In this article, we will explain on what basis and how IELTS examiners check and assess your Writing Task 2 Essay.
In simple terms, your essay is checked and evaluated on a band scale from 0 to 9 according to IELTS writing band descriptors and on the four IELTS writing marking criteria:
- Task Response
- Coherence and Cohesion
- Lexical Resource
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Each of these criteria will impact your overall score in Task 2.
At first sight, these marking criteria only say a little. Therefore, let’s break it down and see what each of these criteria actually means:
Task Response
It means:
- Did you form a position in relation to the topic question or statement?
- Did you support your position with evidence (facts or views)?*
- Is there enough content included? (at least 250 words)
*Evidence can include examples from your experience or knowledge.
Coherence and Cohesion
It means:
- Is your view presented clearly and fluently?
- Is your response well organised?
- Are there different views or points of information well connected?
- Are there connecting words, such as: ‘so’, ‘and’, ‘but’, or even more complicated versions of these words: ‘therefore’, ‘furthermore’, ‘although’?
- Is the view that you develop clear to the reader?
Lexical Resource
It means:
- Is there a wide range of vocabulary (nouns, adjectives, adverbs)?
- Is the vocabulary used correctly?
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
It means:
- Is there a wide range of grammar structures used (correctly)?
- Is your grammar error-free, and is the punctuation correct?
To sum up, your answer must relate exactly to the given topic. For example, if you write an excellent essay that is off-topic, you cannot get a good score. On the other hand, if you use very simplistic language, you will not get a high grade either.
Therefore, to attain a high score in IELTS Writing Task 2, you must correctly address the task, clearly organise the response, connect your ideas, show a wide vocabulary and use grammar correctly.
“I have 7+ years of IELTS teaching experience. I will correct your grammar and give suggestions for more appropriate word use. I will give you tips on how to answer the question in the way the IELTS examiners expect.”
— Claudia, IELTS teacher from the UK
If you want to see more on IELTS Essay, please see: