What does Lexical Resource band 7 mean in IELTS writing?
Lexical Resource is your vocabulary score: one of four criteria in each writing task, and the criteria count equally. At band 7, the examiner is not counting long words. They are asking three questions: is your range wide enough to say things precisely, do you reach beyond the everyday default words for the topic, and do your words fit together and fit the task?
Lexical Resource bands 6, 7 and 8 in plain English
| Band | Range | Less common words | Control |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Adequate for the task, but rather restricted or imprecise | A risk-taker uses more, with more mistakes | Some spelling and form errors, meaning still clear |
| 7 | Enough for some flexibility and precision | Some ability to use them | Style and collocation awareness, with some slips |
| 8 | Wide, used fluently for precise meanings | Used skilfully, when appropriate | Only occasional slips in word choice and collocation |
Paraphrased from the Task 2 Lexical Resource descriptors, PDF pages 7–8.
Notice the band 6 line. The descriptor says a writer who takes risks with vocabulary shows a wider range but more inaccuracy or inappropriacy. In other words, rare words used wrongly keep you at 6. Band 7 is reached by words that are slightly less obvious and also correct.
Band 6 style: Cutting the grass less often is goodvague because it saves a lot of moneydefault. Band 7 style: Mowing roadside vergesprecise noun only twice a year cuts councils' maintenance billscollocation considerably.
- → Nothing here is rare. 'Roadside verges' and 'maintenance bills' are ordinary words that say exactly what is cut and who pays.
Premium sheet · 5 more sections
- What are less common lexical items? Before-and-after examples
- Awareness of style and collocation: the band 7 check
- Band 7 Lexical Resource example: one paragraph, three versions
- How to improve Lexical Resource in IELTS writing
- Your turn: band 7 vocabulary check
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Questions
FAQ
What is Lexical Resource in IELTS?+
It is the vocabulary criterion in Writing and Speaking. In Writing it is one of four equally weighted criteria for each task, and it covers range, precision, collocation, style, spelling and word formation.
What are less common lexical items in IELTS?+
Words and phrases more specific than the everyday default for a topic, such as 'pollinating insects' instead of 'animals'. They do not need to be rare; they need to be precise and used correctly.
What does awareness of style and collocation mean?+
Collocation is choosing the words a word normally goes with, such as 'pose a threat'. Style is choosing words that suit the task, so an essay avoids poetic, legal or proverb-like language.
Can we use idioms in IELTS writing?+
Natural fixed expressions such as 'in the long run' or 'strike a balance' are fine when they fit. Proverbs and colourful idioms usually read as decoration in an essay and can hurt the style.
What is the difference between Lexical Resource band 7 and 8?+
Band 7 shows some ability with less common items and some slips in style and collocation. Band 8 uses a wide resource fluently, with skilful use of uncommon items and only occasional inaccuracies.
How can I improve Lexical Resource in IELTS writing?+
Rewrite your own paragraphs: replace vague default words with topic-specific ones, check each new word's usual partners in a learner's dictionary, and check the style and spelling.
Sources
- IELTS Writing Band Descriptors, Task 2, Lexical Resource (ielts.org, updated May 2023): PDF page 7 (bands 7–9); PDF page 8 (band 6, including the risk-taker note)
- IELTS Writing Band Descriptors, Task 1, Lexical Resource (ielts.org, updated May 2023): PDF page 3 (band 7 wording, identical to Task 2)
- IELTS scoring in detail: Writing (ielts.org): https://ielts.org/take-a-test/your-results/ielts-scoring-in-detail
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