IELTS
Task 1 Writing band descriptors Band 9
Task Achievement
fully satisfies all the requirements of the task
clearly presents a fully developed response
Coherence and Cohesion
uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention skillfully manages paragraphing
Lexical Resource
uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features; rare minor errors occur only as ‘ slips'
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy; rare minor errors occur only as ‘ slips'
Band 8
Task Achievement
covers all requirements of the task sufficiently presents,highlights and illustrates key features / bullet points clearly and appropriately
Coherence and Cohesion
sequences information and ideas logically
manages all aspects of cohesion well
uses paragraphing sufficiently and appropriately
Lexical Resource
uses a wide range of vocabulary fluently and flexibly to convey precise meanings
skillfully uses uncommon lexical items but there may be occasional inaccuracies in word choice and collocation produces rare errors in spelling and/or word formation
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
uses a wide range of structures
the majority of sentences are error-free
makes only very occasional errors or in appropriacies
Band 7
Task Achievement
covers the requirements of the task
(Academic) presents a clear overview of the main trends, differences, or stages
(General Training) presents a clear purpose, with the tone consistent and appropriate
clearly presents and highlights key features / bullet points but could be more fully extended
Coherence and Cohesion
logically organizes information and ideas; there is a clear progression throughout
uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately although there may be some under-/over-use
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
Grammatical Range and 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
Band 6
Task Achievement
addresses the requirements of the task
(Academic) presents an overview with information appropriately selected
(General Training) presents a purpose that is generally clear; there may be inconsistencies in tone
presents and adequately highlights key features / bullet points, but details may be irrelevant, inappropriate, or inaccurate
Coherence and Cohesion
arranges information and ideas coherently, there is a clear overall progression
uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical
may not always use references clearly or appropriately
Lexical Resource
uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task
attempts to use less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracy
makes some errors in spelling and/or word formation, but they do not impede communication
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
makes some errors in grammar and punctuation but they rarely reduce communication
