IELTS Marking Criteria: How Examiners Score Your Test?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS exam) is one of the most widely recognized English proficiency exams. The IELTS marking scheme follows a 9-band scoring system, with specific assessment criteria for each section. Understanding the IELTS marking criteria is crucial for maximizing your band score. This blog provides an in-depth breakdown of how the IELTS test is scored, covering the key assessment factors for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

How is the IELTS Scored?

The IELTS exam follows a 9-band scoring system, with 1 being the lowest and 9 the highest. Both IELTS Academic and General Training use the same scoring system. Each section – Listening, IELTS Reading, Writing, and Speaking – is scored separately, and the overall band score is an average of these four scores. Here’s a quick breakdown of the IELTS band score scale:

IELTS Band Score Descriptors

The IELTS test scores range from Band 1 (Non-user) to Band 9 (Expert user). Below is an overview of how different band scores reflect English proficiency:

Understanding this scale can help candidates set realistic goals and work towards improving their IELTS band score.

What is the IELTS Marking Scheme?

IELTS examiners assess test takers based on four key performance indicators:

• Task Response (Writing)
• Coherence and Cohesion (Writing & Speaking)
• Lexical Resource (All sections)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (All sections)

Failing to meet these criteria can significantly impact your overall IELTS score. Let’s break them down one by one.

Task Response (Writing Task 1 & Task 2)

Task response evaluates your ability to fully address the IELTS Writing tasks, maintain relevance, and present well-supported ideas. Your response should be structured, clear, and focused on the given question. Key elements include:

• Answering all aspects of the question.
• Presenting well-developed ideas
• Supporting points with relevant examples
• Meeting word count requirements (150 words for Task 1, 250 words for IELTS Writing Task 2)

Coherence and Cohesion (Writing & Speaking)

Coherence refers to the logical flow of ideas, while cohesion evaluates how well you connect sentences and paragraphs in IELTS Writing and IELTS Speaking . To achieve a high score in this criterion, focus on:

• Logical organization of ideas
• Smooth progression between sentences and paragraphs
• Use of linking words and cohesive devices (e.g., "however," "moreover," "in contrast")
• Maintaining clarity and readability

Lexical Resource (Vocabulary Usage)

Your lexical resource, or IELTS Vocabulary range, plays a crucial role in all four IELTS sections. You don’t need to use overly complex words, but your vocabulary should be:

• Varied and precise
• Contextually appropriate
• Free from repetition
• Used naturally in speech and writing

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Grammatical range assesses the variety of sentence structures you use, while accuracy ensures that your grammar and syntax are correct. To score well, you should:

• Use complex sentence structures correctly
• Minimize grammatical errors (e.g., subject-verb agreement, tense consistency)
• Showcase varied sentence types (simple, compound, and complex sentences)

IELTS Marking Criteria for Each Section

Learn about the marking criteria for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking to improve your performance.

IELTS Writing

Both IELTS Writing Task 1 (Report/Letter Writing) and Task 2 (Essay Writing) are scored based on:

1. Task Response
2. Coherence and Cohesion
3. Lexical Resource
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

IELTS Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test evaluates:

1. Fluency and Coherence – Ability to speak smoothly without hesitation
2. Lexical Resource – Effective use of vocabulary
3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy – Correct use of grammar
4. Pronunciation – Clarity and natural intonation

IELTS Listening & IELTS Reading

The IELTS Listening and Reading sections have 40 questions each. The number of correct answers determines your band score. The raw score is converted to a 9-band scale, with slight variations between Academic and General Training modules.

Tips to Improve Your IELTS Score

Following are some of the tips to improve your IELTS Score: 

• Practice with Official IELTS Materials – Use IELTS Practice Tests to familiarize yourself with the format.
• Work on Your Vocabulary – Read widely and practice using new words in context.
• Use a Variety of Sentence Structures – Show grammatical flexibility in writing and speaking.
• Improve Cohesion in Writing – Use Connectors & Linking Words for IELTS Writing Task 2 to connect ideas smoothly.
• Enhance Your Listening & Reading Skills – Practice with diverse English accents and question types.

Understanding the IELTS marking scheme and criteria is essential for achieving a high band score. By focusing on task response, coherence, vocabulary, and IELTS Grammar, you can significantly improve your performance in each section.

Also check:

• IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+
• IELTS Books to Use During IELTS Preparation in 2025
• Recent IELTS Exam Questions and Topics collected by IELTS Material
• How to Boost or improve Your Vocabulary Score in IELTS?
• How to Prepare IELTS at Home?