IELTS Band Scores

Complete IELTSBand Score Guide

Understand the IELTS band scoring system and learn exactly what you need to achieve your target score in Writing.

IELTS WritingBand Score Scale

Scores range from 0 to 9, with most universities requiring 6.0-7.5 for admission

5.0
Modest User
Partial command with frequent problems but conveys overall meaning
6.0
Competent
Effective command despite inaccuracies and misunderstandings
7.0
Good User
Operational command with occasional inaccuracies and misunderstandings
8.0
Very Good
Fully operational with occasional inaccuracies and inappropriacies
9.0
Expert User
Full operational command with complete accuracy and appropriateness

Band 7.0-9.0: Advanced Level

High proficiency with sophisticated vocabulary, complex grammar structures, and clear task achievement. Universities typically require this level for competitive programs.

University ReadyAdvanced GrammarComplex Ideas

Most Popular

Band 6.5-7.0 target range.

Growth Path

Strategic improvement planning.

Band 6.0-6.5: Competent Level

Adequate language skills for most academic purposes. Good foundation with some errors that don't impede communication. Entry level for many universities.

Academic EntryClear CommunicationFoundation Level

IELTS WritingAssessment Criteria

Your writing is scored across four equally weighted criteria

Task Achievement

How well you address the task requirements and answer all parts of the question.

Complete response
Clear position
Relevant examples

Coherence & Cohesion

How well your ideas flow together with clear organization and linking.

Logical structure
Clear paragraphs
Linking words

Lexical Resource

Range and accuracy of vocabulary, including less common words and phrases.

Variety of words
Precise meaning
Natural collocations

Grammar & Accuracy

Range and accuracy of grammatical structures and sentence types.

Complex sentences
Error-free writing
Varied structures

University Requirements

Typical IELTS Writing band score requirements for different institution types

6.0+
Foundation Programs
Entry-level academic courses
6.5+
Undergraduate
Most bachelor's degree programs
7.0+
Postgraduate
Master's and professional programs
7.5+
Top Universities
Elite institutions and programs

How to ImproveYour Band Score

5.0 → 6.0

Master basic paragraph structure
Learn essential linking words
Practice answering all task parts
Build academic vocabulary

6.0 → 7.0

Most Common Goal
Develop complex sentences
Use varied vocabulary accurately
Improve coherence and flow
Reduce grammatical errors

7.0 → 8.0+

Master sophisticated vocabulary
Perfect grammatical accuracy
Demonstrate native-like fluency
Show exceptional task fulfillment

What's Your Current Band Score?

Use our AI-powered band score calculator to get an accurate assessment of your current Writing level and personalized improvement recommendations.

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