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How IELTS Writing is marked

Understand exactly how examiners score your writing — the four criteria, the band descriptors, and the rules on time and word count — then practise against them with our AI examiner.

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The format

Time and structure

The Writing test lasts 60 minutes and has two tasks. Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1.

TaskRecommended timeMinimum wordsMarks
Task 120 minutes150 words33%
Task 240 minutes250 words67%

The marking

The 4 criteria

Your writing is scored on four criteria, each worth 25%. Your overall band is their average, rounded to the nearest half band.

1

Task Achievement / Task Response

The examiner checks whether you answered every part of the question, explained your ideas clearly, supported them with examples, and — if asked — gave a clear opinion.

Weaker

I agree because it is good.

Stronger

I agree that online education provides greater flexibility for working professionals, allowing them to balance employment and study more effectively.

2

Coherence and Cohesion

How well your writing is organised: logical paragraphing, a smooth flow of ideas, appropriate linking words, and an easy-to-follow structure.

Weaker

Moreover, moreover, moreover — a linking word forced into every sentence.

Stronger

One idea per paragraph, connected with the right device: However, Therefore, Furthermore, For example, On the other hand, In contrast, Consequently.

3

Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)

The range and accuracy of your vocabulary: less common words used naturally, correct collocations, and the ability to paraphrase — without forcing “big” words incorrectly.

Weaker

good … good … good (the same word, repeated).

Stronger

beneficial, effective, advantageous, valuable, worthwhile — varied, and used where they actually fit.

4

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Grammar accuracy and sentence variety: tenses, articles, prepositions, subject–verb agreement and punctuation. You don’t need perfect grammar for Band 7–8, but errors should be infrequent.

Weaker

The government have to fixed this problem since long time.

Stronger

Governments have had to address this problem for a long time, and a range of measures is now needed.

What each band looks like

Band descriptors (5–9)

Band

5

  • Frequent grammar mistakes
  • Limited vocabulary
  • Weak organization
  • Ideas not fully developed

Band

6

  • Answers the question
  • Some grammar mistakes
  • Vocabulary is adequate
  • Organization is acceptable

Band

7

  • Fully answers the question
  • Clear organization
  • Good vocabulary
  • Few grammar mistakes
  • Well-developed ideas

Band

8

  • Strong arguments
  • Wide vocabulary
  • Very few grammar errors
  • Natural cohesion
  • Sophisticated sentence structures

Band

9

  • Fully addresses the task
  • Excellent organization
  • Precise vocabulary
  • Almost error-free grammar
  • Natural, fluent writing

The rules

Word count, spelling & more

Does word count matter? Yes. Task 1 needs at least 150 words and Task 2 at least 250. Writing fewer usually lowers your score because your ideas aren’t developed enough. Writing far more (400–500 words) isn’t rewarded and raises the chance of errors. Aim for about 170–190 words on Task 1 and 270–320 on Task 2.

Does spelling matter? Yes — incorrect spelling lowers your Lexical Resource score (e.g. enviroment ✗ → environment ✓).

Handwriting & typing. On paper IELTS your handwriting must be readable. On computer IELTS you type your answers, so handwriting is irrelevant; fast typing helps, but accuracy matters more, and you can edit, copy, paste and delete freely with a live word count on screen.

Is it marked by software? No. The test software does not auto-correct grammar or spelling, and your score is not generated by software — a certified examiner reads your final response and marks it against the official band descriptors.

Avoid these

Common reasons candidates lose marks

  • Not answering all parts of the question
  • Writing too few words
  • Going off-topic
  • Repeating the same vocabulary
  • Overusing memorized phrases
  • Poor paragraph organization
  • Grammar mistakes that affect clarity
  • Not supporting ideas with explanations or examples

Put it into practice

See where you stand right now

Paste an essay for an instant band on all four criteria with line-by-line corrections, or sit a full timed Task 1 + Task 2 mock test marked exactly like the real exam.

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