Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Writing
'Certificated IELTS examiners assess your performance on each Writing task' (ielts.org). 'Each task is assessed independently', the criteria are weighted equally within a task, and Task 2 carries more weight (ielts.org).
IDP's Speaking FAQ answers who marks Writing: 'one examiner will mark your Task 1 answer and a different examiner will mark your Task 2 answer. They do not know each other and your identity at all. They also do not know the score given by the other examiner' (IDP).
Speaking
The Speaking test is a face-to-face interview with an examiner, and certificated examiners assess your performance throughout the test (ielts.org). IDP says the person who examines you gives your score as soon as you leave the room, and that the recording is also used to monitor examiners (IDP). IDP India says the Speaking test is conducted with a certified human examiner (IDP India).
| Writing | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|
| Marked by | Certificated IELTS examiners | The certificated examiner who interviews you |
| Criteria | Task Achievement/Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy | Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, Pronunciation |
| Split | Task 1 and Task 2 marked by different examiners (IDP) | One examiner, scored as you leave (IDP) |
| Weighting | Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1 | Four criteria weighted equally |
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If you disagree with the mark
You can request a review through an Enquiry on Results, in which test papers are re-marked by senior examiners; the fee is refunded if your band score changes (ielts.org). Our re-mark guide covers the details.
Frequently asked questions
Is IELTS Writing marked by AI?+
ielts.org says certificated IELTS examiners assess each Writing task.
Is my Speaking examiner the one who marks my Writing?+
IDP says the Speaking examiner scores your Speaking, while Task 1 and Task 2 of Writing are marked by two different examiners.
Do Writing examiners know who I am?+
IDP says they do not know your identity or the score the other examiner gave.
Is computer-delivered Writing marked differently?+
No. ielts.org's format pages describe the same examiners and criteria whether you type or use Writing on Paper.
Keep reading
Related
- How accurate is IELTS scoring?
- Is the IELTS Speaking test recorded?
- IELTS re-mark (Enquiry on Results)
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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