How Examiners Evaluate Grammatical Range and Accuracy
GRA criterion · Writing & Speaking · May 2026
Direct answer
Grammatical Range and Accuracy rewards flexible structures used accurately—not long sentences packed with mistakes. Examiners count error density, whether mistakes impede meaning, and whether you attempt subordination and varied clause patterns beyond safe simple chains. Frequent article, tense, and agreement slips in every paragraph usually cap GRA at Band 6 even when ideas are strong.
How examiners read GRA evidence
GRA applies to Writing and Speaking. Examiners note whether errors are occasional slips or systematic. See Coherence and Cohesion and conditional overuse trap.
Range Mix of simple and complex forms—not only compounds
Accuracy Errors rarely impede meaning at Band 7
Control Tense consistency when narrating or arguing
Band 6 vs Band 7 GRA signals
| Level | Examiner read |
|---|---|
| Band 6 | Mix of short and attempted complex; errors sometimes impede |
| Band 7 | Flexible range; errors are minor slips |
| Band 8 | Wide range; very few non-impeding errors |
| Trap | Long sentences with multiple grammar failures |
GRA improvement order
- Fix systematic article and tense patterns on old essays.
- Add one complex pattern per paragraph—do not stack three.
- Read aloud: if you stumble, the examiner will too.
- Score GRA alone on timed tasks before chasing rare vocabulary.
Key takeaways
- GRA = range plus accuracy under pressure, not sentence length.
- Error clusters cap bands faster than one spectacular mistake.
- Speaking GRA includes self-correction that does not disrupt flow.
- Fix systematic errors before adding complexity.
FAQ
No. Uncontrolled complexity with frequent errors stays at Band 6 or below.
No. Meaning-blocking errors weigh more than minor slips on low-frequency words.
Same criterion family; Speaking allows brief self-repair if fluency recovers.
Find whether GRA error clusters—not ideas—cap your band.
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