How the IELTS Writing band score is calculated
Your IELTS Writing score is the average of four equally weighted criteria, each scored 1–9. The four scores are averaged, then rounded to the nearest half-band. Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to your overall Writing band.
Task Response (TR)
25%Does your essay fully address all parts of the task? Is your position clear and well-developed? Are your ideas supported with relevant examples?
Examiner tip: This is the most common score blocker for Band 6.0–6.5 candidates. Fully answering every part of the question is more important than perfect grammar.
Coherence and Cohesion (CC)
25%Is information organised logically? Do paragraphs flow clearly from one to the next? Are cohesive devices (linking words) used appropriately?
Examiner tip: Overusing linking words like 'furthermore' and 'moreover' can lower CC — examiners reward natural paragraph logic, not mechanical connectors.
Lexical Resource (LR)
25%Do you use a wide range of vocabulary accurately? Do you avoid repetition? Can you paraphrase ideas using different words naturally?
Examiner tip: Using a word incorrectly is worse than using a simpler word correctly. Precision matters more than attempting advanced vocabulary.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA)
25%Do you use a variety of sentence structures? Are complex sentences constructed accurately? How frequent and significant are your grammatical errors?
Examiner tip: One complex sentence used correctly outweighs five attempts at complexity with repeated errors. Range and control must both be present.
IELTS Writing band descriptors
Frequently asked questions
How is the IELTS Writing band score calculated?
The IELTS Writing band score is the average of four equally weighted criteria: Task Response (or Task Achievement for Task 1), Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Each criterion is scored on a 1–9 scale. The four scores are averaged, then rounded to the nearest half-band. For example, scores of 6.0, 6.0, 7.0, and 7.0 average to 6.5.
What is the difference between Task 1 and Task 2 in the overall IELTS Writing score?
Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1 in the overall Writing band score. Your Task 2 score contributes 67% of the Writing band and Task 1 contributes 33%. This means improving your Task 2 score has twice the impact on your overall Writing band as improving Task 1.
What IELTS Writing score do I need for a university or visa?
Requirements vary by institution and purpose. Most UK universities require Band 6.5 or 7.0 overall with no component below 6.0. Many skilled worker visa routes require 6.5 or higher. Always check the specific requirements of your institution or visa category — IELTS overall band and individual component minimums both matter.
How accurate is the AI band score calculator?
The AI calculator provides a diagnostic estimate based on IELTS scoring criteria. It is calibrated to identify the most likely score range and the criterion most likely limiting your band. It is not an official IELTS score and should be used as a revision tool, not a prediction of your exam result. Use it to guide what to fix, not to decide whether you are ready to take the exam.
Can I improve my IELTS Writing band score quickly?
Most candidates improve by 0.5 to 1.0 band within 4–8 weeks of targeted practice if they focus on the right criterion. The fastest improvement usually comes from fixing Task Response — fully answering all parts of the question. Grammar improvements tend to have a smaller impact than candidates expect, because GRA is only 25% of the score and small grammar errors rarely drop an essay below the expected range.
Know your score before rewriting
The fastest way to improve is to know which of the 4 criteria is holding you back. Paste your essay above and get the answer in 30 seconds — before you spend time fixing the wrong part.