IELTS WritingBand Score Guide

Band 7-9 Requirements:

• • Fully addresses all parts of the task
• • Presents a clear position throughout
• • Relevant, extended arguments with examples
• • Presents, extends, and supports main points

Common Problems:

• • Not addressing all question parts
• • Vague or unclear position
• • Lack of specific examples
• • Underdeveloped arguments

Band 7-9 Requirements:

• • Logical sequence of ideas
• • Clear paragraphing with topic sentences
• • Smooth transitions between paragraphs
• • Appropriate use of linking words

Common Problems:

• • Disorganized ideas
• • Missing or weak paragraph structure
• • Overusing linking words
• • Repetitive cohesive devices

Band 7-9 Requirements:

• • Wide vocabulary range
• • Topic-specific vocabulary
• • Correct collocations
• • Minor spelling errors only

Common Problems:

• • Limited vocabulary range
• • Incorrect word choices
• • Poor collocations
• • Frequent spelling errors

Band 7-9 Requirements:

• • Mix of simple and complex sentences
• • Subordinate clauses
• • Various sentence structures
• • Few grammatical errors

Common Problems:

• • Only simple sentences
• • Limited sentence variety
• • Frequent grammatical errors
• • Incorrect article/preposition usage