The IELTS Writing test is assessed based on four key criteria: Task Achievement (Task Response for Academic), Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Each criterion contributes equally to your final band score, ranging from 1 to 9. To achieve a high score, you must demonstrate proficiency in all areas. Below, we break down each criterion and provide actionable strategies to improve your writing.
Task Achievement / Task Response
What Examiners Look For
- Fully addressing the question – Your response must cover all parts of the prompt.
- Clear position – Present a well-defined opinion (for opinion essays) or a logical analysis (for discussion essays).
- Relevant supporting ideas – Use examples, explanations, or evidence that directly relate to the topic.
- Appropriate length – Writing too little (under 150 words for Task 1, under 250 for Task 2) will penalize your score.
How to Improve
✔ Analyze the question carefully – Underline keywords to ensure you answer all parts.
✔ Plan before writing – Spend 2-3 minutes outlining your response to stay focused.
✔ Avoid off-topic content – Every sentence should support your main argument.
Coherence and Cohesion
What Examiners Look For
- Logical organization – Paragraphs should follow a clear structure (introduction, body, conclusion).
- Smooth transitions – Use linking words (however, furthermore, consequently) to guide the reader.
- Referencing and substitution – Avoid repetition by using pronouns (this, these, it) and synonyms.
How to Improve
✔ Follow a paragraph structure – Each body paragraph should have:
- Topic sentence (main idea)
- Explanation (develop the idea)
- Example (support with evidence)
- Closing sentence (link to next point)
✔ Use cohesive devices naturally – Overusing connectors (firstly, secondly) can sound mechanical.
Lexical Resource
What Examiners Look For
- Wide vocabulary range – Use varied words instead of repeating the same terms.
- Precise word choice – Avoid vague language (good, bad, thing). Instead, use specific terms (beneficial, detrimental, factor).
- Natural phrasing – Idiomatic expressions (where appropriate) can enhance fluency.
How to Improve
✔ Learn topic-specific vocabulary – For common IELTS themes (education, environment, technology), build a word bank.
✔ Paraphrase effectively – Instead of copying the question, rephrase it in your own words.
✔ Avoid memorized phrases – Examiners can detect unnatural, over-rehearsed language.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
What Examiners Look For
- Varied sentence structures – Mix simple, compound, and complex sentences.
- Correct tense usage – Ensure consistency in verb tenses.
- Error frequency – Too many mistakes (especially in basic grammar) lower your score.
How to Improve
✔ Practice complex sentences – Use relative clauses (which, who, that) and conditional structures (if...then).
✔ Proofread for common errors – Check subject-verb agreement, articles (a, an, the), and prepositions.
✔ Record and review mistakes – Keep an error log to identify recurring issues.
Final Thoughts
Scoring well in IELTS Writing requires more than just fluency—it demands strategic preparation. Focus on understanding the band descriptors, refining your vocabulary, structuring responses logically, and minimizing grammatical errors. Regular practice with timed essays and feedback from experienced tutors will help you identify weaknesses and track progress.
If you apply these techniques consistently, you’ll see noticeable improvements in clarity, coherence, and overall writing quality—key factors in achieving a Band 7 or higher.
