IELTS - Writing assessment criteria for task 2
2023

IELTS - Writing assessment criteria  for task 2

IELTS - Writing assessment criteria for task 2

Writing Task 2 is the second component of the IELTS writing section. In this segment, the candidates are given a point of view, argument, or topic and asked to compose an essay in response. This response has a word limit of 250 words and must be completed in 40 minutes. It focuses on assessing the applicant's ability to compose a response that is coherent in terms of content, ideas, appropriate word use, and syntax. Test takers must present their ideas and explanations for their arguments, and their writing must be grammatically correct. The IELTS Writing Task 2 subjects are intended to assess candidates' writing skills in order to establish their suitability to study and work in English-speaking countries.

Writing assessment criteria for task 2 - Highlights

  • Applicants must respond to a question by writing an essay.
  • The word count requirement of 250 words must be met.
  • The IELTS Writing Task 2 accounts for two-thirds of the total score on the Writing exam.
  • Whilst the IELTS General Writing Task 2 differs from the academic test, Task 2 is the same.
  • Applicants will be asked to express their thoughts in response to the point of view, argument, or topic.

What are the 4 criterias for IELTS writing task 2?


In IELTS Writing Task 2, a candidate is graded based on the following factors. These are the evaluation criteria:
  • Task achievement
  • Coherence and cohesion
  • Lexical resource
  • Grammatical range and accuracy

WRITING TASK 2: Band Descriptors

The IELTS Writing Task 2 is an essay question that requires you to write a minimum of 250 words on a given topic. The assessment criteria for IELTS Writing Task 2 are as follows:

Band

Task response

Coherence and cohesion

Lexical resource

Grammatical range and accuracy

9

Address all parts of the task with relevant, fully extended, and well-supported ideas

Can use cohesion – properly manages paragraphing

Range of vocabulary with minor errors

Different types of structures with flexibility and accuracy - no errors.

8

Speaks fluently - occasional repetition – coherent topics with proper development

Wide vocabulary - a few errors – occasional inaccuracies - effective paraphrasing

Variety of structures - error-free

Flexibility - occasional lapses – easy

7

Limited loss of coherence - some repetition - self-correction - use of good connectives

Flexible vocabulary - awareness of style and collocation.

Complex structures with better flexibility - error-free sentences - few grammatical mistakes

All positive features of Band 6 and a few positive features of Band 8 as well.

6

Improper addressing – a few errors

>Wide vocabulary - paraphrases without error

Good use of simple and complex structures- some mistakes

Mostly correct grammar

5

Maintains a flow – repetition - certain connectives

Good use of vocabulary in familiar and unfamiliar topics - mixed success

Basic sentence forms - accuracy - limited range of complex structures

Limited range of accuracy

4

Improperly addressing

Poor and basic word choice

Mostly simple sentences

Multiple errors

3

Improperly addressing with error

Insufficient vocabulary

Basic sentences

Multiple inaccuracies

2

Lacks proper writing skills

Basically memorized

Can produce basic sentence forms

Speech is mostly unclear

1

Unclear.

-

-

-

0

Does not attend

-

-

-

The IELTS Writing Task 2 is scored on a scale of 0-9, with half-band scores also available. To achieve a high score in IELTS Writing Task 2, you need to ensure that you have addressed the question fully, structured your essay well, used appropriate vocabulary and grammar, and avoided errors.

Example of Writing Task 2 Scoring Calculated


Let's say the question prompt is:
"Many people believe that social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have a negative impact on our society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"

And here's an example of a student's essay:

In today's digital age, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have become an integral part of our lives. While some people argue that they have a negative impact on our society, I believe that they have both positive and negative effects.

On the one hand, social media platforms can lead to addiction and overuse, which can have negative consequences for individuals and society. Many people spend hours scrolling through their newsfeeds, checking their notifications, and liking posts, which can lead to a waste of time and a decrease in productivity. Moreover, social media can be a source of cyberbullying, harassment, and hate speech, which can have a harmful impact on people's mental health and well-being.

On the other hand, social media platforms can also have positive effects on our society. For example, they can be used to raise awareness about social issues and promote social justice. Social media can also be a source of entertainment and a way to connect with others who share similar interests and hobbies. Additionally, social media can be used to facilitate communication and collaboration among people from different countries and cultures, which can help to break down barriers and promote understanding and cooperation.

In conclusion, while it is true that social media platforms can have a negative impact on our society, I believe that they also have positive effects that should not be overlooked. Therefore, I disagree with the statement that social media has only negative effects on our society.

The essay addresses the prompt and presents a clear argument. It has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The language is clear and mostly accurate, with some minor errors. There are some good examples provided to support the argument.

The essay would be scored based on four criteria: task response, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy. Each criterion is scored on a scale of 0-9, and the four scores are averaged to produce an overall band score.
Here's an example of how the essay could be scored:

Task Response: 8 - The essay clearly addresses the prompt and presents a clear argument.

Coherence and Cohesion: 7 - The essay is generally well-organized, with good use of paragraphs and linking words. However, there are some places where the connections between sentences and paragraphs could be clearer.

Lexical Resource: 7 - The essay uses a range of vocabulary, although there are some inaccuracies and repetitions.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 7 - The essay demonstrates a good range of sentence structures and has generally accurate grammar, although there are some errors and awkward phrasings.

Overall Band Score: 7 - The four scores are averaged to produce an overall band score of 7. This means that the student has demonstrated good competence in all four criteria and is likely to be able to use English fluently and accurately in most situations.
The greatest method to increase your IELTS writing score is to practise your grammar, vocabulary, and writing abilities. Developing your writing style and examining your surroundings in order to convey various scenarios clearly will help you earn a 7+ IELTS band in no time!
That's all there is to the IELTS Writing Score Calculator. Contact AECC for additional special details about study abroad and careers!
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FAQs About IELTS - Writing assessment criteria for task 2

  • Task achievement
  • Coherence and cohesion
  • Lexical resource
  • Grammatical range and accuracy
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