Most people preparing for the IELTS Writing section spend their time practising essays without truly understanding how their work is marked. The IELTS Writing Task 2 band score system uses four equally weighted criteria to assess your performance — and if you treat them as a checklist rather than an integrated set of skills, your score will plateau.
This guide breaks down every band level across all four criteria so you know exactly what examiners are looking for at each score point, from Band 5 all the way to Band 8 and above.
Before diving in, it helps to know where you currently stand. The IELTS Express Pre-Test gives you a personalised band prediction in just a few minutes — a fast way to benchmark yourself before you start this guide.
The Four Marking Criteria Explained
IELTS Writing Task 2 is assessed across four equal criteria. Each is worth 25% of your final Task 2 score:
- Task Response (TR): Have you answered the question fully? Is your position clear and consistent throughout?
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Is your essay logically organised? Do ideas flow naturally between paragraphs and sentences?
- Lexical Resource (LR): How wide and accurate is your vocabulary? Can you use less common words naturally?
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Do you use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures accurately?
Understanding what separates a Band 6 from a Band 7 on each criterion is the foundation of any targeted improvement plan.
Band Score Breakdown: Task Response
Band 5: The response addresses the task only partially. The position may be unclear or inconsistent. Key ideas are present but underdeveloped, often with irrelevant tangents.
Band 6: The task is addressed. The position is relevant, though the argument may not be fully extended or fully supported. Ideas are present but lack depth in places.
Band 7: All parts of the task are clearly addressed. The position is clear and developed throughout. Ideas are relevant and well-extended, with supporting details that feel purposeful.
Band 8: The task is answered fully and precisely. The position is sophisticated and nuanced. Every paragraph makes a distinct, well-supported contribution to the overall argument.
The most common Band 5-6 Task Response problem is treating the essay like a discussion of both sides without committing to a clear view. Task 2 rewards candidates who take a clear position and defend it, not those who sit on the fence.
Band Score Breakdown: Coherence and Cohesion
Band 5: Organisation is present but mechanical. Cohesive devices (linking words like “however”, “therefore”) are overused or used inaccurately. Paragraphing is inconsistent.
Band 6: The essay is broadly organised and the argument can be followed. Cohesive devices are used, but may be repetitive or slightly awkward. Paragraphing is mostly logical.
Band 7: Information is logically sequenced. A range of cohesive devices is used flexibly and accurately. Paragraphing is clear and purposeful, with each paragraph covering one main idea.
Band 8: The essay flows with natural ease. Cohesion is skillful and the reader is guided through the argument without noticing the transitions. Paragraphing is expertly managed.
One of the fastest wins for Coherence and Cohesion is auditing your paragraphing. Each body paragraph should open with a clear topic sentence, develop one main idea, and close with a sentence that links forward or summarises.
Band Score Breakdown: Lexical Resource
Band 5: Vocabulary is basic and repetitive. There is some awareness of style, but word choice errors are frequent enough to impede communication at times.
Band 6: There is an adequate range of vocabulary. Attempts are made to use less common vocabulary, but some errors in word choice or collocation may occur without obscuring meaning.
Band 7: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used with flexibility and awareness of style. Less common items are used appropriately. Minor errors in spelling or word formation do not impede meaning.
Band 8: A wide resource is used fluently and flexibly. Skilful use of uncommon vocabulary. Rare minor errors or inappropriacies. Nearly all collocations are accurate.
The jump from Band 6 to Band 7 on Lexical Resource often comes down to collocation accuracy rather than vocabulary size. It is not about finding the most impressive word but about using a range of words in their correct grammatical and contextual pairings.
For a complete breakdown of vocabulary strategies and practice exercises, the IELTS Writing Task 2 tips and strategies guide is a strong companion resource.
Band Score Breakdown: Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Band 5: Limited range of grammatical structures. Frequent errors in complex sentences. Basic sentences may be accurate, but attempts at complexity often produce errors.
Band 6: Mix of simple and complex structures. Errors in complex sentences are present but do not significantly impede communication. Good control of basic grammar.
Band 7: A variety of complex structures is used with some flexibility and accuracy. Frequent error-free sentences. Errors occur with more complex structures but do not cause confusion.
Band 8: Wide range of structures. The majority of sentences are error-free. Very occasional errors may occur but they are minor and do not affect the reader’s understanding.
Candidates at Band 6 often know complex grammar rules but apply them inconsistently under exam pressure. Practising under timed conditions with deliberate focus on clause types (relative clauses, conditionals, passive voice) is the most reliable way to improve Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
How to Use This Guide to Target Your Score Gap
Once you understand the descriptors, the next step is to map your current performance against each criterion. Most students have uneven profiles — strong in one area, weaker in another. Here is how to run your own audit:
- Write a timed Task 2 essay (40 minutes, no aids)
- Score yourself honestly against each criterion using the descriptions above
- Identify the one or two criteria where you are most clearly one band below your target
- Prioritise targeted practice for those specific criteria in your next three to five sessions
For candidates aiming at Band 7, the most common bottleneck is Task Response, specifically the failure to fully extend and support all main ideas. For Band 8 candidates, Lexical Resource is usually the final frontier, particularly around sophisticated collocation and stylistic flexibility.
Using unlimited IELTS mock tests is the most efficient way to apply targeted practice and track your improvement across all four criteria over time.
Common Mistakes at Each Band Level
Band 5 mistakes: Misreading the question type (agree/disagree vs. discuss both views). Underdeveloped body paragraphs. Frequent grammar errors that impede meaning. Vocabulary that is too basic or repeated excessively.
Band 6 mistakes: Paragraphs that contain more than one main idea. Overuse of simple connectors such as “firstly”, “secondly”, and “in conclusion”. Word choices that are almost right but slightly off in collocation. Accurate but repetitive sentence structures.
Band 7 mistakes: Inconsistent position where the essay drifts between views. Complex sentences that are mostly correct but occasionally awkward. Vocabulary that is appropriately varied but lacks sophistication in a few places. Ideas that are stated but not sufficiently explored.
Understanding your most frequent mistake category helps you choose practice tasks that target the right gap instead of reinforcing habits that are already strong.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good band score for IELTS Writing Task 2?
A Band 7 or above is considered a strong result for most purposes. For general migration to Australia, a Band 7 in Writing is typically required for the higher visa points categories. For university entry, requirements vary between Band 6.0 and 7.0 depending on the institution and course.
How is IELTS Writing Task 2 scored?
Writing Task 2 is scored across four criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Each criterion is worth 25% of your Writing Task 2 band score. Your final Writing band is a combined score from Task 1 and Task 2, with Task 2 weighted at two-thirds of the total Writing score.
Is IELTS Writing Task 2 harder than Task 1?
Most candidates find Task 2 more demanding because it requires a longer, more developed argument of at least 250 words and is worth more marks overall. Task 1 (150 words) asks you to describe data or a process. Task 2 asks you to construct and defend a position on a complex question.
Can I improve my IELTS Writing Task 2 score without a tutor?
Yes, many candidates improve significantly through structured self-study. The key is using accurate marking criteria (not generic feedback) and getting exposure to examiner-level sample responses. Mock tests with detailed band score feedback are the most reliable self-study tool for Writing improvement.
How many words should I write for IELTS Writing Task 2?
The minimum is 250 words. Most Band 7+ responses fall between 270 and 320 words. Writing significantly more than 350 words is rarely beneficial and increases the risk of errors. Quality and precision in your argument matter far more than word count once you are above 250.
What is the difference between Band 6 and Band 7 in IELTS Writing Task 2?
The clearest differences are in Task Response (depth of idea development), Lexical Resource (appropriate use of less common vocabulary), and Grammatical Range (higher proportion of error-free complex sentences). Band 7 essays demonstrate consistency across all four criteria, while Band 6 essays often have one or two criteria pulling the overall score down.
