⚛️To achieve a high band score in IELTS Writing, you must go beyond practising essays and reports—you need to think like an examiner.     

Understanding how IELTS examiners assess Writing Task 1 and Task 2 is key to improving your performance. By tailoring your approach to meet the band descriptors, you can transform your writing and unlock Bands 7 or 8.

In this post, we’ll explore five essential tips for improving your Writing band score by analysing the examiner’s perspective. Plus, discover how the Atomic IELTS Writing Strategy Masterclass can help you target high scores with confidence.

⚛️ Tip 1: Understand the Band Descriptors  

IELTS examiners assess your writing based on four key criteria:

1. Task Achievement/Task Response (Did you answer the question fully and accurately?)

2. Coherence and Cohesion (Is your writing logically organised and well-connected?)

3. Lexical Resource (Do you use a wide range of vocabulary appropriately?)

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Is your grammar correct and varied?)

Each criterion is weighted equally, so ignoring one can significantly lower your score. For example:

• A Band 5 response in Task Response often fails to address all parts of the question or provides insufficient detail.

• A Band 7 response fully develops ideas with relevant examples or explanations while maintaining focus on the task.

By aligning your writing with these descriptors, you’ll meet examiner expectations and boost your score.

⚛️ Tip 2: Tailor Your Approach for Task 1 and Task 2

Task 1:

For Academic Task 1, examiners look for clarity in describing data trends or processes.

• Use clear comparisons and highlight key trends.

• Avoid overgeneralising or focusing on irrelevant details.

Example (Band 5):
“The graph shows an increase in sales and a decrease in expenses.”

Improved (Band 7+):
“The graph indicates that sales rose steadily between 2015 and 2020, peaking at $50,000, while expenses declined sharply, particularly after 2018.”

For General Training Task 1, focus on tone and purpose. A Band 7+ letter maintains consistent formality and fully addresses the prompt.

Task 2:

In Task 2 essays, examiners value clear arguments supported by logical reasoning and examples.

• Stick to one main idea per paragraph.

• Include examples or evidence to develop your points.

Example of Weak Development (Band 5):
“Education is important because it helps people get better jobs.”

Improved (Band 7+):

“Education is essential for career advancement as it equips individuals with specialised skills. For instance, engineers require advanced technical training to secure well-paying positions in their field.” 

⚛️ Tip 3: Think Logically and Organise Your Ideas

Examiners value logical organisation, so ensure your writing flows naturally:

• Plan Your Answer: Spend 3–5 minutes outlining your structure before writing.

• Use Paragraphing Effectively: Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, beginning with a topic sentence.

• Link Ideas Smoothly: Use cohesive devices like however, therefore, and for example to connect your ideas, but avoid overusing them.

Band 5 Organisation:
“Education is important. It helps people. Some people cannot afford it. This is why governments should help.”

Band 7+ Organisation:
“Education is vital for societal progress, yet financial barriers often prevent access. Consequently, governments should prioritise funding schemes that support disadvantaged students.”

⚛️ Tip 4: Use Precise Language    

Examiners prefer accuracy over complexity, so:

• Avoid overly complex sentences that lead to grammar mistakes.

• Use a range of vocabulary but ensure it’s appropriate to the context.

Example of Poor Lexical Resource (Band 5):
“People can get more job opportunities if they study harder and do lots of studying in school.”

Improved (Band 7+):
“Higher education equips individuals with the qualifications needed to access competitive job markets.”

⚛️ Tip 5: Check for Common Mistakes    

Examiners frequently encounter these issues, which can drag down your score:

1. Misinterpreting the Question: Ensure you answer all parts of the prompt.

2. Repetition: Avoid repeating ideas, phrases, or linking words.

3. Poor Grammar: Grammar mistakes, especially with verb tenses and articles, lower your band.

4. Word Count Issues: Write at least 150 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2. Writing too much or too little can impact your coherence and focus.

Pro Tip: Leave 3–5 minutes at the end to proofread your writing for errors.