IELTS scores range from 0 to 9 in half-band increments. Your overall band score is the average of your four module scores, rounded to the nearest half band. Each institution sets its own minimum band requirements.
IELTS Writing band scores are calculated differently from Reading and Listening. There is no raw score conversion table because Writing is marked subjectively by human examiners against four criteria. Each criterion is worth 25% of your Writing band. Your final Writing band is the weighted average of your Task 1 band and Task 2 band, with Task 2 counted twice as heavily.
Your Writing band feeds directly into the overall calculation. To see how it combines with your other three scores, try our IELTS band score calculator.
Writing band score at a glance
Each criterion is defined in detail in the official IELTS Writing scoring criteria.
The four marking criteria explained
Every Writing response is marked against the same four criteria. Understanding what each criterion rewards is essential before you can target improvements. Each is worth 25% of your band for that task.
Task Achievement / Task Response
For Task 1: did you cover all required information? For Task 2: did you fully answer the question with a clear position?
25% of bandCoherence & Cohesion
Is your writing logically organised with clear paragraphs? Do ideas flow naturally with appropriate linking?
25% of bandLexical Resource
How wide, accurate and natural is your vocabulary? Can you discuss complex ideas without repeating words?
25% of bandGrammatical Range & Accuracy
Do you use a variety of complex structures correctly? Do error-free sentences appear frequently?
25% of bandHow your final Writing band is calculated
The calculation has two stages. First, your Task 1 and Task 2 bands are calculated separately. Then they are combined with Task 2 weighted twice as heavily.
Task 1 band: 6.0
Task 2 band: 7.0
Calculation: (6.0 + 7.0 + 7.0) ÷ 3
= 20.0 ÷ 3 = 6.67
Rounds to Band 6.5
Task 1 band: 7.0
Task 2 band: 7.0
Calculation: (7.0 + 7.0 + 7.0) ÷ 3
= 21.0 ÷ 3 = 7.0
Rounds to Band 7.0
This is why improving your Task 2 has more impact than improving Task 1. Lifting Task 2 from 6.5 to 7.0 raises your Writing band by 0.5. Lifting Task 1 from 6.5 to 7.0 raises your Writing band by only 0.17.
Each Task band is itself the average of the four criteria scores for that task. If your Task 2 scores are TR 7, CC 6, LR 7, GR 6, your Task 2 band is (7+6+7+6) ÷ 4 = 6.5. The lowest criterion drags down the average, which is why neglecting any single criterion costs you marks.
A common myth about the Writing score
You may read that Writing is marked by adding all the marks and dividing by 12. You may also read that Task 1 is worth 33%. These shortcuts cause confusion. The clear way is simpler. First, work out your Task 1 band and your Task 2 band. Then count Task 2 twice. The formula is (Task 1 + Task 2 + Task 2) divided by 3.
What each band score means for Writing
The official band descriptors explain what examiners look for at each level. The descriptors below summarise the key differences:
- Band 9. Fully addresses all task requirements with sophisticated, accurate language. Native-speaker quality writing throughout.
- Band 8. Sufficiently addresses all parts. Wide range of vocabulary used flexibly. Variety of complex structures, majority error-free.
- Band 7. Addresses all parts with clear position. Uses range of vocabulary with flexibility and precision. Variety of complex structures with frequent error-free sentences.
- Band 6. Addresses all parts though some less fully. Adequate vocabulary range. Mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors.
- Band 5. Addresses task only partially. Limited vocabulary range, sometimes inappropriate. Limited grammatical range with frequent errors.
- Band 4. Attempts to address task but does not cover all requirements. Limited basic vocabulary. Limited grammatical structures with frequent errors.
Band-by-criteria summary for Writing
This table sums up what each band looks like across the four criteria, in plain English. For the exact wording, always check the official IELTS Writing band descriptors.
| Band | Task Response | Coherence and Cohesion | Lexical Resource | Grammar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Fully answers every part with well-developed ideas. | Ideas flow with no effort to follow. | Very wide, natural vocabulary used with full control. | Wide range of grammar with almost no errors. |
| 8 | Covers all parts well with clear, developed ideas. | Well organised, with smooth linking. | Wide vocabulary used flexibly, with few errors. | Many error-free sentences across a wide range. |
| 7 | Answers all parts with a clear position throughout. | Logical order with good use of linking words. | Good range used with some flexibility and precision. | Frequent error-free sentences and good control. |
| 6 | Addresses all parts, but some ideas are not developed. | Generally organised, but linking can be faulty. | Enough vocabulary for the task, with some errors. | Mix of simple and complex sentences, with errors. |
| 5 | Answers the task only in part, position may be unclear. | Some organisation, but ideas are not always clear. | Limited vocabulary, word choice is sometimes wrong. | Mostly simple sentences, with frequent errors. |
The Band 6 to Band 7 difference explained
The most common Writing plateau is at band 6.5. Candidates feel stuck because they cannot see what is missing. The differences between band 6 and band 7 are concrete and learnable.
Addresses task but position may be unclear. Adequate but sometimes inappropriate vocabulary. Uses simple and complex sentences but with errors that occasionally impede meaning.
Addresses all parts of task. Presents clear position throughout. Uses range of vocabulary with flexibility and precision. Uses variety of complex structures with frequent error-free sentences.
The key phrases are "clear position throughout", "flexibility and precision", and "frequent error-free sentences". These are not abstract qualities, they are specific writing behaviours you can develop.
The mistakes that cost most candidates half a band
Writing under 250 words for Task 2
Under-length responses are penalised in Task Response, typically by half a band. Always finish a complete paragraph after you hit 250 words.
No clear position in Task 2
Sitting on the fence without committing to a view caps your Task Response at band 5. Take a clear stance and defend it throughout the essay.
Memorised template phrases
"In this modern era of globalisation" and similar memorised openings signal to examiners that you have learnt sample essays. Task Response is marked down.
Spending too long on Task 1
Task 2 is worth twice as many marks. Spending an extra 5 minutes on Task 1 to gain half a band there costs you a full band on Task 2.
Candidates routinely overestimate their own Writing band by 0.5 to 1.0. You miss your own errors. You overlook weaknesses. The plateau most candidates hit at band 6.5 is broken by external feedback from a qualified teacher, not by more solo practice.
Common requirements by goal
UK universities
Undergraduate: Writing 5.5-6.0 minimum, 6.5-7.0 for competitive courses. Postgraduate: 6.5 minimum, 7.0+ for top universities. Writing is often the criterion that drags overall band down.
Canadian PR
Writing 6.0 corresponds to CLB 7 minimum. Writing 7.5 corresponds to CLB 9 maximum points threshold. Writing is typically the hardest module to reach CLB 9.
Australian skilled visas
Competent English requires Writing 6.0. Proficient English requires 7.0. Superior English requires 8.0 across all modules for maximum points.
Healthcare registration
UK NMC requires Writing 7.0. AHPRA Australian healthcare typically requires 7.0 across all modules. Writing is the module healthcare candidates most often need to retake.
How to improve your Writing band
Writing improvement is slower than Reading or Listening because it requires consolidating multiple language skills simultaneously. The path depends on your current band.
Our complete Writing preparation guide includes an 8-week study plan with band-specific targets.
Frequently asked questions
How is the IELTS Writing band calculated?
Your Task 1 and Task 2 bands are combined with Task 2 weighted twice as heavily. The formula is (Task 1 band + Task 2 band + Task 2 band) divided by 3. Each Task band is itself the average of the four criteria scores for that task.
Which is more important, Task 1 or Task 2?
Task 2 is twice as important. Improving Task 2 from 6.5 to 7.0 raises your Writing band by 0.5. Improving Task 1 from 6.5 to 7.0 raises your Writing band by only 0.17. Prioritise Task 2 in your preparation.
Why is Writing the hardest module to improve?
Writing improvement requires consolidating four separate skills (task response, organisation, vocabulary, grammar) simultaneously. Self-study has limits because you cannot accurately mark your own work. External feedback from a qualified teacher is usually essential above band 6.5.
Can I get band 9 in Writing?
Yes, but it is rare. Band 9 in Writing requires native-speaker-quality writing across both tasks. Most band 9 candidates are bilingual professional writers. The realistic target for most candidates is band 7-7.5.
How long does Writing band improvement typically take?
Realistic timelines: Band 5 to 6 takes 6-8 weeks. Band 6 to 6.5 takes 4-6 weeks. Band 6.5 to 7 takes 8-12 weeks. Band 7 to 7.5 takes 10-16 weeks. Improvement slows significantly at higher bands.