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How is IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Checked?

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:

IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Check

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.

Want to get your IELTS essay checked?
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IELTS teacher Claudia

“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:

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