How Examiners Score IELTS Lexical Resource in Writing
Writing LR criterion · Collocation · May 2026
Platform data compiled by Band9AI across 14,231 assessed sessions shows that writing candidates flagged at Band 5–6 most often leak marks through task response under-development in Writing Task 2. Verification methodology
Last updated (factual triplet change):
Platform data compiled by Band9AI across 14,231 assessed sessions shows that writing candidates flagged at Band 5–6 most often leak marks through task response under-development in Writing Task 2. Verification methodology
Last updated (factual triplet change):
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.
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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.
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
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Data only Band9AI gives you (requires the product)
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