How band scores really work

9

Expert

Full command of English: accurate, appropriate and fluent, with complete understanding.

8

Very good

Full command with only occasional, unsystematic slips. May misunderstand in unfamiliar situations, but handles complex, detailed argument well.

7

Good

Operational command with occasional errors and misunderstandings. Generally handles complex language and follows detailed reasoning. This is the target for many competitive courses.

6

Competent

Generally effective command despite some errors. Uses and understands fairly complex language, especially in familiar situations. This is a common minimum for undergraduate study.

5

Modest

Partial command. Understands overall meaning in most situations but makes many mistakes. Can handle basic communication in their own field.

4

Limited

Basic competence in familiar situations only. Frequent problems with understanding and expression, and cannot use complex language.

3–1

Extremely limited to non-user

Communication breaks down often (3), is possible only with isolated words or short phrases (2), or is essentially absent (1).

0

Did not attempt

No assessable answers were given.

9

39–40

39–40

8.5

37–38

37–38

8

35–36

35–36

7.5

32–34

33–34

7

30–31

30–32

6.5

26–29

27–29

6

23–25

23–26

5.5

18–22

19–22

5

16–17

15–18

4.5

13–15

13–14

4

10–12

10–12

.0

unchanged

6.0 → 6.0

.125

rounded DOWN to the whole band

6.125 → 6.0

.25

rounded UP to .5

6.25 → 6.5

.375

rounded UP to .5

6.375 → 6.5

.5

unchanged

6.5 → 6.5

.625

rounded DOWN to .5

6.625 → 6.5

.75

rounded UP to the next whole band

6.75 → 7.0

.875

rounded UP to the next whole band

6.875 → 7.0

Task Achievement (Task 1)

Covers the task with an overview, but key features are only adequately highlighted; some details may be irrelevant or inaccurate.

Clear overview of the main trends or differences; key features clearly presented and highlighted, though they could be developed more fully.

Covers all requirements; key features clearly presented, highlighted and illustrated with well-chosen data; only occasional omissions.

Task Response (Task 2)

Addresses all parts, some more fully than others; a position is present but conclusions may be unclear or repetitive; some ideas underdeveloped.

Addresses all parts; a clear position throughout; main ideas extended and supported, though some may be over-generalised or lack focus.

Sufficiently addresses all parts; well-developed ideas that are relevant, extended and supported; only occasional lapses.

Coherence and Cohesion

Clear overall progression, but linking can be faulty or mechanical; referencing is not always clear; paragraphing may be illogical at times.

Logical organisation with clear progression; a range of linking devices used appropriately, with some over- or under-use; each paragraph has a clear central topic.

Information sequenced logically; all aspects of cohesion well managed; paragraphing sufficient and appropriate.

Lexical Resource

Adequate range; attempts less common words with some inaccuracy; spelling or word-formation errors that do not block meaning.

Enough range for some flexibility and precision; less common items used with awareness of style and collocation; occasional errors in word choice, spelling or form.

Wide range used fluently and flexibly to convey precise meanings; skilful use of uncommon items with only occasional inaccuracies; rare spelling errors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

A mix of simple and complex sentences; some grammar and punctuation errors, which rarely reduce communication.

A variety of complex structures; frequent error-free sentences; good control, though a few errors remain.

A wide range of structures; the majority of sentences are error-free; only very occasional errors.

Fluency and Coherence

Willing to speak at length, but coherence is sometimes lost through repetition, self-correction or hesitation; linking words not always appropriate.

Speaks at length without noticeable effort; some hesitation to find language, some repetition; uses a range of connectives and discourse markers with some flexibility.

Fluent, with only occasional repetition or self-correction; hesitation is mostly about ideas, rarely about finding words; topics developed coherently.

Lexical Resource

Vocabulary wide enough to discuss topics at length and make meaning clear despite some inappropriate choices; generally paraphrases successfully.

Uses vocabulary flexibly on a variety of topics; some less common and idiomatic language, with awareness of style and collocation; paraphrases effectively.

Wide vocabulary used readily and flexibly for precise meaning; less common and idiomatic language used skilfully, with occasional inaccuracies.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

A mix of simple and complex structures, with limited flexibility; frequent mistakes in complex structures, though these rarely cause misunderstanding.

A range of complex structures used with some flexibility; frequently error-free sentences, though some mistakes persist.

A wide range of structures used flexibly; the majority of sentences error-free, with only occasional slips.

Pronunciation

A range of features with mixed control; generally understood, but mispronounced words or sounds sometimes reduce clarity.

All the positive features of band 6 and some, but not all, of band 8.

A wide range of features (stress, rhythm, intonation) used flexibly; easy to understand throughout; first-language accent has minimal effect.