Act Combined English/writing Score

IELTS Writing Score is calculated on a band score of 0 to 9. The test-takers use the assessment criteria to award a band score for each of the four criteria: Task Achievement (for Task 1), Task Response (for Task 2), Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. The IELTS writing criteria are weighted equally and the score on the task is the average.

Check: Get IELTS Coaching Centers

Mean Performance of IELTS Writing Score of Test-takers in 2019

IELTS Writing Score Calculation

The two tasks of IELTS writing are marked by two different examiners. The IELTS writing band is calculated based on the four main criteria given above, the score calculation method of both the tasks is explained below:

The candidates are provided scores based on each of the four criteria, for instance:

Task Achievement: Band 8
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7
Lexical Resource: 6
Grammar: 8

The total is 8+7+6+8 = 29/4 = 7.25. 7.25 is the total IELTS writing score of the candidate.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Score

The IELTS writing section is categorized into IELTS Academic writing and IELTS General Writing both having different test content. IELTS writing task 1 holds 33% of the total score. The IELTS writing marking scheme of task 1 is based on four main criteria and marked on a scale of 0 to 9 similar to other IELTS sections. The writing band score can be marked as whole bands like 6 or 7, or in half bands like 6.5 or 7.5.

IELTS Writing Task 1- Marking Criteria

The IELTS writing task 1 is scored on 4 main criteria each holding 25% of the total score. Let us discuss the IELTS writing score criteria in details:

For IELTS Academic Writing Task 1:

Task Achievement: Task achievement tests how properly the candidate answers the question by adhering to all the instructions. It should include:

Providing all information and facts;
Respond to every requirement;
Focus on creating a precise overview;
For IELTS Academic writing task 1 - highlight your essay with facts, statistical data, and pieces of evidence;

Coherence and Cohesion: Coherence and cohesion focus on how structured the response is. To achieve an IELTS band 8 writing the response should include:

Arrangement of paragraphs
Each paragraph should consist of a single major idea
Linking words and cohesive devices like: to sum up, in my opinion, etc should be used

Lexical Resource: Lexical resource focuses on the usage of vocabulary. To achieve an IELTS band 7 writing the response should include:

Usage of an array of vocabulary;
Usage of unconventional lexical terms;
Spelling errors should be avoided

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: This completely focuses on grammatical accuracy. To achieve an IELTS band 9 writing the response should include:

Usage of an array of grammatical tools and tenses;
Punctuation management;
The sentence should be error-free

For IELTS General writing task 1:

Task achievement: Task achievement simply means covering all the parts of the question.

For IELTS General writing task 1 focus on creating a proper opinion
Read the question carefully
Cover all the points
And most importantly, Stick to the topic

Coherence and Cohesion: Coherence and Cohesion refer to the structure and flow of your writing. The examiner evaluates how well-structured and well connected your letter is.

Divide your writing into 4 to 5 paragraphs.
Use appropriate linking words to connect ideas and paragraphs.

Lexical Resource: Lexical Resource means your range of vocabulary. The examiner will look at your choice and the accuracy of words used in your response.

Use words and phrases depending on the type of letter.
Use some uncommon words, for instance, Splendid instead of Good.
And you should not repeat the same words over and over again.

For a better understanding of the IELTS writing task 1 marking criteria study the table below:

From the table above, candidates will get a comprehensive understanding of the IELTS writing task 1 band score distribution.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Score

The IELTS writing task 2 is again different for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General. The IELTS writing task 2 holds more weightage of 66% than task 1. The IELTS writing score of task 2 is also calculated on four main criteria similar to task 1. The only difference in the IELTS writing task 2 marking criteria is task response.

IELTS Writing Task 2- Marking Criteria

The IELTS writing task 2 marking criteria is based on four main criteria like task 1 and also having 25% score weightage on the total score. Since out of the four criteria, the only different one is task response, we have described that below:

For IELTS Academic Writing Task 2:

Task Response: This is concerned with how the candidate constructs the essay by adhering to the instructions, word limit, and relevance. To ensure a high IELTS score, the candidates need to:

Focus on developing ideas;
Structuring the essay with main ideas and supporting ideas;
Not deviating from the topic

Coherence and Cohesion

uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention
skilfully manages to paragraph

Lexical Resource

uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features; rare minor errors occur only as 'slips

For IELTS General writing task 2:

Task Achievement: Task achievement is your ability to answer the question properly. To score well for task achievement, you must do 3 things:

Answer the actual question asked (i.e. don't just write generally about the topic).
Answer all parts of the question.
Clearly express your opinion and support it with well-developed ideas and, ideally, examples

Cohesion and Coherence: Cohesion and Coherence are your ability to organize and present your ideas so that your essay is easy to read and understand.

To score well for Cohesion and Coherence, you must do 4 things:

Write an essay with clear ideas that are easy to understand.
Organize ideas and information logically.
Progress clearly from one idea to another.
Use cohesive devices to link ideas, sentences, and paragraphs.

Lexical Resource: Lexical Resource means vocabulary so refers to the words and phrases you use in your essay.

To score well for Lexical Resource you must:

Use a wide range of vocabulary.
Use it correctly and appropriately.
Use topic-specific vocabulary.

For a better understanding of the IELTS writing task 2 marking criteria, the following table should be studied:

Ideally, the IELTS writing score should be above 6 to get enrolled in a top-ranking university in USA or other English-speaking nations.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.