What separates a 7 from an 8

All parts answered, with a clear position throughout.

• Covers every part of the question, not just one angle.
• A clear position is presented and held to the end.
• Main ideas are developed, not left as bare claims.

Fully addressed, well developed, and focused.

• Addresses all parts and stays relevant the whole way.
• Ideas are fully developed with support.
• The position is clear and consistent.

Everything developed in depth, perfectly on task.

• Fully addresses all parts of the question.
• Ideas are extended and supported in depth.
• Position is clear, consistent and convincing.

Clearly organised, with flexible linking.

• Clear overall progression from start to finish.
• Uses a range of cohesive devices flexibly.
• Paragraphs are well handled and unified.

Logical, well managed, easy to follow.

• Information and ideas flow logically.
• Cohesive devices are used well, not mechanically.
• Paragraphing is skilfully managed.

Effortless to follow, seamless cohesion.

• Ideas flow logically with no effort for the reader.
• Cohesive devices are used without being noticeable.
• Paragraphing is skillfully handled.

Good range with some flexibility and precision.

• A good range of vocabulary for the topic.
• Uses less common words with some flexibility.
• Some inaccuracies, but rare and won't cause misunderstanding.

Wide range used smoothly and precisely.

• A wide vocabulary used with flexibility and precision.
• Skilfully uses uncommon words and idiomatic language.
• Rare slip or a few slight errors only.

Full, natural, precise vocabulary.

• A full range that is used naturally and precisely.
• Handles less common and idiomatic language skillfully.
• No obvious errors in vocabulary choice.

Varied structures with good control.

• Uses a variety of complex structures.
• Most sentences are error-free.
• Errors are infrequent and don't interfere with meaning.

Wide range, mostly accurate.

• A wide range of structures used flexibly.
• Most sentences are error-free.
• Any errors are rare and hard to spot.

Full range, near-perfect accuracy.

• Uses the full range of structures naturally.
• Error-free for nearly all the response.
• Control is consistently accurate.