IELTS Writing band descriptors, in plain English

• Every part of the question is answered in depth.
• Your position is clear from start to finish and answers the question directly.
• Every idea is relevant, fully explained and well supported.

• The essay is effortless to follow.
• Linking is so natural it is barely noticed.
• Paragraphs are handled skilfully.

• Vocabulary is used with full flexibility and precision.
• A wide range of natural, sophisticated word choice.
• Mistakes are extremely rare.

• A wide range of structures, used with full control.
• Grammar and punctuation are right throughout.
• Errors are extremely rare.

• Every part of the question is answered well.
• Your position is clear and well developed.
• Ideas are relevant and well supported, with only the odd gap.

To reach band 9: Explain each idea completely: show the consequence of your reason, and leave no part of the question with lighter treatment.

• The essay is easy to follow and ideas come in a logical order.
• Linking is well managed, with only occasional lapses.
• Paragraphs are used well.

To reach band 9: Rely less on linking words: let one idea lead to the next through meaning, so cohesion stops drawing attention.

• A wide range of vocabulary, used fluently and precisely.
• Less common words and phrases are used skilfully, with occasional slips.
• Spelling and word-form errors are occasional and do not distract.

To reach band 9: Choose the most exact word for the meaning, not the most impressive one; precision is what band 9 rewards.

• A wide range of structures, used flexibly and accurately.
• Most sentences are error-free and punctuation is well managed.
• Occasional, non-repeated errors.

To reach band 9: Remove the last occasional errors: proofread every sentence for articles, agreement and punctuation.

• The main parts of the question are answered.
• Your position is clear and developed.
• Ideas are explained and supported, but some support is too general or drifts from the point.

To reach band 8: Make support specific: replace general claims with a concrete reason, result or example that proves your exact point.

• Ideas are logically organised and clearly progress through the essay.
• A range of linking words and references are used, with some over- or under-use.
• Each paragraph has a clear focus.

To reach band 8: Use reference words (this, these, such, which) to connect ideas, and keep linkers for where the logic actually turns.

• Enough range to be flexible and fairly precise.
• Some less common words and phrases, with awareness of style and collocation, though some choices are off.
• Only a few spelling or word-form errors.

To reach band 8: Learn words in natural pairs and phrases (collocations) for common topics, and use them where they fit exactly.

• A variety of complex structures, used with some flexibility.
• Grammar and punctuation are generally well controlled, with frequent error-free sentences.
• A few errors may remain, but they do not get in the way.

To reach band 8: Make the majority of sentences error-free, and vary structures naturally (conditionals, relative clauses, passives) where they suit the point.

• The main parts of the question are answered, though some get much less attention than others.
• There is a position, but the conclusion may be unclear or simply repeated.
• Ideas are relevant but not explained enough, and some support is weak.

To reach band 7: Keep one clear position all the way through, and explain every main idea with a reason and an example instead of stating it.

• The essay is generally organised and moves forward overall.
• Linking words are used, but sometimes wrongly, too often, or mechanically.
• Paragraphing may not always be logical, or a paragraph's main point may be unclear.

To reach band 7: Give each body paragraph one main idea in its first sentence, and choose each linker for the relationship it shows (contrast, result, addition).

• Vocabulary is adequate for the task.
• Meaning is clear, but the range is narrow or imprecise.
• Some spelling or word-form errors, and over-ambitious words may be misused.

To reach band 7: Replace your most repeated plain words with more precise ones that fit the meaning, and check that each new word is used naturally.

• A mix of simple and complex sentences, but limited flexibility.
• Complex sentences are less accurate than simple ones.
• Errors occur but rarely stop the reader understanding.

To reach band 7: Get your complex sentences right: check joining words (although, which, who) and keep one clause per linker.

• Parts of the question are not answered.
• You give a position, but it is not always clear how you develop it.
• Ideas are few, underdeveloped, or include irrelevant detail, and may be repeated.

To reach band 6: Answer the exact question asked: state your position in the introduction and make every paragraph support it.

• There is some organisation, but the order is not wholly logical.
• Sentences are not smoothly linked; linking words are limited or overused.
• Paragraphs may be missing or not used well.

To reach band 6: Organise the essay into clear paragraphs (introduction, two body paragraphs, conclusion) and connect sentences so each follows from the last.

• Vocabulary is limited but just enough for the task.
• Frequent repetition and simplification.
• Spelling and word-form errors are noticeable and can confuse the reader.

To reach band 6: Build topic vocabulary for common themes (education, technology, environment) so you can say things in more than one way.

• A limited, repetitive range of structures.
• Complex sentences are attempted but usually faulty; simple ones are most accurate.
• Frequent errors that can make reading hard, and faulty punctuation.

To reach band 6: Write accurate simple and compound sentences first, then add one complex structure at a time once those are reliable.