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Overview of the Marking Criterion




In the IELTS Writing Test there are two tasks that have slightly different marking criterions. The main difference between Task 1 and Task 2 is Task Achievement and Task Response. The rest are marked the same.


Connective and Cohesive Features refers to how well your writing reads.


The third criterion is Lexical Resource that really mean vocab.


The final criterion is Grammar that looks at your range and accuracy.


For more information on these please see the PDFs below.



Although these marking criterion can look complicated, it breaks down quite simply:



9 Expert User. Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.


8 Very Good User. Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.


7 Good User. Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.


6 Competent User. Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.




4 Limited User. Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.


3 Extremely Limited User. Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.




1 Non User. Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.



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