Back to: IELTS Basics
Introduction
The IELTS Writing test is a crucial component of the IELTS exam, and it is designed to evaluate a candidate’s writing skills. The test is comprised of two tasks, and each task is assessed based on four criteria. In this tutorial, we will explain how the IELTS Writing test score is calculated based on the scores obtained for each criterion.
Criteria for IELTS Writing Test
The IELTS Writing test is assessed based on four criteria, which are:
- Task Achievement – This criterion evaluates how well the candidate addresses the task prompt, whether all aspects of the task are covered and whether the response is relevant.
- Coherence and Cohesion – This criterion evaluates how well the writing is structured and whether there is a clear progression of ideas.
- Lexical Resource – This criterion evaluates the candidate’s vocabulary, including the range of words used, and the ability to use appropriate vocabulary in the given context.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy – This criterion evaluates the candidate’s grammar, including the range of grammar used, and the ability to use appropriate grammar in the given context.
Each criterion is given an equal weighting of 25%, and together they contribute to the total score for the IELTS Writing test.
Score Bands for IELTS Writing Test
The IELTS Writing test is scored on a scale of 0 to 9, and the scores are categorized into nine score bands. The score bands and their descriptors are as follows:
| Score Band | Descriptor |
|---|---|
| 9 | Fully addresses the task, presents a well-developed response with a clear progression of ideas, and uses precise, appropriate and varied vocabulary. |
| 8 | Addresses the task effectively, presents a well-developed response with a clear progression of ideas, and uses mostly accurate and appropriate vocabulary. |
| 7 | Addresses the task adequately, presents a generally well-developed response, and uses some accurate and appropriate vocabulary. |
| 6 | Addresses the task adequately, but may lack coherence or cohesion, and may have some inaccuracies or inappropriacies in vocabulary or grammar. |
| 5 | Addresses the task but may have some irrelevant or inappropriate content, and may have some errors or inaccuracies in vocabulary or grammar. |
| 4 | Addresses some parts of the task but not others, and may have limited coherence or cohesion, and significant errors or inaccuracies in vocabulary or grammar. |
| 3 | Addresses some parts of the task but not others, and may have severe coherence or cohesion problems, and frequent errors or inaccuracies in vocabulary or grammar. |
| 2 | Addresses very few parts of the task, and may have serious coherence or cohesion problems, and numerous errors or inaccuracies in vocabulary or grammar. |
| 1 | Does not address the task at all, and may have completely incoherent or inappropriate content, and extremely frequent errors or inaccuracies in vocabulary or grammar. |
| 0 | No response or irrelevant response. |
Each score band corresponds to a specific level of proficiency in writing, and the descriptors provide a detailed explanation of what is expected at each level.
IELTS Writing Test Score Calculation
The total score for the IELTS Writing test is calculated based on the scores obtained for each criterion. The scores for each criterion are added together and then divided by four to obtain the average score. The average score is then rounded up or down to the nearest half-band.
For example, if a candidate obtains the following scores for each criterion:
- Task Achievement: 7.5
- Coherence and Cohesion: 8
- Lexical Resource: 7.5
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 8
The average score would be calculated as follows:
Average score = (7.5 + 8 + 7.5 + 8) / 4 = 7.75
The average score of 7.75 would be rounded up to a band score of 8.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the IELTS Writing test score is calculated based on the scores obtained for each criterion. The test is assessed on four criteria, each of which is given an equal weighting of 25%. The scores are then categorized into nine score bands, which provide a detailed explanation of what is expected at each level. By understanding how the IELTS Writing test score is calculated, candidates can prepare more effectively for the test and increase their chances of obtaining a high score.
Follow us on social media
Follow Author