The IELTS Writing section can often be the most challenging part of the exam for Bangladeshi students. Understanding how your writing is scored is the first step toward improving. Many students are unaware of what examiners look for, leading to confusion and disappointment. This guide, created by the experts at Banglay IELTS, will demystify the IELTS writing band score and show you exactly what it takes to get the score you need.
At Banglay IELTS, founded by Rashed Hossain, we believe in a transparent, student-first approach. We empower our students by teaching them the specific strategies and skills needed to meet the official band descriptors.
How is the IELTS Writing band score calculated?
Your overall writing band score is based on the average of your scores for Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2. However, it’s crucial to know that Writing Task 2 has twice the weight of Writing Task 1. This means that a good score in your essay is more important for your overall result.
For example, if you get a Band 6 for Task 1 and a Band 7 for Task 2, your calculation would be:
(6+7+7)/3=6.66
Your final score would be rounded up to Band 7.
What are the 4 main criteria for the IELTS Writing band score?
The IELTS writing test is evaluated by a certified examiner based on four key criteria. Each criterion is worth 25% of your score for each task. You will be given a band score for each of these criteria, and their average will determine your final score for that task.
1. Task Achievement / Task Response
This criterion evaluates how well you have answered the question.
- Task 1: Did you address all parts of the task? Did you select and report the main features of the chart or graph accurately? Did you write at least 150 words?
- Task 2: Did you fully address all parts of the question? Did you present a clear position and support it with relevant and well-developed ideas? Did you write at least 250 words?
2. Coherence and Cohesion
This criterion assesses how well your ideas are organized and connected.
- Coherence: The logical flow of your ideas. Is your writing easy to follow?
- Cohesion: How you connect sentences and paragraphs using linking words (e.g., however, for example, in addition) and referencing. Using these devices appropriately helps the reader follow your argument.
3. Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)
This criterion measures the range and accuracy of your vocabulary.
- To get a higher score, you need to use a wide range of vocabulary. This includes using less common words and topic-specific vocabulary accurately.
- You should also be able to paraphrase the question and avoid repeating the same words.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy
This criterion assesses the variety and correctness of your grammar.
- Grammatical Range: Your ability to use a variety of simple, compound, and complex sentence structures.
- Grammatical Accuracy: The number and type of grammatical errors you make. A high score requires you to make minimal errors that do not hinder communication.
FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
What’s the difference between a Band 6 and a Band 7 in writing?
A Band 6 response is generally competent but may have some inaccuracies, while a Band 7 response shows a “good user” of the language. To move from a 6 to a 7, you need to develop all parts of the task more fully, use a wider range of vocabulary and grammar with fewer errors, and ensure your ideas are more logically organized.
Should I write more than the minimum word count?
Yes, it is advisable to write slightly more than the minimum (150 words for Task 1, 250 for Task 2) to ensure you have enough space to develop your ideas fully. However, writing excessively without a clear structure can negatively affect your score.
Does good handwriting affect my score?
No, handwriting does not affect your score. As long as your writing is legible, the examiner will be able to mark your paper without any issues. However, poor handwriting can lead to mistakes being misunderstood, so it’s better to be as clear as possible.
Achieve a High Writing Score with Banglay IELTS
Understanding the marking criteria is the first step, but the real challenge is applying them. At Banglay IELTS, our personalized writing workshops provide you with the specific strategies and one-on-one feedback you need. Our expert instructors analyze your writing based on the four criteria and show you exactly how to improve.
Whether you’re looking for specialized Dhaka IELTS coaching, a comprehensive Chittagong student visa consultancy, or top-tier Sylhet IELTS preparation, our team is here to support you.
Contact us today to get started.
Call Now: +8801329719513
Visit: https://banglayielts.com/