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IELTS • 2 Feb 2026 • 7 min read

IELTS Writing Task 2: What Examiners Actually Reward

If your essays feel “good” but your band stays low, you’re missing the marking logic. Here’s what earns marks consistently.

IELTS Writing is not random. It is scored using four criteria: Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammar Range & Accuracy.

1) Task Response

Answer the question directly. Make your position clear and support it with specific reasons and examples.

2) Coherence & Cohesion

Use clear paragraphs. Link ideas naturally. Avoid forced connectors like “Moreover” in every sentence.

3) Lexical Resource

Use precise vocabulary, not complex vocabulary. Simple, accurate words beat fancy, incorrect ones.

4) Grammar Range & Accuracy

Aim for variety, but prioritize correctness. Small grammar errors repeated often can hold your score down.

Quick Action Plan

  • Write 2 essays weekly
  • Get feedback (don’t self-mark only)
  • Build an error log
  • Practice introductions + topic sentences
IELTSPublished 2 Feb 2026By EnglishMasters Team
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