IELTS Writing Assessment Criteria

Writing Assessment Criteria

Writing Word Count