If you are planning to take the IELTS exam, one of the most important things you should understand is how the writing section is marked. Many test‑takers spend hours improving their grammar, vocabulary, and writing speed, but still feel uncertain about what examiners actually want to see in their answers. Knowing the marking process gives you a clear advantage because you can focus your preparation on the exact areas that matter most. In this article, we will take a closer look at how IELTS writing tasks are evaluated, the criteria used by examiners, and practical tips to help you aim for a higher band score with confidence.

 An Overview of the IELTS Writing Test

The IELTS writing test is a vital part of the exam, and it is designed to assess how well you can express ideas in written English. The test is slightly different depending on whether you take the Academic or General Training version of IELTS, but both versions have two tasks.

• Task 1 (Academic): You are asked to describe visual information, such as a graph, chart, diagram, or process.
  
  

• Task 1 (General Training): You are required to write a letter. This could be formal, semi‑formal, or informal, depending on the situation provided.
  
  

• Task 2 (Both Academic and General Training): You write an essay in response to a question, problem, or argument. This is often considered more challenging because it requires you to develop and support a clear position.
  
  

Both tasks are important, but keep in mind that Task 2 is worth twice as many marks as Task 1. This means your essay in Task 2 has a bigger impact on your overall writing score.

Who Marks the IELTS Writing Test?

IELTS writing tests are marked by certified IELTS examiners. These examiners are trained and monitored to ensure they follow the official marking system known as the Band Descriptors. Because of these strict guidelines, marking is consistent around the world, so you will be assessed in the same way whether you take IELTS in your home country or abroad.

 The Four Marking Criteria

Your writing is judged based on four key areas. Each criterion carries equal weight (25%), and your scores in these areas are averaged to give your final band score.

 1. Task Achievement (Task 1) / Task Response (Task 2)

• Task Achievement refers to how well you complete the requirements in Task 1. For example, in Academic IELTS, you must clearly describe trends, differences, and significant data points in a graph.
  
  

• Task Response applies to Task 2. Here, you must directly address the question, present a clear position, and support your ideas with explanations and examples.
  
  

• Examiners look for completeness and relevance. If you miss key points or fail to fully develop your argument, your score will be lower.
  
  

2. Coherence and Cohesion

This criterion looks at how well your ideas are organized and connected. Examiners check if:

• Your writing has a clear structure with paragraphs.
  
  

• Each paragraph focuses on one main idea.
  
  

• You use linking words and phrases appropriately (for example: however, therefore, on the other hand).
  
  

• Your ideas flow naturally from one to another.
  
  

Strong coherence and cohesion make your writing easy to read and follow.

 3. Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary is more than just using advanced words. Examiners want to see that you can:

• Use a range of vocabulary accurately.
  
  

• Choose words that fit the topic and tone of your writing.
  
  

• Avoid repeating the same words too often.
  
  

• Use collocations and expressions naturally.
  
  

For example, instead of repeating “big,” you might use “large,” “significant,” or “considerable,” depending on the context.

 4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Good grammar shows your ability to use English structures effectively. Examiners consider:

• The variety of sentence types you use (simple, compound, and complex sentences).
  
  

• How accurately you use tenses, articles, and punctuation.
  
  

• Whether you can use more advanced grammar without errors.
  
  

It’s not just about avoiding mistakes; it’s about showing that you can use grammar flexibly and appropriately.

 How Are Scores Calculated?

Each criterion (Task Achievement/Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Vocabulary, Grammar) is given a band score from 0 to 9. These four scores are then averaged. For example:

Average: (7 + 6.5 + 6.5 + 7) ÷ 4 = 6.75 → Rounded to Band 7.

Common Mistakes That Lower Scores

Many IELTS candidates make similar mistakes in the writing test. Avoiding these can instantly improve your band score.

• Ignoring the question: Not fully answering the prompt or going off-topic.
  
  

• Weak paragraphing: Writing one long block of text without clear separation of ideas.
  
  

• Limited vocabulary: Overusing basic words or repeating the same phrases.
  
  

• Grammar errors: Incorrect tenses, missing articles, or poor sentence structure.
  
  

• Not reviewing: Running out of time without checking for mistakes or clarity.
  
  

Practical Tips to Improve Your IELTS Writing Score

Improving your writing takes time, but here are proven strategies that work:

1. Analyze the Question Carefully: Underline keywords, identify what the task is asking, and plan before you start writing.
   
   

2. Practice Planning: Spend 3–5 minutes outlining your main points and supporting examples.
   
   

3. Build Vocabulary Gradually: Learn topic-specific words for common IELTS themes such as education, environment, health, and technology.
   
   

4. Work on Grammar Weaknesses: Identify your common errors and practice those specific areas.
   
   

5. Use Model Answers Wisely: Read high-scoring sample essays and notice how they use structure, linking phrases, and varied sentences.
   
   

6. Write Under Exam Conditions: Time yourself—20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2.
   
   

7. Seek Feedback: Ask a teacher, tutor, or experienced friend to mark your writing using the band descriptors.
   
   

8. Revise and Edit: Always leave a few minutes at the end to correct spelling, grammar, or unclear sentences.
   
   

Final Thoughts

Understanding how writing tasks are marked in IELTS coaching in Chandigarh is a powerful step in your preparation journey. Instead of simply practicing aimlessly, you now know exactly what examiners look for: clear task achievement, logical structure, rich vocabulary, and accurate grammar. By focusing on these four areas, you can steadily improve your writing over time.

Remember, there is no shortcut to success in IELTS writing, but with consistent practice, careful planning, and feedback, you can boost your confidence and aim for the band score you need. Keep learning, stay motivated, and believe in your progress—your dedication will be reflected in your final IELTS writing result. Good luck!