CHECKLIST FOR BAND 9.0 IN TASK 1
TASK ACHIEVEMENT
Overview
☐ I have written a clear overview that summarises the most important information.
(The overview should appear early — usually after the introduction — and not be buried in a body paragraph.)
☐ My overview covers the main trend, pattern or difference — not individual data points.
☐ My overview is appropriate for the task type: (Change over time → main trends | Comparison → main differences | Process → all main stages | Map → all main changes or differences)
Body Paragraph
☐ I have selected the most significant key features to describe — not tried to mention every figure.
☐ Key features are clearly highlighted, not just listed.
☐ I have supported each key feature with relevant data from the graph, chart or diagram.
☐ Where relevant, I have made accurate comparisons between categories or time points.
☐ I have not included my own opinions or explanations for why trends occur. (Common mistake)
COHERENCE & COHESION
☐ Each body paragraph has a topic sentence that explains the logic of the grouping. (e.g. 'The three countries with the highest consumption show a similar upward trend.')
☐ My paragraphing is logical — data is grouped meaningfully, not randomly.
☐ Ideas are ordered logically and the response has a clear progression.
☐ I have used cohesive devices accurately — not overused or repeated mechanically. (e.g. Furthermore, In contrast, Similarly, Meanwhile, Overall)
☐ My use of referencing is clear and accurate. (e.g. 'this figure', 'these two countries', 'the former' — the reader always knows what is being referred to.)
☐ I have avoided unnecessary repetition through substitution and referencing.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
☐ My word choice is accurate — I haven't used words I'm not confident about.
☐ My collocations are natural. (e.g. 'a sharp increase', not 'a strong increase'; 'figures rose', not 'figures raised')
☐ My spelling is correct throughout.
☐ My word formation is correct — I've used the right noun, verb or adjective form.
☐ I have used a variety of vocabulary to describe data — not repeated the same words. (e.g. rose / increased / climbed / grew | fell / declined / dropped / decreased)
☐ I have used precise language to describe scale and speed of change. (e.g. dramatically, marginally, steadily, sharply, slightly, significantly)
☐ I have used appropriate academic register throughout — not informal language.
☐ I have attempted some less common or precise vocabulary where appropriate. (Band 7+)
GRAMMATICAL RANGE & ACCURACY
☐ My simple & complex sentences are grammatically correct — I haven't sacrificed accuracy for range.
☐ My verb tenses are correct and consistent throughout. (Past tense for historical data; present tense for processes, maps or current data.)
☐ My punctuation is correct — commas, full stops and apostrophes are used properly.
☐ Any errors that remain are minor and do not confuse the reader.
☐ I have used a variety of sentence structures — not just simple sentences.
☐ I have used complex structures accurately. (e.g. relative clauses, passive voice, participle phrases, comparatives)
☐ I have used passive voice appropriately, especially in process diagrams. (Band 7+)
