Document 2.2.1
IELTS Level 7 Descriptors
IELTS – Level 7 Criteria
Speaking band descriptors
Fluency and coherence Lexical resource Grammatical range and Pronunciation
accuracy
Speaks at length without Uses vocabulary resource Uses a range of complex Uses a range of
noticeable effort or loss of flexibly to discuss a variety structures with some pronunciation features with
coherence of topics flexibility mixed control
May demonstrate Uses some less common Frequently produces error- Shows some effective use
language-related hesitation and idiomatic vocabulary free sentences, though of features but not
at times, or some repetition and shows some awareness some grammatical sustained
or self-correction of style and collocation, mistakes persist Can generally be
Uses a range of with some inappropriate understood throughout,
connectives and discourse choices though mispronunciation
markers with some Uses paraphrases of individual words or
flexibility effectively sounds reduces clarity at
times
Shows some of:
Uses a wide range of
pronunciation features
Sustains flexible use of
features, with only
occasional lapses
Is easy to understand
throughout:L1 accent
shows minimal effect on
intelligibility
Writing Band descriptors
Task Achievement Coherence and Cohesion Lexical Resource Grammatical Range and
Accuracy
Covers the requirements of Logically organises Uses a sufficient range of Uses a variety of complex
the task information and ideas: vocabulary to allow some structures
(Academic) presents a there is a clear progression flexibility and precision Produces frequent error-
clear overview of main throughout Uses less common lexical free sentences
trends, differences or Uses a range of cohesive items with some awareness Has good control of
stages devices appropriately of style and collocation grammar and punctuation
Presents a clear position although there may be May produce occasional but may make a few errors
throughout the response some under/over-use errors in word choice,
Clearly presents and Presents a clear central spelling and/or word
highlights key topic within each formation
features/bullet points but paragraph
could be more fully
extended
Presents, extends and
supports main ideas, but
there may be a tendency to
over-generalise and/or
supporting ideas may lack
focus
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