Band
9 Task Response
·fully addresses all parts of the task
·presents a fully developed position in answer to the question with relevant, fully extended and well supported ideas
Coherence and Cohesion
·uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention
·skilfully 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 Response
·sufficiently addresses all parts of the task
·presents a well-developed response to the question with relevant, extended and supported ideas
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
·skilfully 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 inappropriacies
Band 7
Task Response
·addresses all parts of the task
·presents a clear position throughout the response
·presents, extends and supports main ideas, but there may be a tendency to overgeneralise and/or supporting ideas may lack focus
Coherence and Cohesion
·gically organises information and ideas; there is 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
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
·uses a variety of complex structures
·roduces frequent error-free sentences
·has good control of grammar and punctuation but may make a few errors
Band 6
Task Response
·addresses all parts of the task although some parts may be more fully covered than others
·presents a relevant position although the conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
·presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed/unclear
Coherence and Cohesion
·arranges information and ideas coherently and 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 referencing clearly or appropriately;
·uses paragraphing, but not always logically
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
