Samples by band
See what each score looks like. Every answer is annotated against the official criteria, so you can spot what to copy and what to avoid.
29 Writing 16 SpeakingTap a colour to jump to that level.
- 4.5–5.57BuildingSimple sentences, some errors
- 6–6.56CompetentSome complex sentences
- 7–7.517StrongWide range of structures
- 8–915ExpertPrecise, natural phrasing
AllWritingSpeakingWriting Task 2Academic Task 1General Task 1Speaking Part 1Speaking Part 2Speaking Part 3
Band 4.5–5.5 · Building
The message gets through, but errors and gaps slow the reader down.
- Simple sentences, some errors
- Ideas listed, not developed
- Limited word range
5.55.55.55.0
Show all 7 at this level →Academic Task 1
Commuting in a European city (Band 5.5 version)
Speaking Part 1
Food and cooking (Band 5.5)
Speaking Part 2
A holiday place (Band 5.5 version)
Speaking Part 1
Where you live (Band 5 version)
Band 6–6.5 · Competent
Mostly clear and relevant, with a mix of structures and a few slips.
- Some complex sentences
- Ideas present, thinly supported
- Adequate vocabulary
6.56.56.06.0
Show all 6 at this level →Speaking Part 2
A holiday place (Band 6.5 version)
Writing Task 2
Are zoos necessary? (opinion essay)
General Task 1
A letter to a friend (informal)
General Task 1
Complaint about an online order (Band 6 version)
Band 7–7.5 · Strong
Clear position, well-developed ideas, flexible language, few errors.
- Wide range of structures
- Every idea extended and exemplified
- Less common words used well
7.57.57.57.5
Show all 17 at this level →Academic Task 1
Commuting in a European city (Band 7.5 version)
Academic Task 1
How people travel to work (bar chart data)
Academic Task 1
Recycling paper (process)
General Task 1
A job enquiry (formal)
Band 8–9 · Expert
Natural, precise and fully developed. Errors are rare and slight.
- Precise, natural phrasing
- Seamless flow of ideas
- Skilful, accurate control
9.08.58.08.0
Show all 15 at this level →Writing Task 2
Cooking at school (Band 9 version)
Speaking Part 2
A holiday place (Band 8.5 version)
Academic Task 1
Internet access by country (table)
Academic Task 1