Understanding how examiners score IELTS Writing Task 1 is the first step toward improving your writing performance. Band descriptors are the official scoring guidelines used by examiners to mark your task. They explain exactly what skills are assessed and how marks are divided.

In this guide, you will learn what these descriptors mean, how they are applied, and how you can use them to achieve a higher band score in writing task 1.

What Are Band Descriptors?

Band descriptors are official marking criteria published by the IELTS exam. Every writing answer is graded based on four main categories:

  1. Task Achievement

  2. Coherence and Cohesion

  3. Lexical Resource

  4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Each category is scored individually, and then the average score is calculated to produce the final band for IELTS Writing Task 1.

Task Achievement in Writing Task 1

Task achievement refers to how well you complete the requirements of the task. In writing task 1, you are usually asked to describe information from visual data such as:

  • Line graphs

  • Bar charts

  • Pie charts

  • Tables

  • Maps

  • Processes

To score well, your response must accurately describe the key features of the data without copying words from the question. Examiners look for:

  • Clear overview of main trends or changes

  • Accurate details about data, numbers, or comparisons

  • Avoiding unnecessary opinions or personal examples

For example, if the task provides a line graph about population growth, a good answer would describe the general upward trend, highlight the highest and lowest points, and compare differences between groups.

Coherence and Cohesion

This category checks how well your ideas are organized. In IELTS Writing Task 1, you should present information logically so the reader can follow easily.

Key elements include:

  • Paragraphing: Divide the answer into clear sections. A common structure is: introduction, overview, details.

  • Linking words: Use connectors such as "however," "in contrast," "overall," or "in addition" to connect sentences.

  • Flow of ideas: Make sure information moves in a logical sequence, such as describing highest to lowest, or past to present.

Good coherence means your writing is easy to read and does not confuse the reader.

Lexical Resource

Lexical resource refers to the range and accuracy of vocabulary you use. In writing task 1, you need to show that you can describe data using appropriate language.

Examples of useful vocabulary:

  • For increases: rose, grew, climbed, surged, doubled

  • For decreases: declined, fell, dropped, decreased, halved

  • For stability: remained steady, was constant, did not change

  • For comparisons: higher than, lower than, similar to, in contrast

Avoid repeating the same words. Variety in vocabulary shows flexibility and raises your band score. Also, spelling must be accurate, as errors reduce your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Grammar plays a big role in the scoring of IELTS Writing Task 1. Examiners assess both the variety of sentence structures and how accurate they are.

Tips to improve grammar:

  • Use a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences

  • Apply comparative structures correctly (e.g., "The figure was higher than…")

  • Practice writing passive sentences (common in describing processes)

  • Be careful with subject-verb agreement and tenses

For example:

  • Correct: "The number of students increased significantly between 2010 and 2015."

  • Incorrect: "The number of students increase significantly between 2010 and 2015."

Accuracy is as important as variety. It is better to write clear, correct sentences than to attempt overly complex structures with mistakes.

Band Scores and Their Meaning

Each category (task achievement, coherence, vocabulary, grammar) is scored from 0 to 9. The average gives your final band for IELTS Writing Task 1.

Band 9

  • Fully satisfies all requirements

  • Clear overview, accurate data description

  • Wide vocabulary and flawless grammar

Band 7

  • Covers key features with some minor errors

  • Clear structure but may lack variety in vocabulary

  • Occasional grammar mistakes

Band 5

  • Partial task completion

  • Limited vocabulary and grammar

  • Lacks logical structure

By comparing your own writing to these band levels, you can identify which areas need the most practice.

Common Problems in Writing Task 1

Many candidates lose marks because of avoidable mistakes. Common issues include:

  • Writing too many details without giving an overview

  • Copying sentences directly from the question

  • Giving opinions instead of describing data

  • Poor time management leading to incomplete answers

Avoiding these mistakes helps you score higher even without advanced language skills.

Academic vs. General Training Writing Task 1

The task is slightly different depending on whether you are taking the Academic or General Training exam.

  • Academic IELTS Writing Task 1: You describe visual data such as graphs, charts, or processes.

  • General Training Writing Task 1: You write a letter (formal, semi-formal, or informal) in response to a situation.

The band descriptors remain the same, but the type of content you produce changes. Academic tasks require data description, while General Training tasks require letter-writing skills.

How to Use Band Descriptors for Practice

When practicing IELTS Writing Task 1, you can use the descriptors as a checklist:

  1. Does your answer provide a clear overview?

  2. Are ideas logically organized?

  3. Did you use a wide range of vocabulary?

  4. Is your grammar accurate and varied?

By checking these points after each practice task, you can evaluate your own writing and track progress over time.

Strategies for Higher Bands

Here are some useful strategies for improving your band score in writing task 1:

  • Always start with a short introduction by paraphrasing the question.

  • Write an overview before details. This shows the examiner you understand the big picture.

  • Group data logically instead of describing every small change.

  • Learn 15–20 key academic vocabulary words for describing trends.

  • Review grammar basics regularly to avoid simple mistakes.

Consistent practice with these strategies will make your writing more structured and exam-ready.

Practical Example of Writing Task 1

Consider a bar chart showing the percentage of households with internet access in five countries between 2000 and 2020.

A good response would:

  • Introduce the chart by paraphrasing the task.

  • Give an overview highlighting the overall increase in internet access.

  • Present details, such as which country had the fastest growth, and which had the lowest access.

  • Use comparisons (e.g., "Country A rose more quickly than Country B").

  • End with a short summary statement.

This structure meets the requirements of task achievement, coherence, vocabulary, and grammar.