Writing test preparation resources

We are excited to launch a series of videos to explain the key criteria for how the Writing tests are scored. This will help you achieve your IELTS goals sooner.

Examiners use assessment criteria to award a score for each of the following four criteria:

• Task achievement (for task 1) and task response (for task 2)

• Coherence and cohesion

• Lexical resource

• Grammatical range and accuracy

Each task is assessed independently. The criteria are weighted equally and the score on the task is the average. The assessment of Task 2 carries more weight in marking than Task 1.

Find out more about the key assessment criteria (PDF 142 KB - 4 pages) and how examiners assess the Writing section (PDF 367 KB - 9 pages).

Watch the following series about how your IELTS Writing test is marked for useful information to help you prepare.

• Viewer tip Please view at your own pace by pausing to read the information and adjusting the YouTube Playback speed as required.

Learn about the IELTS Writing test and get an overview of what will be assessed. This video introduces the Writing tasks and marking criteria, which be covered in more detail in the following videos.