How Examiners Score IELTS Lexical Resource in Writing
Writing LR criterion · Collocation · May 2026
Direct answer
Writing Lexical Resource measures how well you use words—not how rare they are. Examiners reward precise verbs, strong collocation, and style fit. They penalize repetition, wrong word form, and memorized Band 9 words used wrongly. Ten advanced words used incorrectly often scores Band 6 LR with Band 7 grammar.
What Writing LR descriptors reward
LR is separate from Task Response and CC. Examiners read for variety with control. See Speaking Lexical Resource and unnatural collocation trap.
Precision Exact verb-noun partners
Variety Paraphrase of key prompt terms
Control Word form and register fit the task
Band 6 vs Band 7 Writing LR
| Level | Examiner read |
|---|---|
| Band 6 | Adequate range; some errors in word choice |
| Band 7 | Less common items with occasional collocation slips |
| Band 6 trap | Synonym swapping without nuance |
| Band 7 habit | Topic-specific vocabulary throughout |
LR upgrade without word lists
- Collect 15 collocations per Task 2 theme—not isolated words.
- Highlight repeated nouns in practice essays; paraphrase once each.
- Delete any word you cannot define in plain English.
- Read model essays for collocation, not vocabulary count.
Key takeaways
- Writing LR = precision and collocation, not rare words.
- Wrong word form is an LR error, not only GRA.
- Memorized advanced words without control cap LR at 6.
- Paraphrase the prompt accurately for Band 7 variety.
FAQ
No—incorrect rare words lower LR; simple precise words score higher.
Spelling errors may affect LR and GRA depending on severity and frequency.
Writing expects academic register control; Speaking rewards flexible paraphrase in real time.
See if LR precision—not grammar alone—is blocking your Writing band.
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