Understanding the scoring system
Your IELTS Writing score is based on four equally-weighted criteria. Each criterion is scored from 0-9, and your final band is the average.
Task Achievement
How well you address the task
Coherence & Cohesion
Logical organization and flow
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary range and accuracy
Grammatical Range
Grammar variety and accuracy
Your overall Writing band score is calculated by averaging the four criterion scores.
(TA + CC + LR + GRA) ÷ 4 = Overall Band
What each band score means for your writing
Handles complex arguments fully and well
Occasional inaccuracies in complex arguments
May miss some nuances but handles well
Some errors but communicates meaning
Makes some errors but basic meaning clear
Only partially addresses task, limited range
Struggles to convey basic meaning
Detailed requirements for each scoring criterion
Band 7-9 Requirements:
Common Problems:
Band 7-9 Requirements:
Common Problems:
Band 7-9 Requirements:
Common Problems:
Band 7-9 Requirements:
Common Problems:
From Band 6 to Band 7+
