📬 IELTS General Writing Task 1 Band Score Explained

In IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, you're asked to write a letter based on a situation. Your letter may be formal, semi-formal, or informal depending on the task. Understanding how your letter is scored helps you write more strategically and avoid common mistakes. This guide breaks down the band score criteria used by examiners.

📏 The Four Scoring Criteria

Task Achievement (TA)
Coherence and Cohesion (CC)
Lexical Resource (LR)
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA)

🧩 1. Task Achievement

This checks whether you:

✔️ Address all three bullet points in the prompt
✔️ Use the appropriate tone (formal/informal)
✔️ Use a clear structure with logical flow
✔️ Stay within the 150–180 word range

Tip: Never ignore a bullet point — each one is scored.

🔗 2. Coherence and Cohesion

This refers to the structure and clarity of your letter:

✔️ Organize into clear paragraphs
✔️ Use appropriate connectors: also, however, because, although
✔️ Maintain logical progression from greeting → purpose → body → closing

💬 3. Lexical Resource

This is your vocabulary use:

✔️ Use varied vocabulary (don’t repeat “I want” or “I am writing”)
✔️ Match words to tone (e.g., “Thanks!” for informal, “I would appreciate...” for formal)
✔️ Avoid informal language in formal letters (“Hey,” “You guys,” etc.)

✍️ 4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

This focuses on grammar and sentence structures:

✔️ Use a mix of simple and complex sentences
✔️ Use correct verb tenses
✔️ Minimize grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes

📊 Example Band Comparison Table

Band	What It Means
Band 5	Only partially addresses the task, tone is inconsistent, limited structure
Band 6	All bullet points covered, but with weak tone, cohesion, or language
Band 7	Clear purpose, appropriate tone, accurate grammar, good vocab
Band 8+	Fully addresses all parts, well-developed and precise, excellent tone control

📌 Final Tips

✔️ Learn to recognize task tone (formal vs informal)
✔️ Use clear paragraphing — 3 to 5 is ideal
✔️ Check grammar and spelling before finishing
✔️ Practice all types: complaint, request, invitation, apology, etc.

Once you understand what examiners are looking for, you can write more confidently and purposefully. Stick to the bullet points, use the right tone, and write clearly — that’s the key to a higher IELTS General Task 1 band score.

📣

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