This is about how well you answer the question and cover everything needed.
Do you answer all parts of the question?
Do you give a clear opinion (if asked)?
Do you support your ideas with reasons and examples?
❌ Poor task response example:
“Children go to school every day. School is important. Homework is too much.”
✅ Better task response example:
“I believe children should not have homework every day because it can lead to stress and reduce time for physical activities. For example, too much homework may stop them from playing outside, which is important for health.”
Coherence and Cohesion
This means your writing is clear, well-organized, and easy to follow.
Are your ideas logical and well-structured?
Do you use linking words (e.g., however, therefore)?
Are paragraphs used properly?
❌ Poor example:
“Many people drive. Traffic is bad. Pollution is a problem.”
✅ Better example:
“Many people drive to work each day, which causes heavy traffic. Consequently, this contributes to air pollution in cities.”
Lexical Resource
This is your vocabulary — variety, accuracy, and appropriateness.
Do you use a wide range of vocabulary?
Do you avoid repeating the same words?
Do you use appropriate words for the topic?
❌ Poor example:
“The city is good. It has good parks and good schools.”
✅ Better example:
“The city is vibrant, boasting beautiful parks and excellent schools.”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
This means how well you use grammar and sentence variety.
Do you use different sentence types (simple, complex)?
Are your sentences mostly error-free?
❌ Poor example:
“People is happy. They goes outside. They like the park.”
✅ Better example:
“People are happy when they go outside because they enjoy spending time in the park.”
Summary Table
Criterion
What It Means
To Score Well
Task Response / Achievement
Answer all parts of the question clearly
Give clear opinions & support ideas with examples
Coherence & Cohesion
Organize ideas logically and use linking words
Use paragraphs & connect ideas smoothly
Lexical Resource
Use a variety of appropriate vocabulary
Avoid repetition, use precise words
Grammatical Range & Accuracy
Use varied and correct grammar
Mix simple & complex sentences, few errors
3. Listening Criteria
The Listening test is scored mainly on correct answers, but there are some skills tested behind the scenes.
Key Skills Tested
Understanding main ideas and specific details
Following the development of ideas
Recognizing the speaker’s opinions and attitudes
Understanding the meaning of words and phrases in context
Example
In the test, you might hear:
“The library will be closed on Friday because of maintenance work.”
Question: Why will the library be closed?
✅ Correct answer:
“Because of maintenance work.”
Tips for a High Listening Score
Practice listening to different English accents.
Listen for keywords and synonyms.
Pay attention to the speaker’s tone and emphasis.
Practice with IELTS Listening sample tests.
Summary Table
Skill
What It Means
To Score Well
Understanding Main Ideas & Details
Grasp key information and specifics
Focus on important points and details
Following Ideas
Understand how ideas connect and develop
Listen for signal words and sequence
Recognizing Opinions & Attitudes
Identify speaker’s feelings and viewpoints
Notice tone and emphasis
Understanding Vocabulary in Context
Know meaning of words and phrases used
Learn synonyms and phrases in context
4. Reading Criteria
The Reading test is mostly about understanding and finding correct information.
Key Skills Tested
Reading quickly and effectively for main ideas
Understanding specific details
Recognizing writers’ opinions and purpose
Matching information or headings
Understanding vocabulary in context
Example Question
Passage excerpt: “Many people believe exercise is important for health, but not everyone enjoys it.”
Question: According to the passage, do all people enjoy exercise?