The IELTS Writing Task 2 Marking Criteria EXPLAINED

Summary

In this video, Alex, an ex-IELTS examiner, explains how IELTS writing is marked using the public version of the writing task 2 band descriptors. He outlines the four criteria: task response, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy. Alex emphasizes the importance of addressing all parts of the task, maintaining a clear position throughout the essay, and using a variety of cohesive devices. He also discusses common mistakes that can lead to lower band scores, such as faulty and mechanical linking, and the need for a wide range of vocabulary with minimal errors. The video encourages students to seek expert guidance to improve their writing skills and aim for a band 7 or higher.

Takeaways

• 📝 The IELTS writing section is marked based on four criteria: task response, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy.
• 🎯 Aiming for a band score of 7 or 8 is common, and understanding the band descriptors is crucial for achieving these scores.
• 📈 Each criterion is scored individually, and the total score is calculated from these individual scores; a lower score in one area can pull down the overall band.
• 📋 To achieve a band 7, it's essential to address all parts of the task, present a clear position throughout the response, and extend and support main ideas.
• 🔗 Coherence and cohesion involve logical organization, clear progression, and effective use of cohesive devices; avoiding faulty or mechanical linking is key.
• 📚 Lexical resource at band 7 requires a sufficient range of vocabulary and less common lexical items, with occasional errors not impeding communication.
• ✅ Grammatical range and accuracy demand a variety of complex structures and frequent error-free sentences for a band 7.
• 🔍 Examiners look for clarity in referencing and substitution to avoid repetition, which can lead to a lower score if not handled correctly.
• 📉 Errors in paragraphing, such as illogical organization or lack of clear structure, can significantly impact the score.
• 💡 Expert IELTS teachers can provide valuable feedback and guidance to help candidates improve their writing and meet the criteria for higher bands.
• 🌐 E2language.com offers resources, tutorials, and live classes to help candidates prepare for and pass their English language tests.

Q & A

What is the mission of E2language.com?

The mission of E2language.com is to help students pass their English language tests, with a particular focus on overcoming the challenges of IELTS writing.

How many criteria does the IELTS writing task 2 have?

The IELTS writing task 2 has four criteria: task response, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy.

What is the highest band score in the IELTS writing task 2?

The highest band score in the IELTS writing task 2 is band 9, which is reserved for expert users.

What does it mean to 'address all parts of the task' in the context of IELTS writing task 2?

To 'address all parts of the task' means that the candidate must answer all parts of the question posed in the writing task, such as providing reasons and discussing both sides of an argument.

Why is it important to present a clear position throughout the response in IELTS writing task 2?

Presenting a clear position throughout the response is important because it demonstrates that the candidate has a coherent argument and is able to maintain a consistent viewpoint, which is a key aspect of task response.

What is meant by 'coherence and cohesion' in the IELTS writing task 2?

Coherence and cohesion refer to the logical organization of information and ideas, the use of linking words and phrases, and the overall flow of the essay, ensuring that it is easy to follow and understand.

How can faulty or mechanical cohesion affect an IELTS writing score?

Faulty cohesion can lead to a lower score because it indicates incorrect use of linking words, which can disrupt the flow of the essay. Mechanical cohesion, while not incorrect, can be overly repetitive and lack variety, which may not impress examiners.

What is the significance of 'lexical resource' in the IELTS writing task 2?

Lexical resource refers to the range and accuracy of vocabulary used in the essay. A wide range of vocabulary and accurate word choice can enhance the essay's clarity and sophistication, contributing to a higher score.

Why is it crucial to have 'frequent error-free sentences' in an IELTS writing task 2 essay?

Having frequent error-free sentences is crucial because it shows the candidate's ability to construct grammatically correct and well-formed sentences, which is a key aspect of grammatical range and accuracy.

How can a candidate ensure they are not dropping below a band 7 in IELTS writing task 2?

A candidate can ensure they are not dropping below a band 7 by thoroughly understanding the band descriptors, addressing all parts of the task, maintaining coherence and cohesion, using a wide lexical resource, and minimizing grammatical errors.

What services does E2language.com offer to help IELTS candidates improve their writing?

E2language.com offers tutorials with expert IELTS teachers, feedback on speaking and writing submissions, daily live group classes, and access to various courses to help candidates improve their IELTS writing skills.