Marking Criteria in General Training Writing Task 1
The General Training IELTS writing task 1 is calculated according to 4 marking criteria namely;
- Task Achievement
- Coherence and Cohesion
- Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Each marking criteria is allocated a 25% score which will be added up to your total scores.
Let’s look at each marking criteria from band 5 to band 9.
Task Achievement:
The examiner checks how accurate you were at achieving the task that was stated in the question.
|
Band Score 5 |
Band Score 6 |
Band Score 7 |
Band Score 8 |
Band Score 9 |
|
Presents no purpose Bullet points not adequately covered Plenty of digressions |
Presents a purpose, though unclear with some inconsistency in the tone Highlights bullet points adequately Some digressions |
Presents a clear purpose, with the tone consistent and appropriate No inaccurate information Some areas could be better developed. |
Bullet points are clearly highlighted and well-illustrated All requirements are sufficiently covered |
Fully satisfies all the requirements of the task Clearly presents a fully developed response |
You can increase your score in Task Achievement, if you;
- Present a clear purpose in your letter.
- Adequately cover all aspect of the bullet points accordingly.
- Avoid writing inaccurate information in your letter.
- Use the appropriate tone for the type of letter given in the task.
- Write above 150 words as there will be a penalty for reports that are below the word count.
Coherence and Cohesion:
The examiner checks your ability to organise your information, paraphrase, use of linking words, paragraphing, spacing and referencing.
|
Band Score 5 |
Band Score 6 |
Band Score 7 |
Band Score 8 |
Band Score 9 |
|
Presents information with some organisation but there may be a lack of overall progression Makes inadequate, inaccurate or overuse of cohesive devices May be repetitive because of referencing substitution |
Arranges information and ideas coherently and there is a clear overall progression Uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical |
Logically organises information and ideas; there is clear progression throughout Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately although there may be some under-use/over-use |
Sequences information and ideas logically Manages all aspects of cohesion well Uses paragraphing sufficiently and appropriately |
Uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention Skillfully manages paragraphing |
You can increase your score in Coherence and Cohesion, if you;
- Have a plan before attempting the question.
- Structure and paragraph your letter accurately.
- Use diverse linking words.
- Do not make mistakes with linking words.
- Use references like who, them, that, etc.
Lexical Resource (Vocabulary):
The examiner checks the spellings, word formation, vocabulary, and a number of mistakes in your report.
|
Band Score 5 |
Band Score 6 |
Band Score 7 |
Band Score 8 |
Band Score 9 |
|
Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task May make noticeable errors in spelling and/or word formation that may cause some difficulty for the reader |
Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task Attempts to use less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracy Makes some errors in spelling and/or word formation, but they do not impede communication |
Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision Uses less common lexical items with some awareness of style and collocation May produce occasional errors in word choice, spelling and/or word formation |
Uses a wide range of vocabulary fluently and flexibly to convey precise meanings Skillfully uses uncommon lexical items but there may be occasional inaccuracies in word choice and collocation Produces rare errors in spelling and/or word formation |
Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features; rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’ |
You can increase your score in Vocabulary, if you;
- Use a wide range of vocabulary in your letter depending on the type of letter.
- Understand matching verbs with nouns i.e., collocations.
- Avoid making mistakes in spellings.
- Do not use informal words for formal letter.
- Do not use wrong words.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Here, your band score depends on the sentence structures, control of grammar, number of mistakes, and the use of tenses in your letter.
|
Band Score 5 |
Band Score 6 |
Band Score 7 |
Band Score 8 |
Band Score 9 |
|
Uses only a limited range of structures Attempts complex sentences but these tend to be less accurate than simple sentences May make frequent grammatical errors and punctuation may be faulty; errors can cause some difficulty for the reader |
Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms Makes some errors in grammar and punctuation but they rarely reduce communication |
Uses a variety of complex structures Produces frequent error-free sentences Has good control of grammar and punctuation but may make a few errors |
Uses a wide range of structures The majority of sentences are error-free Makes only very occasional errors or inappropriacy |
Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy; rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’ |
You can increase your score in Grammatical Range and Accuracy, if you;
- Use diverse sentence structures.
- Use correct tenses.
- Put the right adjective noun/ adverb verb in order.
- Avoid making mistakes in your sentences.
- Put your punctuation marks appropriately.
An Example of how Scores in Writing Task 1 is Calculated:
Candidates will get a band score each for the above mentioned IELTS Marking Criteria in Writing Task 1. Here is an example;
- Task Achievement: Band 8
- Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7
- Grammar: Band 7
- Vocabulary: Band 6
Your total score for IELTS writing task 1 will be calculated by adding up the four sections: 8 + 7 + 7 + 6 = 28. Then, the total score is divided by 4: 28 / 4 = 7.
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