IELTS Writing Task 2 - How To Meet the Marking Criteria

Summary

In this informative video, Jackie from IELTS Jackie explains how to achieve a high score in the IELTS writing exam by understanding the marking criteria. The four key areas assessed are task achievement, coherence and cohesion, vocabulary, and grammar, each contributing 25% to the total score. Jackie breaks down each criterion, emphasizing the importance of directly answering the question, organizing ideas logically, using varied vocabulary, and demonstrating grammatical accuracy. With examples of good and poor responses, viewers learn practical tips and common pitfalls to avoid, helping them to effectively prepare for the exam.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understand the four marking criteria for IELTS writing: Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammar.
• 📝 Task Achievement requires answering the question directly and thoroughly, covering all parts and clearly expressing your opinion.
• 🔗 Coherence and Cohesion involve organizing ideas logically and using cohesive devices to link sentences and paragraphs effectively.
• 📚 Lexical Resource emphasizes the importance of using a wide range of vocabulary, including synonyms and topic-specific terms.
• 🔍 Grammar assessment focuses on using various grammatical structures accurately and producing complex sentences.
• ⚠️ Avoid common mistakes such as failing to address all parts of the question and poor paragraph structure.
• 🗣️ Clearly state your opinion in your essay and support it with relevant ideas and examples.
• 🔤 Aim for a balance of complex and simple sentences, with around 50% error-free sentences for Band 7 and 80% for Band 8.
• 🚫 Do not overuse cohesive devices; using them appropriately is crucial for maintaining coherence in your writing.
• 📖 Utilize resources available on the IELTS website to improve your vocabulary and understanding of collocations.

Q & A

What are the four marking criteria for the IELTS writing exam?

The four marking criteria are Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy, each contributing 25% to the total score.

What does Task Achievement assess in the IELTS writing exam?

Task Achievement assesses your ability to answer the question properly, which includes addressing the specific question, covering all parts, and clearly expressing and supporting your opinion with well-developed ideas and examples.

How can a student score well in Coherence and Cohesion?

To score well in Coherence and Cohesion, students should organize their ideas logically, ensure that their writing is easy to read and follow, and use cohesive devices to connect their ideas, sentences, and paragraphs.

What is meant by Lexical Resource in the context of the IELTS writing exam?

Lexical Resource refers to the range and appropriateness of vocabulary used in the essay. To score well, students must demonstrate a wide variety of vocabulary, use it correctly, and incorporate topic-specific terms and synonyms to avoid repetition.

What is the significance of using complex sentences for achieving a high score in grammar?

Using complex sentences is crucial because they demonstrate a higher level of grammatical skill. A complex sentence contains more than one clause and allows for conveying multiple pieces of information, which can enhance clarity and depth in writing.

What common mistakes do students make regarding Task Achievement?

Common mistakes include failing to fully answer the question, not addressing all parts of the question, and not clearly stating and supporting their opinion with relevant ideas or examples.

Why is it important to use cohesive devices in writing?

Cohesive devices are important because they help link ideas and make the writing flow smoothly, making it easier for the examiner to follow the argument and understand the structure of the essay.

How does vocabulary usage impact the score in the IELTS writing exam?

Vocabulary usage impacts the score as students are expected to demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary, correct and appropriate use, and knowledge of topic-related words and collocations, which all contribute to the overall clarity and effectiveness of the writing.

What percentage of sentences must be error-free to achieve a band 7 in grammar?

To achieve a band 7 in grammar, around 50% of your sentences must be free of grammatical errors.

What should students avoid when aiming for a high score in the grammar criteria?

Students should avoid trying to use as many different structures and tenses as possible, attempting to impress the examiner with advanced grammar, and making basic or systematic errors.