IELTS Writing
IELTS writing band descriptors explained
The band descriptors are the rubrics an examiner reads when they mark your writing. This guide translates the public versions for bands 5 to 8 into plain English, criterion by criterion, so you can see exactly what each band asks of you.
In short
- Each band is described across four criteria: Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range & Accuracy.
- The descriptors are published by IDP, the British Council and Cambridge, who co-own IELTS. We are not affiliated with them.
- The move from band 6 to 7 is mostly about wider vocabulary and frequent error-free sentences.
What the descriptors are, and who writes them
There is one set of public band descriptors for Task 1 and another for Task 2. Both describe nine bands across the same four criteria. On Task 1 the first criterion is called Task Achievement; on Task 2 it is Task Response. The other three names are identical on both tasks.
An examiner reads your script once for the whole picture, then scores each criterion separately against the descriptor that fits best. The four scores are averaged for that task, Task 2 is weighted twice as heavily as Task 1, and the combined result rounds to the nearest half band. So a single weak criterion can hold back an otherwise strong piece of writing.
The public descriptors are published by IDP, the British Council and Cambridge, who co-own the test. They show the headline features of each band. Examiners work from a more detailed internal version, but the public descriptors are accurate enough to plan against, and that is what this guide uses.
Bands 5 to 8, criterion by criterion
Here is what each band sounds like in practice. Read down a column to see how one criterion tightens as the band rises, or read across a row to see what a single band asks of you on all four criteria at once.
Task Response (Task Achievement on Task 1)
Band 5 answers only part of the prompt or repeats ideas without developing them. Band 6 addresses the task but with uneven development or an unclear position. Band 7 covers every part of the prompt with a clear, extended position and well-developed ideas. Band 8 handles the task fully and supports each point with relevant, well-chosen detail.
Coherence & Cohesion
Band 5 organises information but paragraphing is faulty and linking is mechanical or overused. Band 6 arranges ideas coherently with some clear progression, though cohesion can be faulty. Band 7 sequences ideas logically with a clear central topic in each paragraph and a range of linking used appropriately. Band 8 manages every connection skilfully, so the reader never has to work to follow.
Lexical Resource
Band 5 uses a limited vocabulary that may be repetitive or wrong for the context. Band 6 has enough range for the task, with some errors in word choice or form that do not block meaning. Band 7 uses less common vocabulary with awareness of style and collocation, with only occasional slips. Band 8 uses a wide range fluently and precisely, with rare errors.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy
Band 5 relies on simple structures, and errors are frequent enough to strain the reader. Band 6 mixes simple and complex forms but complex sentences carry most of the errors. Band 7 uses a range of structures with frequent error-free sentences and good control of grammar and punctuation. Band 8 uses a wide range with the majority of sentences error-free.
The descriptors at a glance
Use this grid to place a piece of writing quickly. Find the row that best matches each criterion, then note where your weakest criterion sits, because that is what pulls the average down.
| Band | Task Response | Coherence & Cohesion | Lexical Resource | Grammatical Range & Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Partial answer, ideas undeveloped or repeated | Some organisation, faulty paragraphing, mechanical linking | Limited, repetitive, some wrong word choices | Mostly simple forms, frequent errors strain the reader |
| 6 | Task addressed, uneven development, position not always clear | Coherent with some progression, cohesion can be faulty | Adequate range, errors in choice or form do not block meaning | Mix of simple and complex, errors cluster in complex sentences |
| 7 | All parts covered, clear extended position, ideas developed | Logical sequence, clear paragraph topics, range of linking | Less common vocabulary used well, occasional slips | Range of structures, frequent error-free sentences |
| 8 | Task fully addressed with relevant, well-chosen support | Connections managed skilfully, easy to follow | Wide range used fluently and precisely, rare errors | Wide range, majority of sentences error-free |
A correction marks each criterion against these descriptors and shows you which band each one is sitting at, so you stop guessing and target the criterion that is actually holding you back.
IELTS writing band descriptors: common questions
What are the IELTS Writing band descriptors?+
They are the public scoring rubrics that describe each band from 0 to 9 across the four criteria: Task Response (Task Achievement on Task 1), Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range & Accuracy. Examiners match your writing to the closest band per criterion.
Are the band descriptors published?+
Yes. The public versions are published by IDP, the British Council, and Cambridge, who co-own IELTS. We are not affiliated with them. The public descriptors give the headline features per band; examiners use a more detailed internal version.
What separates band 6 from band 7 in the descriptors?+
Band 6 communicates with noticeable errors and limited range. Band 7 organises ideas clearly, uses less common vocabulary appropriately, and produces frequent error-free sentences. The largest gap is usually in Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range & Accuracy.
How do examiners use the descriptors?+
Each of the four criteria is scored separately against the descriptors, then averaged for that task. Task 2 counts double. The two task scores combine and round to the nearest half band to give your Writing band.
What does band 8 look like?+
At band 8 the task is fully addressed, ideas are sequenced logically, vocabulary is wide and used with skill, and the writing is error-free or has only occasional slips. Most errors at this level are rare and do not affect communication.