IELTS Writing Task 2 Band 7 Scoring

In this lesson, I talk IELTS Writing Task 2 Band 7+ scoring. In other words, I examine exactly what your essay needs to do to get a high writing score.

Watch the video lesson or take a look at the text version below.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Scoring: Band Descriptors

Take a look at the IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Descriptors.

Here’s the explanation. Your score is the average of 4 categories:

1. Task Response
2. Cohesion and Coherence
3. Lexical Resource
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

(7 + 7 + 6 + 6)/4 = 6.5

Knowing what you need to do for a high score in each category can help you to focus on your weaknesses and improve your strengths.

Knowing these Band Descriptors can also help you to write in a style that will give the examiners what they want, and help you to finish faster.

Next we have a checklist that will help your get an IELTS Writing Task 2 Band 7+ score.

Band 7+ Task Response Checklist

• Do you “address all parts of the task”? (Answer all parts of the question)
• Do you cover each part of the task fully?
• Do you have a well-developed response to the question?
• Are all of your ideas relevant, extended (complete), and supported?
• Is your position and your conclusion clear?

Being clear is the most important part!

Band 7+ Coherence and Cohesion Checklist

• Do you use paragraphing correctly?
  • One central idea per paragraph
  • Paragraphs marked clearly
• Are your ideas and information in a logical order?
• Is there an obvious connection between each of your paragraphs?
• Is there an obvious connection between each of your sentences?
• Do you use a range of cohesive devices (without overusing them)?
  • Linking words (However…., Nonetheless…., In addition, etc.)
  • Referencing (“this”, “that”)

IELTS Master Advice: Leave a blank line between paragraphs. Being clear is #1.

Band 7+ Lexical Resource Checklist

• Do you use a wide range of vocabulary for the topic?
• Can you paraphrase effectively?
• Do you use collocations correctly often?
• Can you choose correct words most of the time?
• Can you use some less common words?
• Do you only have occasional/rare errors in spelling/word formation?

IELTS Master Advice: Focus on topical language, not fancy words. Being clear is #1.

Band 7+ Grammatical Range and Accuracy

• Do you have a wide range of grammatical structures you can use?
• Are most of your sentences accurate?
• Is almost all of your punctuation accurate?
• Can you use both simple and complex structures effectively?

IELTS Master Advice: Focus on accuracy, not range. Being clear is #1.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Band 7+ Action Step

• Take a look through the band descriptors.
• Look at one of your pieces of writing
• Where do you think you are right now?
• What do you need to do to get to the next level?
• What can you do to get there?
• If this is difficult for you to do on your own, get a writing correction from an IELTS expert.