IELTS 5 to 6

How to Improve IELTS Writing Task 2 from 6.5 to 7

Introduction

Stuck at Band 6.5 in IELTS Writing Task 2?

You’re not alone. Most learners hit a wall here — not because they don’t work hard, but because the Band 7 jump is structural, not just lexical. You need to shift how you write, not just improve what you write.

This guide shows you:

  • The real reasons you’re stuck at 6.5
  • The 4 core fixes that boost your score
  • Grammar and vocabulary targets for Band 7
  • Links to tools, templates, and sample essays

Explore more:

  • [IELTS Band 7 Essay Structure Guide]
  • [Band 7 Grammar Patterns]
  • [IELTS Vocabulary by Topic]
  • [Common Mistakes at Band 6.5]
  • [Free IELTS Essay Feedback Tracker PDF]

Why You’re Stuck at Band 6.5

1. Unclear Position in the Thesis

IELTS wants an opinion in the first paragraph — not a vague idea.

Bad:

There are arguments for both sides and this essay will discuss them.

Band 7+:

This essay will argue that governments should prioritize public health because prevention reduces costs and improves lives.

2. Ideas Are Too Generic

Band 6.5 ideas often sound like:

Education is important in life. It helps people. Society improves.

Band 7+ ideas give:

  • Specific reasons
  • Logical development
  • Real-world examples

Upgrade:

Education improves public health by teaching preventative care strategies, which lowers national healthcare spending.

3. Coherence Isn’t Flowing

At Band 6.5, paragraphs feel like stacked points. Band 7 needs logical progression and connection.

Use these:

  • One clear topic sentence
  • One example per point
  • One result or analysis sentence

Structure inside a paragraph:

Idea → Explanation → Example → Result

4. Grammar is Solid But Not Varied

At Band 6.5, your grammar may be accurate — but not flexible.

Add these for Band 7:

  • Conditional structures
  • Complex clauses
  • Tag questions (for tone)

Example:

Governments could reduce healthcare costs if they focused more on public education, couldn’t they?

Vocabulary Targets for Band 7

  1. Collocations:
  • make a decision
  • take responsibility
  • raise awareness
  • reduce poverty
  • enforce laws
  1. Topic-Specific Terms:
    Use precise words for each essay topic (e.g., “carbon emissions,” “income disparity,” “digital literacy”)
  2. Linking Phrases:
    Use subtle transitions:
  • One contributing factor is…
  • A clear example of this is…
  • This leads to…

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Footer

Still stuck at 6.5 in Writing Task 2?

  • Download: “Why You’re Stuck at 6.5 – and How to Break Through” (PDF)
  • Access: Templates, feedback, and real Band 7–8 model essays
  • Join: The IELTS Power Writing Program — a proven system that rewires your thinking, structure, and flow so your essays hit Band 7+

Built by a veteran IELTS instructor with 25+ years of experience, this isn’t just about grammar. It’s about transformation — from formulaic to fluent.