IELTS Writing assessment and tips

1.

IELTS Writing
Assessment and Tips
Based on Teacher Training Session by Simon Brooks, May 2016

2.

Writing = 1 hour
150 words in ______
20 minutes
Task 1: ______
250 words in _______
40 minutes
Task 2: ______

3.

Task 1

4.

Task 1: Task Achievement
Band
Descriptor
7
presents a clear overview of main trends, differences or stages
6
presents an overview with information
5
with no clear overview; there may be no
data to support the description
4
attempts to address the task but does not cover all key
features/bullet points; the format may be inappropriate

5.

TASK ACHIEVEMENT
1) Is a letter or a graph analysis long enough?
• The minimum length is 150 words.
2) Did they answer all the questions required?
• A graph or image description must have an overview (a summary without details)
and the analysis of key trends, supported with evidence. If a candidate didn’t
mention all bullet points or missed some important features, they will not get more
than 5 for Task Achievement.
3) Did they use correct tone?
• Academic style = formal
4) Does the writing for Task 1 reach its purpose?
• This is a report => no opinions.
5) Is there any irrelevant information?
• Each sentence in Part 1 must serve its purpose. Students often feel the temptation
to add extra details, which is not wise because they can lose the focus. Letters with
irrelevant details can’t score more than 6.

6.

Task 1: Coherence & Cohesion
Band
Descriptor
7
logically organises information and ideas; there is clear
progression throughout
6
arranges information and ideas coherently and there is a clear
overall progression
5
presents information with some organisation , but there may
be a lack of overall progression
4
presents information and ideas but these are not arranged
coherently and there is no clear progression in the
response

7.

COHERENCE AND COHESION
1) Is there clear progression?
• A graph/ diagram/process analysis needs introduction, overview and body. Unlike
an essay, it doesn’t need a conclusion.
2) Is there a variety of cohesive devices?
• A candidate must use different cohesive markers: lexical sets, pronouns,
conjunctions, articles and possessive adjectives. At the same time, it is important
to use them wisely: over-use or under-use will lower the band (a candidate won’t
score more than 6 with slight over-use or under-use, and won’t get more than 5
with a wrong choice or over-use).
3) Are paragraphs adequate?
• A graph analysis must be divided into paragraphs. Paragraphs need to follow the
approach “one idea-one paragraph”. Separate paragraphs should be used for
introduction, overview and body.

8.

Task 1: Lexical Resource
Band
Descriptor
7
uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility
and precision
6
uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task
5
uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally
adequate for the task
4
uses only basic vocabulary which may be used repetitively or
which may be inappropriate for the task

9.

LEXICAL RESOURCE
1) Does a candidate paraphrase the task?
• Some students repeat words from the task, which is wrong. They need to paraphrase:
use synonyms or other parts of speech. Variety of lexis is the key to get a higher band
– a candidate needs “a sufficient range of vocabulary” to score 7.
2) Is there less common vocabulary?
• All language learners have “passive” and “active” vocabulary. A variety of less
common lexical items will increase the band score, e.g. “prices plummeted” instead
of “prices fell” in a graph analysis.
3) Are there mistakes in collocation or word choice?
• If a candidate makes only a few collocation mistakes, they can still score 7 for lexical
resource. If they produce more errors, that will lower the mark to 6, or even 5.
4) Are all the words spelled and formed correctly?
• Examiners will analyse both the quantity and the quality of spelling mistakes. Are
mistakes frequent? Do they impede the reader’s understanding? If the errors do not
distort the meaning, a candidate can still get 6. If examiners can’t understand what
was meant, a candidate will not score more than 5.

10.

Task 1: Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Band
Descriptor
7
uses a variety of complex structures and produces frequent
error-free sentences
6
uses a mix of simple and complex
sentence forms
5
uses only a limited range of structures . Attempts complex
sentences but these tend to be less accurate than simple
sentences
4
uses only a very limited range of structures with only rare use of
subordinate clauses

11.

GRAMMAR
1) Does a candidate use a variety of structures?
• A student can show good knowledge of grammar using not only simple
sentences, but different types of complex sentences (with relative
pronouns that, who, because, where, which, when, if etc.). It may be wise
to use Passive Voice (but not over-use), Conditional sentences, Modals,
Complex Object, Inversion, Participial constructions.
2) Are there many grammar mistakes?
• Same as with lexis, the quantity and the quality of grammar errors matter.
Task 1 with few mistakes that do not affect understanding can still score 7
or even 8. Frequent mistakes that impede communication will lower the
mark to 5 or less. Punctuation is a part of grammar, so a student needs to
revise it while preparing.

12.

Task 1. Types
• Graphs (line graphs, bar graphs, pie charts, tables) /
combinations)
• Process Diagrams (manmade/natural; linear/cyclical)
• Maps (city/building)

13.

Task 1. Structure
1. Introduction = Paraphrase the task
2. Overview (key features) = Overall, ….
3. Body paragraph A (Accurate detail in a logical order)
4. Body paragraph B (Accurate detail in a logical order)
Example:
The graphs above give information about computer ownership as a
percentage of the population between 2002 and 2010, and by level of
education for the years 2002 and 2010.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features,
and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Is it necessary to compare and contrast all the time?
NO! Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features,
and make comparisons where relevant.
https://magoosh.com/ielts/ielts-writing/ielts-academic-writing-task-1/complete-guide-ielts-writing-task-1/