See exactly how certified IELTS examiners and our AI scoring engine evaluate essays and spoken responses across the four official criteria.
Four equally weighted criteria for the discursive essay, marked from 0 to 9.
Addresses all parts of the task. Presents a clear position throughout the response. Presents, extends and supports main ideas, but there may be a tendency to over-generalise.
Logically organises information and ideas; there is clear progression throughout. Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately although there may be some under-/over-use. Presents a clear central topic within each paragraph.
Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision. Uses less common lexical items with some awareness of style and collocation.
Uses a variety of complex structures. Produces frequent error-free sentences. Has good control of grammar and punctuation but may make a few errors.
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