The IELTS Writing score is based on the assessment of two writing tasks: Task 1 and Task 2. Each task is scored separately, and then the scores are combined to calculate the overall Writing band score. The Writing score ranges from 0 to 9 bands.
Task 1: Academic Version
In the Academic version of IELTS, Task 1 requires test-takers to describe visual information, such as a graph, chart, table, or diagram. The assessment criteria for Task 1 include:
- Task Achievement (for Task 1):
- This criterion assesses how well the test-taker presents the key features and details of the visual information. It considers whether the task has been fully addressed.
- Coherence and Cohesion (for Task 1):
- This criterion evaluates the organization of information and the logical progression of ideas. It assesses the use of paragraphing and linking words to ensure a cohesive and coherent response.
- Lexical Resource (for Task 1):
- Lexical Resource assesses the test-taker’s ability to use a range of vocabulary appropriately to describe the visual information.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (for Task 1):
- This criterion considers the variety and accuracy of grammatical structures used in the response.
Task 1: General Training Version
In the General Training version, Task 1 requires test-takers to write a letter in response to a given situation. The assessment criteria are similar to those for the Academic version but may be adapted to suit the nature of the task.
Task 2: Academic and General Training Versions
Task 2 in both the Academic and General Training versions requires test-takers to write an essay in response to a given prompt. The assessment criteria for Task 2 are as follows:
- Task Response (for Task 2):
- This criterion assesses how well the test-taker addresses the essay prompt, presents a clear position, and supports it with relevant ideas and examples.
- Coherence and Cohesion (for Task 2):
- Similar to Task 1, this criterion evaluates the organization and structure of the essay, ensuring a logical flow of ideas.
- Lexical Resource (for Task 2):
- Assessing the test-taker’s use of vocabulary, Lexical Resource looks for a range of words and phrases used appropriately in the essay.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (for Task 2):
- This criterion considers the variety and accuracy of grammatical structures used in the essay.
Overall Writing Band Score:
The scores for Task 1 and Task 2 are averaged to calculate the overall Writing band score. For example, if a test-taker scores 7 on Task 1 and 7.5 on Task 2, the overall Writing band score would be (7 + 7.5) / 2 = 7.25. The score is then rounded to the nearest half band, which is 7.5 in this case.