Guide for
teachers
www.ielts.org
2
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Section 5
Section 6
Section 7
Appendix i
Appendix ii

Contents
IELTS overview
IELTS test format
IELTS scores and interpretation
What makes IELTS an international test?
Tips from teachers
Becoming an IELTS examiner
Continual research-based development
IELTS assessment criteria (band descriptors)
How IELTS maps to the Common European
Framework of Reference (CEFR)
“ IELTS makes for a
confident student.”

Senior Teacher, Turning Point, India
1
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

encourage teachers to facilitate English learning with a
view to improve students’ general English skills, as well as
preparing their students to take the test. Globally, teachers
have increasingly become interested in IELTS. The Guide
for Teachers provides further information about the test
and offers detailed descriptions of test scores. In addition,
it offers teacher resources to assist in preparing students for
IELTS, as well as facilitate teacher professional development
opportunities through examining or research.
View the materials and advice available
for teachers at www.ielts.org
1
IELTS
overview
22
View available teacher resources and
materials at www.ielts.org
“ Although we accept other
English language tests,
we always assess them by
comparing them directly
with the required IELTS
score. IELTS test takers are
thoroughly tested in the four
main communication skills
required for academic work.”

Senior Student Recruitment Officer,
The Scottish Agricultural College, UK
2

Task 1
Test takers are presented with a graph, table, chart or
diagram and are asked to describe, summarise or explain
the information in their own words. They may be asked to
describe and explain data, describe the stages of a process,
how something works or describe an object or event.
Task 2
Test takers are asked to write an essay in response to a
point of view, argument or problem.
Responses to both tasks must be written in a formal style.
The General Training version also includes two tasks,
and is based on topics of general interest.
Task 1
Test takers are presented with a situation and are asked to
write a letter requesting information or explaining the situation.
The letter may be personal, semi-formal or formal in style.
Task 2
Test takers are asked to write an essay in response to a point
of view, argument or problem. The essay can be slightly more
personal in style than the Academic Writing Task 2 essay.
Speaking 11–14 minutes
The Speaking component assesses the test taker’s use of
spoken English, and takes between 11 and 14 minutes to
complete. Every test is digitally recorded and consists of
three parts:
Part 1
Test takers answer general questions about themselves
and a range of familiar topics, such as their home, family,
work, studies and interests. This part lasts between four
and five minutes.

• Three long reading passages with tasks
• Texts range from the descriptive and factual
to the discursive and analytical
• Includes non-verbal materials such as
diagrams, graphs or illustrations
• Texts are authentic (e.g. taken from books,
journals and newspapers)
Writing (60 minutes)
• Writing task of at least 150 words where
the candidate must summarise, describe
or explain a table, graph, chart or diagram
• Short essay task of at least 250 words
Speaking (11 to 14 minutes)
• Face-to-face interview
• Includes short questions, speaking at
length about a familiar topic and a
structured discussion
Listening* (30 minutes)
• Four recorded monologues and conversations
Reading (60 minutes)
• Three reading passages with tasks
• Section 1 contains two or three short factual texts
• Section 2 contains two short, work-related,
factual texts
• Section 3 contains one longer text on a topic
of general interest
• Texts are authentic (e.g. taken from company
handbooks, official documents, books
and newspapers)
Writing (60 minutes)

Academic and General Training.
For Writing, the Academic and General Training modules
are differentiated in terms of:
• the content and nature of the two writing tasks
• the contextual parameters of the tasks.
However, given the level of differentiation described
above, this does not mean that the scores across
Academic and General Training Reading or Writing
modules are interchangeable.
5
IELTS Guide for Teachers
IELTS is a task-based test covering the four skills (Listening,
Reading, Writing and Speaking). IELTS test takers receive
individual sub-scores for each of the four test components,
and the average of the four provides the overall band score.
Each of the four components is carefully designed to focus
on one particular skill. This results in a more equitable form
of task design as compared with tasks that test multiple skills
at once. For the organisations which accept IELTS results,
this means that IELTS scores are clear and easy to interpret.
This approach also ensures the comparability of task difficulty
across each version of the test. It is unfair to test takers if
their performance in one skill area is compromised by their
ability in another.
While IELTS focuses on testing the four skills individually,
there is an element of integration in each component in the
same way that language skills are integrated in the real
world. Test tasks often entail the use of other skills and are
therefore ‘integrated’ to some degree.
For example:

Institutions, available at:
www.ielts.org
How we test
6
3
9
Expert user
Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent
with complete understanding.
8
Very good
user
Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic
inaccuracies and inappropriate words. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar
situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
7
Good user
Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies,
inappropriate words and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles
complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
6
Competent user
Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies,
inappropriate words and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex
language particularly in familiar situations.
5
Modest user
Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most
situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic
communication in own field.

are reported on a clear 9-band scale (from 1, the lowest,
to 9, the highest), as shown in the table opposite.
Test takers receive an overall band score as well as individual
scores for each test component (Listening, Reading, Writing
and Speaking).
The IELTS test provides an accurate picture of
a candidate’s language skills and abilities at a
certain point in time. Skills and abilities inevitably
diminish over time if not used. It is recommended
that a Test Report Form more than two years old
should only be accepted if it is accompanied by
evidence that a candidate has actively maintained
or improved their English.
How to interpret IELTS
Test takers receive scores on a band scale from 1 to 9.
A profile score is reported for each skill. The four individual
scores are averaged and rounded to produce an overall band
score. Overall band scores and scores for each component
(Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) are reported in
whole bands or half bands.
Overall band score
Test takers receive a Test Report Form including or listing their
overall band score and their sub-scores on each of the four
components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
Each of the component scores is equally weighted. The
overall band score is calculated by taking the mean of the
total of the four individual component scores.
Overall band scores are reported to the nearest whole or half
band. The following rounding convention applies; if the
average across the four skills ends in .25, it is rounded up to

Reading and General Training Reading tests. They provide
an indication of the number of marks required to achieve a
particular band score.

The Academic and General Training tests are graded to the
same scale. The distinction between the two versions is one
of genre or discourse type. Academic tests may contain source
texts featuring more difficult vocabulary or greater complexity
of style. It is usual that, to secure a given band score, a greater
number of questions must be answered correctly on a General
Training Reading component.
Writing and Speaking
When marking the Writing and Speaking components,
examiners use detailed performance descriptors which
describe written and spoken performance at each of the
9 IELTS bands.
Writing
Examiners award a band score for each of four criterion areas:
Speaking
Examiners award a band score for each of four criterion areas:
The four criteria are equally weighted.
Assessment criteria (band descriptors)
Versions of the band descriptors for Writing and Speaking
have been developed to help stakeholders better understand
the level of performance required to attain a particular
band score in each of the criterion areas. IELTS examiners
undergo intensive face to face training and standardisation
to ensure that they can apply the descriptors (these are are
available on page 18-23).
Band score Raw score out of 40

9
“ IELTS gives us a reliable
indication of entry
level. Other tests are
less satisfactory at
providing this.”

Kings College, UK
10
4
“ With IELTS, the world is a
smaller place. I sat the test
before leaving Japan and
received a band score of 8.5,
satisfying visa requirements.
Before starting new employment,
I was required to undertake
the IELTS test again. This time
it was the academic version
mandated by my employer.”

Pavel again received a band score of 8.5.
Employee, large accounting firm, Australia
What makes
IELTS an
international test?
11
IELTS Guide for Teachers
International delivery and accessibility
IELTS tests are offered up to four times a month at over

language experts: British Council, IDP:IELTS Australia and
University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. These bodies
are dedicated to academic excellence, cultural understanding,
student recruitment, and creating success worldwide.
Benefitting from the shared expertise of the three partners,
the IELTS test combines the world-renowned assessment
and research expertise of Cambridge ESOL and the
international delivery, evaluation and security expertise of
the British Council and IDP:IELTS Australia.
International consultation
IELTS has been developed in close consultation with
academics, professional bodies and immigration authorities
around the world.
International content
The IELTS approach is recognised by academics and
admissions professionals as being fair, reliable and
valid to all candidates, whatever their nationality, cultural
background, gender or specific needs. The test questions
are developed by item writers in Australia, Canada,
New Zealand, the UK and the US.
12
5
The criteria for the different IELTS band scores make it clear
which areas of language need to be developed, thereby
setting clear goals and objectives. Teaching techniques
for IELTS include presenting language elements such as
grammar and vocabulary in a wider context.
The topics in IELTS are both interesting and contemporary,
and are based in the real world. This means teachers
can bring the outside world into their IELTS classes by

to answer all the questions in 1 hour
• know how best to approach each type
of reading task
• answer the questions and transfer their answers
to the answer sheet within the time allowed.
Writing
Make sure that your students:
• analyse the question carefully and plan
their answer before starting to write
• keep in mind the reader and the purpose
when writing
• structure their writing logically and clearly
• decide on a position and use examples
and evidence to support points they make
in task 2
• are familiar with the assessment criteria.
Speaking
Make sure that your students:
• feel condent and remind them to relax and
enjoy the conversation with the examiner
• listen carefully to the questions
• use llers and hesitation devices if they
need ‘thinking time’ before answering
• realise it is their language level not their
opinions which are being evaluated
• are familiar with the assessment criteria.
03
04
05
“ Test takers receive an

Council and IDP: IELTS Australia to ensure consistency.
Setting IELTS band score requirements for
recognising organisations
IELTS test scores are just one element of the assessment
of a test taker’s suitability to enrol at an institution or to
join an organisation. The level of English needed for
a test taker to perform effectively in study, work or
training varies from one situation to another. That is why
each individual organisation sets its own minimum
IELTS score for applicants, depending on specific
requirements. Admissions professionals may also wish
to take into account whether their organisation provides
ongoing language support to students or employees
to improve their English.
The IELTS Scores Explained DVD provides detailed
descriptions of the test components and sample test
materials. The DVD contains real examples of test
takers’ writing and speaking performances at different
band score levels.
Ensuring consistency across test centres:
• same operational procedures are adhered to by all
test centres globally
• same examiner systems, standards and monitoring
safeguard results.
Becoming an IELTS examiner is one of the many possible
professional development opportunities available to
teachers familiar with IELTS.
The training and support provided to IELTS examiners can
impact positively on classroom practice. IELTS examiners
gain a good understanding of what language learning

the IELTS approach to the design, delivery and assessment
of the test is continually informed by research.
The steady evolution of IELTS is in parallel with advances
in applied linguistics, language pedagogy, language
assessment and technology. This ensures the ongoing
validity, reliability, positive impact and practicality of the
test. Adherence to these four qualities is supported by two
streams of research.
Cambridge ESOL research and validation
Internal research activities are managed by University of
Cambridge ESOL Examinations’ Research & Validation
division. Cambridge ESOL has been creating English
examinations for speakers of other languages since 1913
and has unrivalled experience in the field. The Research
and Validation division brings together specialists in testing
and assessment, statistical analysis and item-banking,
applied linguistics, corpus linguistics and language
learning/pedagogy. The division also provides rigorous quality
assurance for exams at every stage of development.
Studies in Language Testing is a series of academic
volumes published jointly by University of Cambridge ESOL
Examinations and Cambridge University Press (CUP),
and edited by Dr Michael Milanovic and Prof Cyril J Weir.
Studies in Language Testing volumes include:
• Volume 25: IELTS Washback in Context: Preparation
for academic writing in higher education
• Volume 24: Impact Theory and Practice: Studies
of the IELTS test and Progetto Lingue 2000
• Volume 23: Assessing Academic English: Testing
English proficiency, 1950–1989 – The IELTS solution

Volume and date
of publication
An impact study into the use of IELTS by
professional associations and registration
entities in the United Kingdom, Ireland
and Canada
Glenys Merrield, GBM & Associates,
Australia
Volume 11, 2011
Investigating IELTS exit score gains in
higher education
Kieran O’Loughlin, Sophie Arkoudis,
The University of Melbourne, Australia
Volume 10, 2009
Investigating stakeholders’ perceptions of
IELTS as an entry requirement for higher
education in the UK
David Hyatt, Greg Brooks, The University
of Sheffield, UK
Volume 10, 2009
An impact study into the use of IELTS as an
entry criterion for professional associations
in Australia, New Zealand and the USA
Glenys Merrield, GBM & Associates,
Australia
Volume 8, 2008
Does the computer make a difference? The
reaction of candidates to a computer-based
versus traditional hand-written form for the
IELTS Writing component: effects and impact

9
• Speaks uently with only rare repetition or self correction;
any hesitation is content-related rather than to find words
or grammar
• Speaks coherently with fully appropriate cohesive features
• Develops topics fully and appropriately
• Uses vocabulary with full exibility and precision in all topics
• Uses idiomatic language naturally and accurately
• Uses a full range of structures naturally and appropriately
• Produces consistently accurate structures apart from ‘slips’
characteristic of native speaker speech
• Uses a full range of pronunciation features with precision and subtlety
• Sustains exible use of features throughout
• Is effortless to understand
8
• Speaks uently with only occasional repetition or self-
correction; hesitation is usually content related and only rarely
to search for language
• Develops topics coherently and appropriately
• Uses a wide vocabulary resource readily and exibly to convey
precise meaning
• Uses less common and idiomatic vocabulary skilfully, with
occasional inaccuracies
• Uses paraphrase effectively as required
• Uses a wide range of structures exibly
• Produces a majority of error-free sentences with only very occasional
inappropriateness or basic/unsystematic errors
• Uses a wide range of pronunciation features
• Sustains exible use of features, with only occasional lapses
• Is easy to understand throughout; 1 accent has minimal effect

of individual words or sounds reduces clarity at times
5
• Usually maintains ow of speech but uses repetition, self-
correction and/or slow speech to keep going
• May over-use certain connectives and discourse markers
• Produces simple speech uently, but more complex
communication causes fluency problems
• Manages to talk about familiar and unfamiliar topics but uses
vocabulary with limited flexibility
• Attempts to use paraphrase but with mixed success
• Produces basic sentence forms with reasonable accuracy
• Uses a limited range of more complex structures, but these usually
contain errors and may cause some comprehension problems
• Shows all the positive features of band 4 and some, but not all,
of the positive features of band 6
4
• Cannot respond without noticeable pauses and may speak
slowly, with frequent repetition and self-correction
• Links basic sentences but with repetitious use of simple
connectives and some breakdowns in coherence
• Is able to talk about familiar topics but can only convey basic meaning
on unfamiliar topics and makes frequent errors in word choice
• Rarely attempts paraphrase
• Produces basic sentence forms and some correct simple sentences
but subordinate structures are rare
• Errors are frequent and may lead to misunderstanding
• Uses a limited range of pronunciation features
• Attempts to control features but lapses are frequent
• Mispronunciations are frequent and cause some difculty for
the listener

• Speaks coherently with fully appropriate cohesive features
• Develops topics fully and appropriately
• Uses vocabulary with full exibility and precision in all topics
• Uses idiomatic language naturally and accurately
• Uses a full range of structures naturally and appropriately
• Produces consistently accurate structures apart from ‘slips’
characteristic of native speaker speech
• Uses a full range of pronunciation features with precision and subtlety
• Sustains exible use of features throughout
• Is effortless to understand
8
• Speaks uently with only occasional repetition or self-
correction; hesitation is usually content related and only rarely
to search for language
• Develops topics coherently and appropriately
• Uses a wide vocabulary resource readily and exibly to convey
precise meaning
• Uses less common and idiomatic vocabulary skilfully, with
occasional inaccuracies
• Uses paraphrase effectively as required
• Uses a wide range of structures exibly
• Produces a majority of error-free sentences with only very occasional
inappropriateness or basic/unsystematic errors
• Uses a wide range of pronunciation features
• Sustains exible use of features, with only occasional lapses
• Is easy to understand throughout; 1 accent has minimal effect
on intelligibility
7
• Speaks at length without noticeable effort or loss of coherence
• May demonstrate language-related hesitation at times, or

• May over-use certain connectives and discourse markers
• Produces simple speech uently, but more complex
communication causes fluency problems
• Manages to talk about familiar and unfamiliar topics but uses
vocabulary with limited flexibility
• Attempts to use paraphrase but with mixed success
• Produces basic sentence forms with reasonable accuracy
• Uses a limited range of more complex structures, but these usually
contain errors and may cause some comprehension problems
• Shows all the positive features of band 4 and some, but not all,
of the positive features of band 6
4
• Cannot respond without noticeable pauses and may speak
slowly, with frequent repetition and self-correction
• Links basic sentences but with repetitious use of simple
connectives and some breakdowns in coherence
• Is able to talk about familiar topics but can only convey basic meaning
on unfamiliar topics and makes frequent errors in word choice
• Rarely attempts paraphrase
• Produces basic sentence forms and some correct simple sentences
but subordinate structures are rare
• Errors are frequent and may lead to misunderstanding
• Uses a limited range of pronunciation features
• Attempts to control features but lapses are frequent
• Mispronunciations are frequent and cause some difculty for
the listener
3
• Speaks with long pauses
• Has limited ability to link simple sentences
• Gives only simple responses and is frequently unable to convey

8
• Covers all requirements of the task sufciently
• Presents, highlights and illustrates key features / bullet
points clearly and appropriately
• Sequences information and ideas logically
• Manages all aspects of cohesion well
• Uses paragraphing sufciently and appropriately
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary uently and exibly to convey
precise meanings
• Skilfully uses uncommon lexical items but there may be occasional
inaccuracies in word choice and collocation
• Produces rare errors in spelling and/or word formation
• Uses a wide range of structures
• The majority of sentences are error-free
• Makes only very occasional errors or inappropriateness
7
• Covers the requirements of the task
• (Academic) presents a clear overview of main trends, differences
or stages
• (General training) presents a clear purpose, with the tone
consistent and appropriate
• Clearly presents and highlights key features / bullet points
but could be more fully extended
• Logically organises information and ideas; there is clear
progression throughout
• Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately although
there may
be some under-/over-use
• Uses a sufcient range of vocabulary to allow some exibility
and precision

in places
• (Academic) recounts detail mechanically with no clear overview;
there may be no data to support the description
• (General training) may present a purpose for the letter that
is unclear at times; the tone may be variable and sometimes
inappropriate
• Presents, but inadequately covers, key features / bullet points;
there may be a tendency to focus on details
• Presents information with some organisation but there may be
a lack of overall progression
• Makes inadequate,inaccurate or over-use of cohesive devices
• May be repetitive because of lack of referencing and substitution
• Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate
for the task
• May make noticeable errors in spelling and/or word formation that
may cause some difficulty for the reader
• Uses only a limited range of structures
• Attempts complex sentences but these tend to be less accurate than
simple sentences
• May make frequent grammatical errors and punctuation may be faulty;
errors can cause some difficulty for the reader
4
• Attempts to address the task but does not cover all key
features / bullet points; the format may be inappropriate
• (General training) fails to clearly explain the purpose
of the letter; the tone may be inappropriate
• May confuse key features / bullet points with detail;
parts may be unclear, irrelevant, repetitive or inaccurate
• Presents information and ideas but these are not arranged
coherently and there is no clear progression in the response

• Does not attempt the task in any way
• Writes a totally memorised response
21
IELTS Guide for Teachers
Band Task achievement Coherence and cohesion Lexical resource Grammatical range and accuracy
9
• Fully satises all the requirements of the task
• Clearly presents a fully developed response
• Uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention
• Skilfully manages paragraphing
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated
control of lexical features; rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’
• Uses a wide range of structures with full exibility and accuracy;
rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’
8
• Covers all requirements of the task sufciently
• Presents, highlights and illustrates key features / bullet
points clearly and appropriately
• Sequences information and ideas logically
• Manages all aspects of cohesion well
• Uses paragraphing sufciently and appropriately
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary uently and exibly to convey
precise meanings
• Skilfully uses uncommon lexical items but there may be occasional
inaccuracies in word choice and collocation
• Produces rare errors in spelling and/or word formation
• Uses a wide range of structures
• The majority of sentences are error-free
• Makes only very occasional errors or inappropriateness
7

• Arranges information and ideas coherently and there is a clear
overall progression
• Uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and/or
between sentences may be faulty or mechanical
• May not always use referencing clearly or appropriately
• Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task
• Attempts to use less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracy
• Makes some errors in spelling and/or word formation, but they do not
impede communication
• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
• Makes some errors in grammar and punctuation but they rarely reduce
communication
5
• Generally addresses the task; the format may be inappropriate
in places
• (Academic) recounts detail mechanically with no clear overview;
there may be no data to support the description
• (General training) may present a purpose for the letter that
is unclear at times; the tone may be variable and sometimes
inappropriate
• Presents, but inadequately covers, key features / bullet points;
there may be a tendency to focus on details
• Presents information with some organisation but there may be
a lack of overall progression
• Makes inadequate,inaccurate or over-use of cohesive devices
• May be repetitive because of lack of referencing and substitution
• Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate
for the task
• May make noticeable errors in spelling and/or word formation that
may cause some difficulty for the reader

not indicate a logical relationship between ideas
• Uses only a very limited range of words and expressions with very
limited control of word formation and/or spelling; errors may severely
distort the message
• Attempts sentence forms but errors in grammar and punctuation
predominate and distort the meaning
2
• Answer is barely related to the task • Has very little control of organisational features • Uses an extremely limited range of vocabulary; essentially no control
of word formation and/or spelling
• Cannot use sentence forms except in memorised phrases
1
• Answer is completely unrelated to the task • Fails to communicate any message • Can only use a few isolated words • Cannot use sentence forms at all
0
• Does not attend
• Does not attempt the task in any way
• Writes a totally memorised response
22
Appendix i
IELTS Task 2 Writing assessment criteria (band descriptors – public version)
Band Task Response Coherence and cohesion Lexical resource Grammatical range and accuracy
9
• Fully addresses all parts of the task
• Presents a fully developed position in answer to the question
with relevant, fully extended and well supported ideas
• Uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention
• Skilfully manages paragraphing
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated
control of lexical features; rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’
• Uses a wide range of structures with full exibility and accuracy;
rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’

• May produce occasional errors in word choice, spelling and/or
word formation
• Uses a variety of complex structures
• Produces frequent error-free sentences
• Has good control of grammar and punctuation but may make
a few errors
6
• Addresses all parts of the task although some parts may be
more fully covered than others
• Presents a relevant position although the conclusions may
become unclear or repetitive
• Presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately
developed/unclear
• Arranges information and ideas coherently and there is a clear
overall progression
• Uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and/or
between sentences may be faulty or mechanical
• May not always use referencing clearly or appropriately
• Uses paragraphing, but not always logically
• Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task
• Attempts to use less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracy
• Makes some errors in spelling and/or word formation, but they do not
impede communication
• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
• Makes some errors in grammar and punctuation but they rarely
reduce communication
5
• Addresses the task only partially; the format may be
inappropriate in places
• Expresses a position but the development is not always clear

• Has limited control of word formation and/or spelling; errors may
cause strain for the reader
• Uses only a very limited range of structures with only rare use
of subordinate clauses
• Some structures are accurate but errors predominate, and punctuation
is often faulty
3
• Does not adequately address any part of the task
• Does not express a clear position
• Presents few ideas, which are largely undeveloped
or irrelevant
• Does not organise ideas logically
• May use a very limited range of cohesive devices, and those used
may not indicate a logical relationship between ideas
• Uses only a very limited range of words and expressions with very
limited control of word formation and/or spelling errors may severely
distort the message
• Attempts sentence forms but errors in grammar and punctuation
predominate and distort the meaning
2
• Barely responds to the task
• Does not express a position
• May attempt to present one or two ideas but there is no
development
• Has very little control of organisational features • Uses an extremely limited range of vocabulary; essentially no control
of word formation and/or spelling
• Cannot use sentence forms except in memorised phrases
1
• Answer is completely unrelated to the task • Fails to communicate any message • Can only use a few isolated words • Cannot use sentence forms at all
0

• The majority of sentences are error-free
• Makes only very occasional errors or inappropriateness
7
• Addresses all parts of the task
• Presents a clear position throughout the response
• Presents, extends and supports main ideas, but there may
be a tendency to over generalise and/or supporting ideas
may lack focus
• Logically organises information and ideas; there is clear
progression throughout
• Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately although there
may be some under-/over-use
• Presents a clear central topic within each paragraph
• Uses a sufcient range of vocabulary to allow some exibility
and precision
• Uses less common lexical items with some awareness of style
and collocation
• May produce occasional errors in word choice, spelling and/or
word formation
• Uses a variety of complex structures
• Produces frequent error-free sentences
• Has good control of grammar and punctuation but may make
a few errors
6
• Addresses all parts of the task although some parts may be
more fully covered than others
• Presents a relevant position although the conclusions may
become unclear or repetitive
• Presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately
developed/unclear

• Attempts complex sentences but these tend to be less accurate than
simple sentences
• May make frequent grammatical errors and punctuation
may be faulty; errors can cause some difficulty for the reader
4
• Responds to the task only in a minimal way or the answer is
tangential; the format may be inappropriate
• Presents a position but this is unclear
• Presents some main ideas but these are difcult to identify
and may be repetitive, irrelevant or not well supported
• Presents information and ideas but these are not arranged
coherently and there is no clear progression in the response
• Uses some basic cohesive devices but these may be inaccurate
or repetitive
• May not write in paragraphs or their use may be confusing
• Uses only basic vocabulary which may be used repetitively or which
may be inappropriate for the task
• Has limited control of word formation and/or spelling; errors may
cause strain for the reader
• Uses only a very limited range of structures with only rare use
of subordinate clauses
• Some structures are accurate but errors predominate, and punctuation
is often faulty
3
• Does not adequately address any part of the task
• Does not express a clear position
• Presents few ideas, which are largely undeveloped
or irrelevant
• Does not organise ideas logically
• May use a very limited range of cohesive devices, and those used