Sample Candidate Writing Responses and Examiner Comments
The Academic Writing test consists of two
tasks, Task 1 and Task 2. Each task is
assessed independently. The assessment of
Task 2 carries more weight in marking than
Task 1.
Detailed performance descriptors have been
developed which describe written
performance at the 9 IELTS bands.
Task 1 responses are assessed on the
following criteria:
• Task Achievement
• Coherence and Cohesion
• Lexical Resource
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Task 2 responses are assessed on the
following criteria:
• Task Response
• Coherence and Cohesion
• Lexical Resource
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Candidates should note that responses will be
penalised if they are a) under the minimum
word length, b) partly or wholly plagiarised,
c) not written as full, connected text (e.g. using
bullet points in any part of the response, or note
form, etc, is not appropriate).
