Writing · Unit 1: Know the test
W02: The 4 marking criteria in simple words
Target band 5.5 to 6
IELTS examiners don't give a Writing score based on a feeling. They use four criteria, each with a clear description for every band. If you know what's in those criteria, you know exactly what to work on. This lesson explains all four in simple words, with what usually separates band 6 from band 7.
Why this matters
Many students think Writing is only about grammar and big words. That covers just two of the four criteria. The other two, answering the task and organising your writing, are where many Bangladeshi students actually lose marks. You can read the full official descriptors on the IELTS website.
Criterion 1: Task Achievement (Task 1) or Task Response (Task 2)
Did you do what the task asked?
- Task 1: Did you include a clear overview? Did you pick out the key features? Are your numbers accurate?
- Task 2: Did you answer every part of the question? Is your position clear from start to finish? Did you develop your ideas with explanation and examples?
Criterion 2: Coherence and Cohesion
Is your writing organised and easy to follow?
- Clear paragraphs, each with one main idea
- Ideas in a logical order
- Linking words used naturally, not in every sentence
- Good use of words like this, these, such, to refer back
Criterion 3: Lexical Resource (vocabulary)
How well do you use words?
- A good range of words, not repeating the same ones
- Words used precisely and naturally, with the right collocations
- Correct spelling and word forms
- Some less common words, used correctly
Criterion 4: Grammatical Range and Accuracy
How well do you use grammar?
- A mix of simple and complex sentences
- How many sentences are completely error-free
- Correct punctuation
Band 6 vs band 7: the usual differences
This is a simplified summary, not the official wording.
| Criterion | Band 6 usually... | Band 7 usually... |
|---|---|---|
| Task Response | answers the question, but some ideas are not fully developed or the position is not always clear | has a clear position throughout, and main ideas are extended and supported |
| Coherence | is organised, but linking can be mechanical or repetitive | progresses logically, with a range of linking used flexibly |
| Vocabulary | has an adequate range, with some errors in word choice | uses some less common words and collocations with awareness of style |
| Grammar | mixes simple and complex sentences, but with frequent errors | has frequent error-free sentences and good control |
How the score is calculated
Each task gets a score on all four criteria. The four are equally weighted within each task. Then the two tasks are combined, with Task 2 counting for more.
What this means for Bangladeshi students
Many of us focus only on vocabulary and grammar, by memorising "high-level" words and complex structures. But a common reason for staying at 6 is Task Response: not answering the full question, or not developing ideas. Lessons W12, W20 and W36 focus on this.
Try it yourself
Which criterion is each problem?
- A student writes "Moreover" at the start of six sentences.
- A student forgets to give an overview in Task 1.
- A student writes "peoples is" and "he go".
- A student uses "good" ten times.
Show the answers
1) Coherence and Cohesion. 2) Task Achievement. 3) Grammar. 4) Vocabulary.
Honest note
The official band descriptors use careful, technical language. If you read them, read slowly, and focus on the difference between your current band and the next one.
Your task today
Take an essay you've written. Give yourself a score from 1 to 9 on each of the four criteria. Which one is lowest?