IELTS Task 1 Writing Band Descriptions (public version)

BAND 9
Task Achievement

• Fully satisfies all the requirements of the task
• Clearly presents a fully developed response

Coherence and Cohesion

• Uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention
• Skillfully manages paragraphing

Lexical resource
Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features; rare minor errors occur only as 'slips'

Grammatical range and accuracy
Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy; rare minor errors occur only as 'slips'

BAND 8
Task Achievement

• Covers all requirements of the task sufficiently
• Presents, highlights and illustrates key features/bullet points clearly and appropriately

Coherence and Cohesion

• Sequences information and ideas logically
• Manages all aspects of cohesion well
• Uses paragraphing sufficiently and appropriately

Lexical resource

• Uses a wide range of vocabulary fluently and flexibly to convey precise meanings
• Skillfully uses uncommon lexical items but there may be occasional inaccuracies in word choice and collocation
• Produces rare errors in spelling and/or word formation

Grammatical range and accuracy

• Uses a wide range of structures
• The majority of sentences are error-free
• Makes only very occasional errors or inappropriateness

BAND 7
Task Achievement

• Covers the requirements of the task
• (Academic) presents a clear overview of main trends, differences or stages
• (General training) presents a clear purpose, with the tone consistent and appropriate
• Clearly presents and highlights key features/bullet points but could be more fully extended

Coherence and cohesion

• Logically organizes information and ideas; there is clear progression throughout
• Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately although there may be some under/over-use

Lexical resources

• Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision
• Uses less common lexical items with some awareness of style and collocation
• May produce occasional errors in word choice, spelling and/or word formation

Grammatical range and accuracy

• Uses a variety of complex structures
• Produces frequent error-free sentences
• Has good control of grammar and punctuation but may make a few errors

BAND 6
Task Achievement

• Addresses the requirements of the task
• (Academic) presents an overview with information appropriately selected
• (General training) presents a purpose that is generally clear; there may be inconsistencies in tone
• Presents and adequately highlights key features/bullet points but details may be irrelevant, inappropriate or inaccurate

Coherence and cohesion

• Arranges information and ideas coherently and there is a clear overall progression
• Uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical
• May not always use referencing clearly or appropriately

Lexical resources

• Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task
• Attempts to use less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracy
• Makes some errors in spelling and/or word formation, but they do not impede communication

Grammatical range and accuracy

• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
• Makes some errors in grammar and punctuation but they rarely reduce communication

BAND 5 
Task achievement

• Generally addresses the task; the format may be inappropriate in places
• (Academic) recounts details mechanically with no clear overview; there may be no data to support the description
• (General training)  may present a purpose for the letter that is unclear at times; the tone may be variable and sometimes inappropriate
• Presents, but inadequately covers, key features/bullet points; there may be a tendency to focus on detail

Coherence and cohesion

• Presents information with some organisation but there may be a lack of overall progression
• Makes inadequate, inaccurate or over-use of cohesive devices
• May be repetitive because of lack of referencing and substitution

Lexical resources

• Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task
• May make noticeable errors in spelling and/or word formation that may cause some difficulty for the reader

Grammatical range and accuracy

• Uses only a limited range of structures
• Attempts complex sentences but there tend to be less accurate than simple sentences
• May make frequent grammatical errors and punctuation may be faulty; errors can cause some difficulty for the reader

BAND 4
Task Achievement

• Attempts to address the task but does not cover all key features/bullet points; the format may be inappropriate
• (General training) fails to clearly explain the purpose of the letter; the tone may be inappropriate
• May confuse key features/bullet points with detail; parts may be unclear, irrelevant repetitive or inaccurate

Coherence and cohesion

• Presents information and ideas but these are not arranged coherently and there is no clear progression in the response
• Uses some basic cohesive devices but these may be inaccurate or repetitive

Lexical resources

• Uses only basic vocabulary which may be used repetitively or which may be inappropriate for the task
• Has limited control of word formation and/or spelling; errors may cause strain for the reader

Grammatical range and accuracy

• Uses only a very limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses
• Some structures are accurate but errors predominate, and punctuation is often faulty