IELTS Grading System Overview
Bhargavee Sisodia07 May 2024
GRADING SYSTEM
There are four parameters on which writing task 1 is graded.
1. TASK ACHIEVEMENT
The way you explain the data or the details in the content decides your bands for task achievement. The image provided in the question should be explained to such an extent that the reader can have a complete and clear idea. While writing Task 1, you should keep in mind that your reader is unaware of the image, and hence it becomes your TASK to make your reader understand what you are looking at and have understood. Now, if this is done successfully, then the task is achieved.
2. COHERENCE & COHESION
Now, this criterion checks your development of the idea and the chain of thoughts that you have explained. If your reader, in the journey of reading your content, gets confused regarding the flow of ideas and fails to develop a proper connection between the sentences that you have written, then this WILL result in lowering down your bands. So, understand and plan well before you start to write your content.
3. LEXICAL RESOURCES
What if someone describes you without using adjectives that define you or adverbs which define your actions! Will there be sufficient words to describe you appropriately? Will your reader be able to read your thoughts? Will the movements be well understood? The obvious answer is "NO". Therefore, you require relevant words (vocabularies) to explain the given image.
4. GRAMMATICAL RANGE & ACCURACY
If your content contains bounteous vocabulary but multiple grammar errors, then remember! you won't go much far in getting bands. So the first step is to see if your work is out of grammatical errors. It is the first step. Once your grammar is error-free, then the next step is to show your reader that YES! you can use a variety of sentence structures or staters. This can help your examiner to judge your skills in using the language.
How To Attain Scores in These Categories
Every rubric is graded with 9 bands, and the sum is divided by 4, the aggregate is your result.
1. TASK ACHIEVEMENT
The bands for this column can be gained by, properly and systematically explaining the provided image. For this, it is of prime importance that you correctly observe and understand the flow of the image because it's only after this, you can develop the proficiently formed work.
2. COHERENCE & COHESION
When you plan your task before writing it, you can form the flow of explanation. Always remember, the flow of your sentences will surely reflect the flow of your understanding. So, do not jump around! Instead, start from one end and move towards the other end.
3. LEXICAL RESOURCES
Keep an eye on the choice of your words. Try not to repeat the words. There are beautiful and effective words out there, why you want to be a frog of a well. Explore new words- every word has its importance, unique meaning and collocation. Hence, while you are on the journey of learning a new word, make sure that you understand whether the new word is a noun, verb, adverb, or adjective and the collocation which is attached with it. If you misuse a word, which means if you use a word that is not suiting the situation then there is a strong possibility that you will lose the bands.
4. GRAMMATICAL RANGE & ACCURACY
It is not that if you use simple sentences you will not score 6 bands. If you have used correct grammar though the sentence is simple, it can fetch you the average of 6 bands. But for those who aim higher than 6, need to show their ability to expertly use compound and complex sentences. You need to understand that if your examiner gets to read just simple sentences, he/she won't have enough proof of your grammatical calibre. This will not help them to give you the bands that you "DESIRE". You are on the journey of learning a language, the fact that " understanding sentences and words are of prime importance" should be understood. IF YOUR LANGUAGE IS AVERAGE OR BELOW AVERAGE - PUT IN EFFORTS TO DEVELOP THE LANGUAGE If this is not done, the journey to 6 bands will be full of hardships and disappointments. Remember! There is no shortcut to skill development.
1. Task Achievement
Band Score 5
- No clear overview
- Key features not adequately covered
- Too much detail
- No data to support statements
- Inaccurate information
Band Score 6
- There is an overview
- Highlights key features adequately
- Information is well selected
- Some information may be inaccurate
Band Score 7
- A clear overview
- Clearly highlights key features
- No inaccurate information
- Some areas could be better developed
Band Score 8
- A clear overview
- Key features are clearly highlighted and well-illustrated
- All requirements are sufficiently covered
2. Coherence and Cohesion
Band Score 5
- Some organization of information
- Limited paragraphing
- Problems with linking words
- Repetitive lack of referencing
Band Score 6
- Organized information coherently
- Reasonable paragraphing
- Uses linking devices effectively
- Errors in linking between and within sentence
- Referencing may by faulty
Band Score 7
- Logically organizes information
- Good paragraphing
- Uses a range of linking devices
- May over or under use linking devices
- Good referencing
Band Score 8
- Information and ideas are organized logically
- Paragraphing is sufficient
- Manages all aspects of linking and cohesion
- No problems with referencing
3. Lexical Resource
Band Score 5
- Minimal range of vocabulary for the task
- Frequent errors with spelling or word formation
- Problems cause difficulty for the reader
Band Score 6
- Adequate range of vocabulary for the task
- Uses some less common words but with errors
- Some errors in spelling and word formation
- Communication is clear
Band Score 7
- A sufficient range of vocabulary for some precision
- Uses less common words
- Some awareness of style and collocations
- Occasional errors in spelling or word choice
Band Score 8
- A wide range of vocabulary for the precise meaning
- Skillfully uses less common words
- Rare errors in spelling or word formation
What Can Drop Your Score
- if the content is unorganized
- if the content is not sufficiently explained
- if the content is before the minimum word limit ( task 1 - 150 and task 2 - 250) [ which means if the word count is even 149 or in case of essay - 249, you will get the penalty ] *no upper limit is mentioned*
- improper handwriting
- If your examiner finds any part of your content that seems like it is memorized, he/she will take away your precious bands.
- informal usage of words
- going out of the way to explain the idea from your perspective or outer facts
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