IELTS 5 to 6

Stop Giving Up on IELTS Writing: How to Break Through Band 6 and Achieve Band 7+

Introduction

You’ve been practicing your IELTS writing, but no matter what you do, your score seems stuck at 6.0 or 6.5. You might feel frustrated, thinking “why can’t I just get a Band 7 or higher?”

The reality is, IELTS Writing isn’t just about “writing well.” It’s about meeting very specific criteria that the examiners are looking for.

If you’re stuck, don’t give up. You just need a clearer strategy and a deeper understanding of what works. Let’s fix this.

Why Do Most Students Struggle?

1. You’re Not Meeting the Examiner’s Expectations

The examiner doesn’t care if your essay sounds impressive. They care if it meets the IELTS Band Descriptors, which focus on task response, coherence, grammar, and vocabulary.

You could be writing a perfectly nice essay, but if it doesn’t meet those standards, it won’t score higher than Band 6.

2. Templates Aren’t Enough

The biggest mistake many students make is relying on templates. They think writing the same essay structure for every task will guarantee success — but the examiners will notice when the ideas are shallow or disconnected. Templates are helpful, but depth and clarity are what really matter.

3. You’re Not Developing Your Ideas Fully

It’s easy to fall into the trap of listing ideas without fully explaining or developing them. The examiner wants to see clear, logical progression in your argument, with each point supported by examples.

The Key to Moving from Band 6 to Band 7+

1. Understand What the Examiner Wants

The IELTS Writing band descriptors are clear. To move from Band 6 to Band 7, you need to show:

  • Task Response: Directly address every part of the question. Don’t just skim over parts of it.
  • Coherence and Cohesion: Your ideas must flow logically, with clear connections and transitions.
  • Lexical Resource: Use a range of vocabulary naturally and accurately.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Use a variety of sentence structures, and be accurate with grammar.

2. Break Down Each Task

To improve, break each task down:

Task Response

  • Always answer every part of the question. For example, if the task asks you to “discuss both views and give your opinion,” you need to explain both views in detail and then give your clear opinion at the end.

Coherence and Cohesion

  • Organize your essay into clear paragraphs: an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
  • Use linking words (e.g., “furthermore,” “however,” “on the other hand”) to guide the reader through your ideas. Don’t jump from one point to the next without explanation.

Lexical Resource

  • Avoid overused words like “good” or “bad.” Instead, opt for more specific vocabulary (e.g., “beneficial,” “detrimental”).
  • Use a range of words for similar ideas, but always make sure they’re used correctly. Misusing a word can lower your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

  • Use a variety of sentence structures: simple, compound, and complex sentences.
  • Be careful with punctuation and grammar rules, especially with tenses and subject-verb agreement.

3. Practice Small, Focused Tasks

Don’t try to write a full essay every time. Break down your practice into focused tasks:

  • Write a clear introduction in under 5 minutes.
  • Develop one strong idea in a body paragraph.
  • Focus on grammatical accuracy in one section (e.g., using relative clauses).

Small, focused practice helps you master each element of the essay and builds confidence over time.

4. Get Feedback and Improve

Feedback is critical. After each practice essay, ask yourself:

  • Did I address all parts of the task?
  • Were my ideas fully developed?
  • Did I vary my sentence structures?
  • Did I use precise vocabulary?

Seek feedback from a teacher or tutor who knows the IELTS marking criteria. If you’re practicing alone, compare your essays with Band 7+ sample essays to see where you need improvement.

Action Plan: Quick Tasks to Start Improving Today

  1. Pick one topic (e.g., education, environment, health) and write an introduction and one body paragraph. Focus on clarity and depth of ideas.
  2. Read a Band 7+ essay and highlight the linking words, vocabulary, and sentence structures used.
  3. Write a 250-word essay under time pressure (40 minutes), focusing on improving Task Response.
  4. Review your writing for grammar mistakes — do this after writing, not during.

Final Words: Don’t Give Up, Just Improve

You don’t have to “give up” on IELTS Writing. You just need to learn how to approach it strategically. Break down each section, practice with focus, and get feedback on what works and what doesn’t.

Start small, improve your weaknesses, and the Band 7+ score will come. It’s all in your hands.