Day 3 IELTS lessons cover What is the IELTS writing test marking criteria for Academic (AC) and General Training (GT)?
The IELTS Writing test, for both Academic and General Training versions, is marked based on four main criteria. Each criterion is equally weighted and contributes to your overall band score. Here is a breakdown of the marking criteria:
Task Achievement (Task 1) / Task Response (Task 2)
- Academic:
- Task 1 (Task Achievement): How well you address the task, including the accuracy and relevance of your information and the clear and logical presentation of key features and trends.
- Task 2 (Task Response): How well you answer the essay question, including the relevance of your arguments, the development and support of your ideas, and the clear and logical presentation of your position.
- General Training:
- Task 1 (Task Achievement): How well you address the task, including the clarity and coherence of your letter, the appropriateness of your tone and style, and the completeness of your response to the prompt.
- Task 2 (Task Response): How well you answer the essay question, including the relevance of your arguments, the development and support of your ideas, and the clear and logical presentation of your position.
Coherence and Cohesion
- Assesses how logically your ideas are organized and connected, the clarity of your argument, the effective use of paragraphs, and the use of cohesive devices (e.g., linking words and phrases). Linking words and phrases, also known as cohesive devices, are used to connect ideas and sentences smoothly. Here are some examples, categorized by their function:
Addition
- Moreover: Additionally, Moreover, students gain practical experience.
- Furthermore: Furthermore, this program can enhance their resumes.
- In addition: In addition to academic benefits, there are social advantages.
- Also: Volunteering is fun; it’s also rewarding.
Contrast
- However: Many students enjoy volunteering; however, some find it challenging.
- On the other hand: Volunteering is rewarding. On the other hand, it can be time-consuming.
- Nevertheless: The task was difficult; nevertheless, they completed it on time.
- Although: Although it was raining, they continued their community service.
Cause and Effect
- Therefore: The program was successful; therefore, it will be expanded.
- Thus: He forgot to set the alarm; thus, he was late.
- As a result: She studied hard; as a result, she passed the exam.
- Consequently: The weather was bad; consequently, the event was postponed.
Sequence
- Firstly/Secondly: Firstly, it saves money. Secondly, it’s eco-friendly.
- Next: Next, they will analyze the data.
- Then: She finished her homework; then, she went out to play.
- Finally: Finally, remember to review your work.
Examples
- For example: Many fruits are rich in vitamins. For example, oranges are high in vitamin C.
- For instance: There are several ways to improve your health. For instance, regular exercise is crucial.
- Such as: Many outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling, are enjoyable.
Conclusion
- In conclusion: In conclusion, regular exercise is beneficial.
- To sum up: To sum up, this is a great opportunity.
- Therefore: Therefore, it is important to practice regularly.
- In summary: In summary, the project was a success.
Emphasis
- Indeed: Indeed, this is a remarkable achievement.
- In fact: In fact, he was the best performer in the team.
- Certainly: It is certainly important to stay hydrated.
- Undoubtedly: This is undoubtedly a challenging task.
Condition
- If: If you work hard, you will succeed.
- Unless: You won’t succeed unless you work hard.
- Provided that: You can go out provided that you finish your homework.
- As long as: You can borrow my car as long as you drive carefully.
Using these linking words and phrases effectively helps to create a smooth flow in your IELTS writing, making it more coherent and easier for the reader to follow your arguments.
Lexical Resource
- Measures the range and accuracy of your vocabulary, including the appropriateness of word choices, the variety of words and expressions, and the correct usage of collocations and idiomatic language.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
- Evaluates the variety and accuracy of your grammatical structures, including sentence complexity, correct punctuation, and the frequency and type of errors.
Academic Writing Test
- Task 1: Describing visual information (graphs, charts, tables, diagrams).
- Task 2: Writing an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem.
General Training Writing Test
- Task 1: Writing a letter based on a given situation (formal, semi-formal, or informal).
- Task 2: Writing an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem, similar to the Academic test but with more general topics.
