Task Response
What does the phrase “An appropriate format is used” mean in Band 6 Task Response?
It means the essay follows the correct structure for the IELTS Task 2 genre — it has an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion, and it’s written in a formal academic style (no bullet points or informal language)
What is coherence?
What is cohesion?
Coherence refers to the logical organisation and progression of ideas. A coherent text presents information in a clear order, with effective paragraphing and sequencing, so that the reader can easily follow the writer’s line of thought.
Cohesion is how ideas are connected through language. It involves using reference, substitution, and discourse markers to show relationships between ideas and maintain flow across sentences and paragraphs.
What do precise vocabulary and less common lexis mean in the IELTS Band 7 descriptor?
Precise vocabulary means choosing words that express the exact meaning or nuance intended (e.g., obesity rate instead of fat problem).
Less common lexis refers to topic-specific or sophisticated vocabulary used naturally and appropriately (e.g., sedentary lifestyle, consumer behaviour).
What does “complex structures” mean in Grammatical Range and Accuracy? From which band are they expected?
Complex structures refer to advanced sentence forms that go beyond simple or compound sentences. They include:
– Passive voice (is influenced by, was created by),
– Modals (should, might, must),
– Conditionals (If children watch ads, they may eat more fast food),
– Relative clauses (who, which, that),
– Complex noun phrases (the rapid increase in childhood obesity),
– Comparative structures (more harmful than beneficial),
– Inversion (Never have I seen such persuasive advertising).
These are expected from Band 7, where candidates show flexibility and control in using them accurately.
What happens to the score if a student doesn’t answer all parts of the question, even if their grammar and vocabulary are strong? Can they still reach Band 7?
No
Missing parts of the question limits the score to Band 5 or below, even with good grammar and vocabulary.
What might happen to a student’s score if they don’t organise their essay into clear paragraphs?
Lack of clear paragraphing can reduce the score to Band 5 or 6.
What is the key requirement for achieving Band 7 in Lexical Resource?
To reach Band 7, the writer needs to use a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic flexibly and precisely, showing some awareness of style and collocation, with occasional inaccuracies that do not affect communication
From which band does the number and frequency of grammatical mistakes become an important factor in scoring?
The number and frequency of grammatical mistakes become key from Band 7 upwards.
Does the response address all parts of the task?
Task:
Some people think the government should invest more money in public transport instead of building new roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Student’s response (introduction):
Traffic is a major problem in many cities today. Governments should find ways to reduce congestion and improve infrastructure.
The student writes about traffic and infrastructure, which are related to the topic, but does not address the specific focus of the task — whether money should go to public transport or new roads. Therefore, it only partly answers the question.
Why isn’t teaching only linking words enough to improve Coherence and Cohesion?
Teaching only linking words isn’t enough to improve Coherence and Cohesion because coherence depends on the logical organisation and progression of ideas, clear paragraphing, and logical sequencing both within and across paragraphs. Cohesion also involves flexible use of reference and substitution (like pronouns and articles), not just discourse markers. Linking words help signal relationships, but without these other features, writing still lacks overall flow and clarity.
Why doesn’t using memorised or “fancy” vocabulary guarantee Band 7 or higher?
Memorised “fancy” vocabulary sounds unnatural. Band 7+ requires flexible and precise use.
In Band 7, are systematic grammar mistakes (such as repeated errors with prepositions) still acceptable?
Yes, some systematic grammar mistakes are acceptable in Band 7, but not in Band 8
In the Task Response criterion for Band 7, what does the phrase “there is a tendency to overgeneralise” mean?
“Overgeneralise” means making broad statements without enough support or examples.
Example:
People today are lazy because technology does everything for them.
Here, the writer overgeneralises by claiming all people are lazy due to technology without providing evidence or considering exceptions. This weakens the argument and coherence of the essay.
What is grammatical cohesion?
Grammatical cohesion refers to the way grammar is used to connect ideas within and between sentences. It includes devices such as reference (using pronouns or articles), substitution, ellipsis, conjunctions, and consistent tense use. These features help the text flow smoothly and make relationships between ideas clear.
What usually limits a student to Bands 5–6 in Lexical Resource?
Limited collocations and repetition of basic words usually keep students at Band 5–6.
How might punctuation habits from a student’s first language (L1) affect their writing score?
L1 punctuation habits can reduce clarity and accuracy, lowering the GRA score.