The four band descriptors
Examiners score Task 2 on four equally-weighted categories: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. A Band 8 needs three of four at 8 and none below 7.
The 4-paragraph Band 8 template
- Introduction — paraphrase the prompt, state your clear position, preview two main ideas. 45 to 55 words.
- Body 1 — topic sentence, explanation, concrete example, link back. 95 to 110 words.
- Body 2 — same structure as Body 1 but the opposing or supporting angle. 95 to 110 words.
- Conclusion — restate position, summarise both bodies. 40 to 50 words.
Cohesive devices that signal Band 8
- Not just however and furthermore — use that said, by the same token, on balance.
- Reference words: this, such, the former, the latter.
- Hedge: arguably, tends to, in many cases.
Test the template on a real prompt
Sit a free IELTS Academic full mock on Wrexa Edge. Your Task 2 essay is auto-scored against all four band descriptors with sentence-level feedback by our AI essay grader.
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