Band9Prep vs. Grammarly
Why generic grammar checkers can cost you a 0.5 to 1.0 band score reduction on your IELTS writing test—and why specialized AI feedback is key.
At a Glance
How both tools perform for specific IELTS goals.
Grammarly
Best for general proofreading- ✗No understanding of IELTS Task Response or Prompt requirements
- ✗No predicted IELTS band score for writing tasks
- ✗No speaking, reading, or listening mock tests available
- ✓Excellent at correcting basic spelling, grammar, and generic word choice
Band9Prep
Built specifically for IELTS prep- ✓Instant band scores mapped accurately to the four IELTS grading criteria
- ✓Coherence and task response checks with tips to rewrite paragraphs for higher band scores
- ✓Unlimited Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening practice
- ✓Highly affordable premium plans at just $9.99/month
The Four Grading Criteria
How they evaluate your IELTS essay
| IELTS Grading Criteria | Band9Prep Response | Grammarly Response |
|---|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Response | Checks if you answered all parts of the prompt, provides score, and details how to improve details. | No IELTS task analysis. Only evaluates general clarity and engagement. |
| Coherence & Cohesion | Analyzes paragraph structure, transition words, logical progression, and sentence linking. | Suggests paragraph splits or sentence shortening, but no cohesive device score. |
| Lexical Resource | Highlights repetitive vocabulary, evaluates academic word usage, and suggests high-scoring synonyms. | Basic spelling/grammar suggestions, but lacks IELTS band score vocabulary mapping. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | Scores syntax variety (complex vs. simple sentences) and highlights specific IELTS grammar rules. | Excellent general grammar checker, but does not score range or academic appropriateness. |
Why Grammarly Alone Can Hurt Your Score
Grammarly is designed for business communications, emails, and general essays. It corrects you when your sentences are complex, often suggesting shorter, simpler phrasing to make the text "readable".
However, to score **Band 7 or higher** in IELTS, you are explicitly graded on your ability to use a **variety of complex structures (Grammatical Range & Accuracy)**. Relying solely on Grammarly to rewrite your essays often dilutes your grammatical range, leading to lower scores than you deserve.
💡 Example Scenario:
You write: "Although many people claim that technology enhances social connection, it actually breeds isolation."
Grammarly might suggest splitting this into two simpler sentences for "clarity". But doing so loses the complex clause structure required to demonstrate Band 8 grammatical proficiency! Band9Prep flags the exact grammar patterns you need to keep to secure a higher score.
Get the feedback that actually gets you a Band 9
Stop guessing your score. Get instant, reliable, criteria-based evaluation for Writing and Speaking.
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