Module 2: How IELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic) is Graded

Understanding the grading criteria for IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic is essential for achieving a high score. This module breaks down the four band descriptors used by IELTS examiners—Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Each criterion is explained in detail to help students tailor their writing to meet these expectations effectively.

Key Band Descriptors

1. Task Achievement

This criterion evaluates how well the candidate addresses all parts of the task.

Key Aspects:

• Clarity and Completeness:
  Ensure the response describes the main trends, key features, and significant details of the visual data.
• Accuracy:
  Avoid inaccuracies or assumptions. The interpretation must reflect the given data.
• Word Count:
  Write at least 150 words. Responses shorter than this will be penalized.

Tips to Succeed in Task Achievement:

• Always include an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs with supporting details.
• Focus on the most important trends and comparisons.
• Avoid unnecessary explanations or personal opinions.

Common Pitfalls:

• Omitting the overview.
• Including irrelevant information or copying the task description verbatim.

2. Coherence and Cohesion

This criterion measures how well the response is structured and organized.

Key Aspects:

• Logical Flow:
  Ideas should flow logically from one to the next, ensuring the reader can follow the analysis effortlessly.
• Effective Paragraphing:
  Divide the response into clear sections—typically an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs.
• Linking Devices:
  Use cohesive devices, such as linking words and phrases, to connect ideas. Examples include:
  • For comparisons: “In contrast,” “Similarly”
  • For trends: “Overall,” “As a result”

Tips to Succeed in Coherence and Cohesion:

• Use a wide variety of linking phrases to avoid repetition.
• Organize data systematically—compare categories, highlight changes over time, or focus on similarities and differences.

Common Pitfalls:

• Overusing linking words, leading to awkward phrasing.
• Writing in a disorganized manner, making it hard to follow the response.

3. Lexical Resource

This criterion evaluates the range and accuracy of vocabulary used in the response.

Key Aspects:

• Variety of Vocabulary:
  Use a wide range of vocabulary to describe data trends and comparisons. For example:
  • Trends: “Increase,” “decrease,” “fluctuate”
  • Comparisons: “Higher than,” “the lowest,” “equal to”
• Precision:
  Ensure words and phrases are used appropriately. Avoid vague language like “a lot” or “stuff.”
• Paraphrasing:
  Rephrase the task prompt in your introduction and avoid copying phrases directly.

Tips to Succeed in Lexical Resource:

• Build a vocabulary list for trends, comparisons, and descriptions.
• Practice synonyms for common terms like “rise” (e.g., “climb,” “soar”).

Common Pitfalls:

• Overuse of complex vocabulary, leading to awkward phrasing.
• Misusing terms, resulting in inaccurate descriptions.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

This criterion assesses the variety and accuracy of grammar used in the response.

Key Aspects:

• Sentence Variety:
  Use a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences.
• Grammar Accuracy:
  Ensure proper use of tenses, subject-verb agreement, and punctuation.
• Comparison Structures:
  Use grammatical forms for comparisons, such as:
  • “is more than…”
  • “less significant than…”
• Data Description:
  Use precise forms like:
  • “The percentage rose from 30% to 50%.”
  • “There was a decline of 10%.”

Tips to Succeed in Grammatical Range and Accuracy:

• Practice writing sentences with time clauses, comparative structures, and passive voice.
• Proofread to eliminate grammatical errors.

Common Pitfalls:

• Over-reliance on simple sentences, reducing grammatical range.
• Making repetitive errors in basic grammar.

Activity: Grading Sample Responses

Task:

1. Provide two sample responses to an IELTS Writing Task 1 prompt.
2. Ask students to analyze and grade them using the band descriptors.
3. Conduct a class discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of each response.

Self-Assessment Checklist

Encourage students to use this checklist to evaluate their own writing:

1. Task Achievement:
   • Did I include an introduction, overview, and main body?
   • Did I meet the word count?
2. Coherence and Cohesion:
   • Are my ideas logically organized?
   • Did I use varied linking devices?
3. Lexical Resource:
   • Did I use a range of vocabulary accurately?
   • Did I paraphrase the task prompt?
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy:
   • Did I use a mix of sentence structures?
   • Are there any grammatical errors?

Module Outcome

By completing this module, students will:

• Understand how their responses are evaluated by IELTS examiners.
• Identify key areas for improvement using the band descriptors.
• Gain confidence in structuring responses to achieve a higher band score.