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 Linking Words That Help, and Ones That Hurt
Linking words help when each one shows how two ideas connect. They hurt when they are added by habit. This guide helps you pick a word by its job and compares what Writing and Speaking reward.
Writing
Do You Need Idioms in IELTS Speaking?
Not for band 6. From band 7, the Speaking descriptors mention idiomatic items. No set number of idioms is required. This guide shows the wording band by band and how to learn idioms without a list.
Speaking
Does Handwriting Matter in IELTS Writing?
Handwriting matters only if you write by hand. IELTS publishes no handwriting rule in its Writing descriptors, but the examiner must read your answer. Capital letters are allowed if your sentences stay clear.
Writing
IELTS Speaking Part 1: What Happens and How to Answer
Part 1 is a few minutes of short questions about you and familiar topics. Give a direct answer, add one reason or example, and stop.
Speaking
How to Improve Your IELTS Writing Score
Find the criterion that holds your Writing band down. Then read what the next band adds for it. Start with Task 2, because it counts twice as much as Task 1.
Improvement planWriting
How to Improve Your IELTS Speaking Score
Find which of the four Speaking criteria holds your band down. Then work on what the next band adds in that criterion, and practise it out loud.
Improvement planSpeaking
IELTS Speaking Part 2: The Cue Card and the Long Turn
In Part 2 you get a task card and one minute to make notes. Then you talk alone until the examiner stops you. You may then answer one or two short questions.
Speaking
IELTS Speaking Part 3: The Discussion
Part 3 is a discussion with the examiner about bigger questions from your Part 2 topic. Answer first, then give a reason and an example. Speak about people in general, not just yourself.
Speaking
How Long Does It Take to Prepare for IELTS?
There is no fixed figure. The ranges the IELTS owners publish run from a few weeks to several months. The time depends on your level, your target and how often you study.
General
How to Prepare for IELTS
Learn the format first, then use the free official practice tests. Learn how each section is marked and practise under the real time limits. Give the most time to your weakest skill.
General
Fluency and Coherence: What Counts as Fluent, and What Does Not
Fluency and coherence covers two things: how smoothly you speak, and how well your ideas connect. Speed is not what the descriptors reward. This guide shows the bands, and what changes from band 6 to band 7.
Speaking
How IELTS Speaking Is Marked: The Four Criteria Explained
Four criteria decide your Speaking band, and each one counts equally. This guide explains what each one measures. It also shows how the four scores combine, and what changes from band 6 to band 7.
Speaking
Lexical Resource: Why a Bigger Vocabulary Is Not the Answer
Lexical resource measures how well you use the words you know. Precise, natural word choice matters more than rare words. This guide shows the bands, and what changes from band 6 to band 7.
Writing
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Range Without Errors
Grammatical range and accuracy asks how varied your sentences are, and how accurate they are. This guide shows the bands, and what changes from band 6 to band 7.
Writing
Task Response: What Examiners Are Actually Looking For
Task response checks whether you answered the question you were given. Your position must be clear and your ideas developed. This guide shows the bands, and what changes from band 6 to band 7.
Writing
Coherence and Cohesion: The Criterion Most Candidates Misread
Coherence and cohesion measures how well your writing is organised and how clearly your ideas connect. More linking words is not the fix. This guide shows what band 7 asks for instead.
Writing
How IELTS Writing Is Marked: The Four Criteria and How They Combine
Four criteria decide your Writing band, and Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1. This guide explains each criterion and how the task scores combine.
Writing
IELTS Band Scores Explained: What Your Score Actually Means
IELTS reports each section and your overall result as a band from 0 to 9. This guide explains what each band means and how the overall band is calculated. It also covers pass marks and CEFR levels.
General
Checked against ielts.org's Writing and Speaking band descriptors on 8 September 2026.