How Writing Is Scored: The Four Band Criteria

Introduction: Understanding the Secret Scorecard

Welcome! If you are preparing for the IELTS Academic Writing Task 2, you might feel like the examiners are looking for "perfect" English. The truth is much more helpful: they use a specific scorecard called the Four Band Criteria. Each criterion is worth 25% of your total score for the essay.

By understanding exactly what the examiner is looking for, you can stop guessing and start writing with confidence. Don't worry if this seems like a lot to learn at first—we will break it down step-by-step so you can climb from a Band 5 to a Band 7 or higher!

1. Task Response (TR): Answering the Question

Task Response measures how well you followed the instructions. Imagine a friend asks for directions to the library, but you give them a recipe for cake. Even if your English is perfect, you didn't answer the question!

To get a high score here, you must:
• Answer every part of the prompt.
• Present a clear position (your opinion) that stays the same throughout the essay.
• Support your ideas with relevant examples.

Common Mistake: The "Off-Topic" Trap

If the prompt asks about the disadvantages of social media for children, and you write about how much you love the internet, you will lose marks. You must stay focused on the specific topic.

Example: Showing a Clear Position

Weak (Band 5): Some people like technology, but others do not. In this essay, I will discuss both sides. (This is too vague; the examiner doesn't know what YOU think).
Improved (Band 7+): While technology offers clear benefits for global communication, I believe that its impact on the privacy of individuals is a significant concern. (This is clear and tells the examiner exactly where you stand).

Key Takeaway: Read the question twice. Before you write, ask yourself: "Am I answering exactly what they asked?"

2. Coherence and Cohesion (CC): The "Glue" of Your Essay

Coherence is how clear your ideas are to the reader. Cohesion is how you link your sentences and paragraphs together. Think of it like building a bridge; your ideas are the stones, and cohesion is the cement that holds them in place.

The Rule of One Idea per Paragraph

To score well, each paragraph should have one main topic. Start with a Topic Sentence that tells the reader what the paragraph is about.

Using Linking Words (Cohesive Devices)

Use words like "However," "Furthermore," "Consequently," and "In contrast" to show the relationship between your ideas. But be careful! Overusing them can make your writing look robotic.

Example: Linking Ideas

Weak (Choppy): Cities are crowded. Pollution is a problem. Many people move to the countryside.
Improved (Cohesive): Cities are becoming increasingly crowded; consequently, pollution levels have risen. As a result, many residents are choosing to relocate to the countryside.

Quick Review:
• Did you use 4-5 clear paragraphs?
• Does every paragraph start with a topic sentence?
• Did you use "it," "this," or "these" to refer back to previous ideas instead of repeating words?

3. Lexical Resource (LR): Using the Right Words

This is about your vocabulary. Examiners don't just want "big words"; they want precise words and collocations (words that naturally go together).

Focus on Collocations

In English, we say "make a mistake," not "do a mistake." Using these natural pairings shows the examiner you have a high level of English.

Avoid Repetition with Synonyms

Instead of saying "important" five times, use words like "crucial," "essential," "vital," or "significant."

Example: Improving Vocabulary

Weak: The government should give good money to help schools.
Improved: The government should allocate sufficient funding to support educational institutions.

Did you know? Using a "less common" word correctly is better than using a "very difficult" word incorrectly. Accuracy is more important than showing off!

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): The Sentence Toolbox

This criterion looks at two things: Range (using different types of sentences) and Accuracy (avoiding errors in grammar and punctuation).

Simple vs. Complex Sentences

To get a Band 6 or higher, you cannot just use simple sentences like "I like music." You must use complex sentences using words like "because," "although," "if," and "which."

The Balance of Grammar

A "complex" sentence doesn't have to be 50 words long. It just needs more than one clause.
• Simple: Exercise is good for health.
• Complex: Although many people find it difficult to stay active, regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health.

Common Errors to Watch For:

1. Articles: Using "a," "an," and "the" correctly.
2. Subject-Verb Agreement: Saying "He goes" instead of "He go."
3. Punctuation: Using commas and full stops to separate your ideas.

Key Takeaway: It is better to write a slightly simpler sentence correctly than a very complex sentence that the examiner cannot understand.

Final Checklist & Timing Reality

In the real exam, you have 40 minutes for Task 2. Because this essay is worth double the marks of Task 1, you must manage your time well.

The 40-Minute Plan:

• Minutes 1–5: Plan your essay. (Check: Did I understand the prompt?)
• Minutes 5–35: Write your essay. (Check: Am I using linking words and good vocabulary?)
• Minutes 35–40: Review and Check. (Check: Did I forget any "s" at the end of verbs or skip any punctuation?)

Summary of the Four Criteria:
1. Task Response: Did I answer the question and give my opinion?
2. Coherence & Cohesion: Does my essay flow logically in clear paragraphs?
3. Lexical Resource: Did I use a variety of precise words and collocations?
4. Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Did I use complex sentences with few mistakes?

Don't worry if this seems tricky at first! By focusing on one criterion at a time during your practice, you will naturally start to combine them into a high-scoring essay. Keep practicing, and remember: the examiner is looking for clarity above all else!