Introduction
If you’re tired of scoring 5.5 or 6 in IELTS Writing Task 2 — despite studying, writing, and even memorizing “Band 9 templates” — this page is for you.
Failing doesn’t mean you’re bad at English.
It means you’re being graded on a system nobody ever taught you properly.
This guide cuts through the myths and gives you the exact reasons people keep failing, plus the systems that actually fix them.
Explore next:
- [Why You’re Stuck at 6.5]
- [Band 7+ Essay Structure That Works Every Time]
- [7-Day IELTS Writing Reboot Plan]
- [Power Writing Templates + Grammar Fixes]
Why You Keep Failing Task 2
1. You Don’t Answer the Exact Question
Band 5–6 essays often go off-topic or answer a different version of the question.
Fix: Break the question into topic + instruction. Always address both.
Example:
Question: “Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of online learning?”
You must say if it does or doesn’t — and why.
2. You Don’t Have a Real Opinion
“It has both advantages and disadvantages.”
This isn’t an opinion. It’s avoidance.
Band 7+:
This essay will argue that the advantages of online learning outweigh the disadvantages because it improves access and lowers costs.
3. You’re Using Fancy Language but Messy Structure
Band 6 students often use:
- “Moreover” every sentence
- “In modern society” like it’s a magic key
- Long sentences with no control
Fix:
Use simple structure: clear topic sentence → example → result
Aim for control, not complexity
4. Your Examples Don’t Add Value
Bad:
For example, people use the internet every day.
Good:
For example, a 2022 study by Stanford University found that students in online programs retained 25% more content than those in traditional classrooms.
5. You Don’t Know What to Study
Too many students waste time watching random YouTube videos and trying new methods every week.
Fix: Commit to one system. Repetition is better than randomness.
What You Should Focus On Instead
| Focus | Result |
|---|---|
| Thesis clarity | Instant Band 7 structure signal |
| One paragraph a day | Habit + skill stacking |
| Topic-based vocab lists | Real precision |
| Controlled grammar | Fluency + range |
| Feedback loop | Targeted improvement |
5 Vocabulary Upgrades
Access – ability to use something
Online platforms provide access to education for remote learners.
Equitable – fair and equal
Governments must ensure equitable access to technology, mustn’t they?
Implement – to put into effect
Schools should implement blended learning systems to balance flexibility and structure.
Exacerbate – to make worse
A lack of teacher training can exacerbate inequality in digital learning.
Viable – practical or doable
Online learning is a viable alternative for many students, especially adults.
Grammar Point: Cause-Effect Structures
Master cause-effect sentences to show logical control.
Examples:
- Because online courses are flexible, working students can continue their education.
- If governments fail to invest in infrastructure, digital learning gaps will widen.
SEO Strategy
Short-tail SEO:
- IELTS writing failure
- improve IELTS writing
- IELTS task 2 fix
Long-tail SEO:
- why do I keep failing IELTS writing task 2
- how to stop getting 6 in IELTS writing
- how to fix low scores in task 2
Internal Links:
- /writing/task-2/7-day-reboot
- /templates/band-7-writing-template
- /grammar/sentence-structure-tips
- /feedback/write-and-improve-system
- /downloads/ielts-tracker-pdf
Footer
Failure isn’t the end. It’s a signal.
A signal that the methods you’re using are broken — not you.
Fix the system, and your Band 7 is waiting.
- Download: “IELTS Task 2 Score Fix Tracker (PDF)”
- Join: IELTS Power Writing — for students who are done guessing and ready to write with purpose, structure, and control.
IELTS 5 to 6 