IELTS Academic Writing Task 2: Marking Criteria and How to Score Band 7+
A comprehensive guide to IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 — the four marking criteria, essay structure, common mistakes, and how to move from Band 6 to Band 7 and above.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 is the essay question that counts for two-thirds of your writing score. For anyone applying to Australian universities or pursuing skilled migration, getting this right is critical — most institutions require a minimum of Band 6.5 or 7.0 in writing.
Here's exactly how Task 2 is marked, what each band level looks like, and how to push your score higher.
What is Task 2?
Task 2 gives you a statement, question, or problem and asks you to write an essay in response. You have 40 minutes and must write at least 250 words.
Common question types include:
- Opinion (Agree/Disagree): "To what extent do you agree or disagree?"
- Discussion: "Discuss both views and give your own opinion."
- Problem/Solution: "What are the causes of this problem? What solutions can you suggest?"
- Advantages/Disadvantages: "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?"
- Two-part question: Two related questions you must both address
The 4 Marking Criteria
Every IELTS examiner marks your essay against four criteria, each worth 25% of your Task 2 score:
1. Task Achievement
What it measures: Did you fully address all parts of the question? Is your position clear throughout? Are your ideas well-developed with relevant examples? Band 6: Addresses the task but some parts may be underdeveloped. Position is present but not always clear. Ideas are relevant but lack depth. Band 7: Addresses all parts of the task clearly. Position is consistent throughout. Ideas are well-developed with supporting details and examples. Band 8+: Fully addresses all parts with a well-developed, nuanced response. Ideas are convincingly extended and supported. How to improve: Before writing, underline every part of the question. Make sure your essay explicitly addresses each part. Develop each main idea with a specific example or explanation — don't just state opinions without support.2. Coherence & Cohesion
What it measures: Is your essay logically organised? Do you use paragraphs effectively? Are cohesive devices (linking words) used accurately and naturally? Band 6: Information is arranged coherently but paragraphing may be inconsistent. Cohesive devices are used but may be mechanical or inaccurate. Band 7: Logically organised with clear progression. Each paragraph has a clear central topic. Cohesive devices are used appropriately without being over-used. Band 8+: Ideas flow seamlessly. Paragraphing is skilful. Cohesion is managed effortlessly. How to improve: Use a clear 4–5 paragraph structure. Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence. Don't overuse linking words like "Furthermore" and "Moreover" — sometimes a well-placed "This" or "Such" is more natural.3. Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)
What it measures: Is your vocabulary varied and precise? Can you use less common words accurately? Are spelling errors rare? Band 6: Adequate vocabulary for the task. Attempts less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracy. Spelling errors occur but don't impede communication. Band 7: Sufficient range for flexibility and precision. Uses less common vocabulary with awareness of style and collocation. Occasional errors in word choice don't reduce communication. Band 8+: Wide range used fluently and precisely. Skillful use of uncommon vocabulary. Rare errors occur only as "slips". How to improve: Learn vocabulary in collocations (word partnerships), not isolated words. Instead of "very important", use "crucial" or "paramount". Instead of "a lot of people", use "a significant proportion of the population". But only use words you're confident about — incorrect complex vocabulary scores worse than correct simple vocabulary.4. Grammatical Range & Accuracy
What it measures: Do you use a variety of sentence structures? Are complex sentences accurate? Are grammar errors rare? Band 6: Mix of simple and complex sentences. Errors occur in complex structures but rarely impede communication. Band 7: Variety of complex structures with good control. Grammar errors are few and don't affect comprehension. Band 8+: Wide range of structures used flexibly and accurately. Rare errors are minor slips only. How to improve: Practise using a mix of:- Simple sentences for clarity: "Education is a fundamental right."
- Compound sentences: "Education is a fundamental right, yet access remains unequal."
- Complex sentences: "Although education is widely considered a fundamental right, access to quality schooling remains unequal in many developing nations."
Make sure your complex sentences are grammatically correct. One accurate complex sentence is worth more than three incorrect ones.
Recommended Essay Structure (Band 7+)
Introduction (40–50 words)- Paraphrase the question
- State your position clearly
- Topic sentence stating your main argument
- Explanation
- Specific example
- Link back to your position
- Topic sentence with second argument
- Explanation
- Specific example
- Link to your overall thesis
- Counterargument or additional point
- Brief concession then reinforcement of your position
- Restate your position
- Summarise the key reasons
Common Band 6 Mistakes (and Fixes)
| Band 6 Mistake | Band 7 Fix |
|---|---|
| Not fully addressing the question | Underline all parts of the prompt before writing |
| Underdeveloped ideas | Add a specific example or data point to each body paragraph |
| Over-using "Firstly, Secondly, Finally" | Vary your connectives and let some ideas flow naturally |
| Memorised phrases that don't fit | Write naturally and adapt your language to the specific question |
| Spelling errors in common words | Proofread the last 2 minutes — focus on words you know you misspell |
How to Practise Effectively
Time yourself
Always practise under the 40-minute constraint. If you can't finish in time, you need to simplify your planning process, not write faster.
Focus on one criterion at a time
Don't try to improve everything at once. Spend a week focusing on Coherence, then a week on Lexical Resource. Targeted practice is more effective than general practice.
Get band-level feedback
Knowing your overall score isn't enough — you need to know which of the four criteria is holding you back. AI marking tools that score each criterion separately can identify your specific weaknesses and tell you exactly what to change.
Moving from Band 6 to Band 7 in IELTS Writing isn't about dramatic changes — it's about eliminating specific weaknesses and showing consistent control. When you know exactly what each criterion requires, improvement becomes systematic rather than guesswork.
Related Guides
- HSC English Essay Writing Guide — essay writing for NSW Year 12 students
- VCE English Writing Guide — essay writing for Victorian Year 12 students
- What Is Rubric-Based Marking? — understanding how criteria-based assessment works