WritingSpeakingGlossary
Band descriptor
Also written as band descriptors, descriptors
The published wording that describes what performance at each band looks like for one marking criterion. Examiners award Writing and Speaking scores against them, one criterion at a time.
Guides that use this term
IELTS Band Scores Explained: What Your Score Actually Means
A clear breakdown of the IELTS 0 to 9 band scale, how the four section scores combine into an overall band, and what score you need for common goals.
General
Checked against ielts.org on 8 September 2026.