Writing at 8–9

Writing is the part where most candidates get stuck. A typical story: two or three months of preparation, dozens of essays, and the band score stays at 6.5 or 7.0. The reason is almost always the same: the candidate is improving the wrong things. They learn 'advanced vocabulary' and templated linking phrases, while the examiner lowers the score precisely for inappropriate vocabulary and mechanical cohesion.

In this guide, we will start with how texts are assessed and only then move on to how to write them.

1. Format

• Time: 60 minutes for both tasks, with no separate timer.
• Task 1: description of visual information (line or bar chart, pie chart, table, process, map). At least 150 words; about 20 minutes is recommended.
• Task 2: an essay on a general topic with argumentation. At least 250 words; about 40 minutes.
• Weighting: Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1. If Task 1 is 7.0 and Task 2 is 8.0, the Overall band score for Writing will be closer to 8.0 than to 7.0.

Hence the first rule: start with Task 2. If you run out of time, it is better to leave Task 1 unfinished than Task 2.

2. How It Is Assessed: Four Criteria in Simple Terms

Each task is assessed against four equally weighted criteria. The official wording is publicly available (band descriptors), and we recommend reading it in the original. Below is what they mean in our own words, focusing on how 8 differs from 7.

Task Achievement (Task 1) / Task Response (Task 2)

Have you answered the task fully and to the point.

• At 7: all parts of the task are covered, the position is clear, but ideas are sometimes unevenly developed or expressed in overly general terms. In Task 1 there is an overview, but the selection of key features is not always accurate.
• At 8: all parts of the task are covered in sufficient depth, ideas are developed and supported, the position is consistent. In Task 1 key features are highlighted clearly and accurately, with details illustrated.
• At 9: the same, but with no point where the reader wants to ask 'why?': every idea is taken to its conclusion.

Coherence and Cohesion

Is the text logical and are its parts connected.

• At 7: the logic is clear and there is progression, but linking devices are sometimes used mechanically or excessively.
• At 8: the text is logically organised, cohesion is achieved naturally, paragraphs are managed correctly, and linking devices do not stand out.
• At 9: cohesion is so natural that you do not notice it.

Key point: at band 8 cohesion is almost invisible. If the reader notices Moreover, Furthermore, In addition at the start of every other sentence, that is a sign of 6–7.

Lexical Resource

How varied and accurate your vocabulary is.

• At 7: sufficient range for flexibility, some less common words, but there are inaccuracies in word choice and collocation.
• At 8: wide range, fluent and precise use, less common words sound natural. Rare errors in word formation or collocation.
• At 9: complete naturalness and precision.

Key point: collocation matters, not rarity. A heavy burden on taxpayers is 8. A gargantuan onus upon the populace is an attempt to impress that will lower your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Range of structures and accuracy.

• At 7: a variety of complex structures, many error-free sentences, but errors are still noticeable.
• At 8: most sentences are error-free; errors are rare and non-systematic.
• At 9: wide range, errors are almost non-existent.

Key point: the difference between 7 and 8 is the proportion of error-free sentences. Do not aim for complexity for its own sake. Complexity you can control is more valuable than complexity with errors.

What Lowers Your Score Regardless of Language Level

• Text shorter than 150 / 250 words.
• Answering the wrong question or only part of it.
• Memorised text or large pre-prepared chunks unrelated to the question.
• No paragraphing.
• Lists and bullet points instead of connected text.
• In Task 1 Academic: no overview, or giving your own opinion and explaining reasons not shown in the chart.