Enter your four criterion scores to instantly estimate your IELTS Writing Task 2 band score. Based on the official IELTS assessment framework — Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range & Accuracy.
Enter your score (0–9) for each of the four IELTS Writing Task 2 assessment criteria. The calculator averages them to produce your estimated band score, rounded to the nearest 0.5.
All four criteria are equally weighted at 25% each. Each criterion is scored 0–9 by the examiner, then averaged for the Task 2 band.
| Criterion | Weight | What Is Assessed | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📝 Task Response | 25% | How fully and relevantly the essay addresses the task | Position, arguments, ideas, examples, conclusion |
| 🔗 Coherence & Cohesion | 25% | Organisation, logical flow, and use of linking devices | Paragraphing, cohesive devices, progression |
| 📚 Lexical Resource | 25% | Range, accuracy, and precision of vocabulary | Word choice, collocations, paraphrasing, spelling |
| 🔤 Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 25% | Variety of grammatical structures and accuracy | Complex sentences, tense, punctuation, errors |
| Band Score | Level | Task 2 Performance | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.0 | Expert User | Exceptional command across all criteria | Top-tier universities, highly competitive programs |
| 8.0 – 8.5 | Very Good User | Near-perfect essays with minimal errors | Postgraduate / PR / competitive entry |
| 7.0 – 7.5 | Good User | Well-developed responses with minor issues | Most postgraduate programs, skilled migration |
| 6.0 – 6.5 | Competent User | Adequate response with noticeable weaknesses | Many undergraduate / work visa requirements |
| 5.0 – 5.5 | Modest User | Partial task achievement; frequent inaccuracies | Foundation programs; some vocational pathways |
| 4.0 – 4.5 | Limited User | Significant task and accuracy issues | Below most entry requirements |
| Below 4.0 | Extremely Limited | Unable to complete the task meaningfully | Further language study needed before IELTS |
* Band score interpretation is based on published IELTS band descriptors. Actual examiner scores may vary. This table is provided for preparation and self-assessment purposes only.
Focused improvement strategies for each of the four Task 2 criteria — practical advice that actually moves band scores.
A complete overview of how Writing Task 2 is structured, assessed, and how you can use criterion scores to guide your preparation effectively.
IELTS Writing Task 2 requires candidates to write an essay of at least 250 words in response to a question or argument. It is the second component of the IELTS Writing test and carries significantly more weight than Task 1 — approximately two-thirds of the overall Writing band score. This makes performing well in Task 2 critical for achieving your target overall Writing band.
Task 2 is the same format for both Academic and General Training IELTS. Common question types include: opinion/agree-disagree essays, discussion essays presenting two sides, problem-solution essays, advantage-disadvantage essays, and direct question essays. All require a clear argument, well-developed ideas, logical organisation, and accurate language.
Every IELTS Writing Task 2 essay is assessed on four criteria, each worth exactly 25% of the total Task 2 score:
Measures how fully and appropriately the essay addresses the task. A Band 7 response presents a clear position throughout, develops relevant and well-extended ideas, and addresses all parts of the task. A Band 5 response may only partly address the task, over-generalise, or lack a clear position.
Assesses organisation, logical sequencing, and the use of cohesive devices such as linking words and reference words. A Band 7 essay has a clear central topic in each paragraph, uses a range of cohesive devices accurately, and progresses logically from introduction to conclusion.
Evaluates the range, precision, and accuracy of vocabulary. Band 7 requires a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow flexibility and precision, with only minor errors in word choice, collocation, or spelling. Candidates who rely on basic vocabulary or repeat the same words frequently are capped at Band 6 or below.
Measures the variety of grammatical structures used and the frequency of grammatical errors. A Band 7 essay uses a variety of complex structures with frequent error-free sentences. Frequent grammatical errors that cause difficulty for the reader indicate a Band 5 or lower.
The IELTS Writing Task 2 band score is calculated by averaging the four criterion scores and rounding to the nearest whole or half band. For example, if your criterion scores are Task Response 7, Coherence & Cohesion 6, Lexical Resource 7, and Grammar 6, the average is 6.5 — your estimated Task 2 band.
Task 2 carries approximately twice the weight of Task 1 in the overall IELTS Writing score. A strong Task 2 performance can significantly raise your overall Writing band even if Task 1 is weaker. Conversely, a poor Task 2 result is difficult to recover from through Task 1 alone. For most candidates targeting Band 7 in Writing, the priority should be Task 2 first.
Clear answers to questions IELTS Writing Task 2 candidates ask most often about scoring, structure, and preparation.
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