IELTS Writing Assessment Criteria Explained in Plain English
What the four IELTS Writing criteria really mean, what separates band 6 from band 7, and how to improve each one, explained simply.
Examiners score your writing against four criteria, each worth 25% of the task score. The official band descriptors are public, but their language is dense. Here is what each criterion means in practice, and what typically separates band 6 from band 7, the jump most candidates need. (This is our own explanation: always refer to the official descriptors for the exact wording.)
1. Task Achievement (Task 1) / Task Response (Task 2)
The question: did you do exactly what the task asked, fully and clearly?
In Task 2, this means:
- answering every part of the question;
- a clear position that stays the same throughout;
- main ideas that are developed with explanation and examples, not just listed.
Band 6 vs band 7: at band 6, the position may be unclear in places, and ideas may lack development or be repetitive. At band 7, the position is clear throughout, and main ideas are extended and supported.
How to improve: plan two main ideas and develop each with explanation + example + link to the question. See our Task 2 structure.
In Task 1: a clear overview of the main trends or differences is essential. Without it, this criterion is limited.
2. Coherence and Cohesion
The question: is your writing logically organised and easy to follow?
- Coherence: ideas are in a logical order, and each paragraph has a clear central topic.
- Cohesion: sentences are connected by linking words, referencing (this, these, such) and substitution.
Band 6 vs band 7: at band 6, linking may be mechanical, overused or sometimes faulty, and paragraphing may not always be logical. At band 7, information is logically organised with clear progression, and a range of cohesive devices is used appropriately, even if some are over- or under-used.
How to improve: one central idea per paragraph; fewer but better linking words. Read linking words and cohesive devices.
3. Lexical Resource
The question: how wide and precise is your vocabulary?
- Range: enough vocabulary to discuss the topic flexibly, without repeating the same words.
- Precision: the right word for the meaning, and natural collocations (make a decision, heavy traffic).
- Accuracy: correct spelling and word formation.
Band 6 vs band 7: at band 6, vocabulary is adequate but errors in word choice or spelling occur and repetition is noticeable. At band 7, there is enough range for flexibility and precision, with some less common vocabulary and awareness of collocation, despite occasional errors.
How to improve: learn vocabulary in phrases, by topic. Use vocabulary by topic and our flashcards.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy
The question: do you use a variety of sentence structures, and use them correctly?
- Range: simple, compound and complex sentences: relative clauses, conditionals, passives, concession.
- Accuracy: how many sentences are completely error-free.
Band 6 vs band 7: at band 6, there is a mix of simple and complex forms, but errors are frequent, though they rarely make the meaning unclear. At band 7, a variety of complex structures is used and many sentences are error-free, with good control of grammar and punctuation.
How to improve: master five or six structures well; see grammar for band 7. Proofread for your personal repeated errors, using common mistakes.
How the scores combine
Each task receives a band for each criterion. Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1 in your final Writing score. So a band 7 in Task 2 and band 6 in Task 1 gives: (6 + 7 + 7) ÷ 3 ≈ 6.67, reported as 6.5.
The most efficient improvements
| If your weakest area is… | Do this first |
|---|---|
| Task Response | Plan for 5 minutes; develop two ideas fully |
| Coherence and Cohesion | One idea per paragraph; replace mechanical linkers |
| Lexical Resource | Learn 10 topic collocations a day |
| Grammar | Eliminate your top five repeated errors |
FAQ
Is a longer essay better?
No. Length above the minimum doesn't earn marks. Clarity, development and accuracy do. Essays far over 300 words often contain more errors.
Does handwriting matter?
Not directly, but the examiner must be able to read your answer. If your handwriting is unclear, consider the computer-delivered test.
Get a criterion-by-criterion estimate of your own essay with our AI writing feedback.