IELTS Writing Checker: How IELTS Task 2 is Graded

How Is IELTS Writing Task 2 Graded?

Before you chase a Band 7 or 8, you need to understand how IELTS Writing Task 2 is graded. The IELTS examiners don’t just “feel it out”—they follow a very strict, standardized band descriptor system.

Whether you’re using an AI-powered IELTS writing checker or preparing manually, knowing the IELTS Writing Task 2 band descriptors will help you write smarter and aim higher.

The 4 IELTS Writing Task 2 Scoring Criteria

Your Task 2 essay is scored based on four equal criteria, each worth 25% of your total writing score:

1. Task Response (TR)
2. Coherence and Cohesion (CC)
3. Lexical Resource (LR)
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA)

Let’s break down each one—because “use a variety of vocabulary” doesn’t exactly help if you don’t know what variety means in IELTS!

1. Task Response (TR)

What It Means: Did you answer the question completely and logically? Did you write enough words? Did you develop your ideas?

Examiners Look For:

• A clear position throughout the essay
• Relevant, well-developed main ideas
• Support with examples or explanations
• Covering all parts of the prompt (especially in double questions)

Common Mistakes:

• Going off-topic
• Not answering all parts of the question
• Listing ideas with no development
• Writing fewer than 250 words

Band 7 Example (TR):

✔️ You present a clear position

✔️ You extend and support your ideas

✔️ You address all parts of the task

2. Coherence and Cohesion (CC)

What It Means: Is your essay well-organized? Do your ideas flow logically from one to the next?

Examiners Look For:

• Clear paragraphing (intro, body 1, body 2, conclusion)
• Logical progression of ideas
• Use of cohesive devices (e.g., however, moreover, as a result)
• Not overusing connectors (no “On the other hand” in every sentence!)

Common Mistakes:

• Poor paragraph structure
• Repetition of linking words
• Ideas that jump around with no clear flow

Band 7 Example (CC):

✔️ You logically organize your essay

✔️ You use cohesive devices flexibly but appropriately

✔️ You have clear paragraphing

3. Lexical Resource (LR)

What It Means: How good is your vocabulary? Can you use a range of words accurately and naturally?

Examiners Look For:

• Range of vocabulary (not just repeating "good" and "bad")
• Precision (saying urban migration instead of people moving to cities)
• Appropriate use of collocations and idiomatic phrases
• Minimal spelling mistakes or word choice errors

Common Mistakes:

• Using advanced words incorrectly
• Repeating basic words
• Using informal/slang words (e.g., kids, a lot of, gonna)

Band 7 Example (LR):

✔️ You use a wide range of vocabulary

✔️ You use some less common words or phrases

✔️ You make only occasional word choice errors

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA)

What It Means: Can you use a variety of grammatical structures accurately?

Examiners Look For:

• Variety of sentence types (simple, compound, complex)
• Accurate verb tenses
• Subject-verb agreement
• Articles, prepositions, and plurals—used correctly!

Common Mistakes:

• Overusing simple sentences
• Tense inconsistency
• Frequent small errors that add up (e.g., "the pollution are...")

Band 7 Example (GRA):

✔️ You use a mix of sentence structures

✔️ Grammar errors are minor and do not affect meaning

✔️ You demonstrate good control of tense and agreement

What Does a Band 7 IELTS Writing Essay Look Like?

A Band 7+ essay isn’t about using big words—it’s about clear, thoughtful writing that fully addresses the question.

If you want to see examples, check out our:

• Opinion Essay Sample
• Problem-Solution Essay Guide
• Advantages and Disadvantages Essay
• Two-Part (Double Question) Essay

All of these are based on real IELTS writing task two topics reported by test takers.

What Is an IELTS Writing Checker?

An IELTS writing checker is an AI or human tool that evaluates your writing based on the band descriptors above. It can provide:

• Band score predictions
• Grammar and vocabulary feedback
• Task-specific suggestions
• Highlighted areas for improvement

At LingoLeap, our IELTS Writing Checker is:

✅ AI-powered

✅ Aligned with official IELTS band descriptors

✅ Instant and easy to use

✅ Built for real improvements in grammar, cohesion, and task response

Summary: Know the Criteria, Score Smarter

Here’s a quick checklist of the IELTS Writing Task 2 band descriptors:

Each is scored from Band 0 to Band 9, then averaged for your final Writing Band Score.

Start your free trial today and level up your writing with confidence!