Whether you’re aiming for Band 6.5 or pushing for Band 8, one thing is clear: understanding what examiners truly value is the fastest way to raise your writing score. This guide reveals exactly what IELTS examiners are trained to reward — and how you can give it to them.
1. A Clear, Focused Opinion (Task Response)
What they love: A clearly stated, well-developed opinion that stays consistent from start to finish.
Avoid: Sitting on the fence, repeating the question, or offering vague opinions like “I agree with both.”
Do this instead:
- State your position in the introduction.
- Reinforce it in the conclusion.
- Make sure each body paragraph supports it.
Example: “I strongly agree that governments should invest more in public transport, as this benefits both the environment and long-term urban efficiency.”
2. Logical, Easy-to-Follow Structure (Coherence & Cohesion)
What they love: Clear progression of ideas, effective use of paragraphs, and logical linking devices.
Avoid: One-paragraph essays, jumping between ideas, and overusing linkers like “Moreover” or “Firstly.”
Do this instead:
- Use 4–5 paragraphs (Intro, BP1, BP2, Conclusion).
- Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence.
- Use linking words naturally: therefore, in contrast, as a result, while, although.
Bonus Tip: Use reference words (this, these, such) to avoid repetition and sound more academic.
3. Precision and Variety in Vocabulary (Lexical Resource)
What they love: Topic-specific vocabulary used naturally and accurately.
Avoid: Repeating common words like “good,” “bad,” “thing,” or “people.”
Do this instead:
- Use precise words: sustainable, congestion, digital divide, legislation.
- Use collocations: public transport funding, environmental damage, income inequality.
- Use one or two less common words correctly — but don’t force it.
Pro Tip: Show awareness of register — use formal language, avoid contractions.
4. A Range of Grammar Structures with Control (Grammatical Range & Accuracy)
What they love: Complex, accurate sentences that mix conditionals, passives, clauses, and varied tenses.
Avoid: Long, rambling sentences that are hard to follow or riddled with errors.
Do this instead:
- Mix short and long sentences.
- Use at least one conditional, one passive, and one complex sentence per essay.
- Don’t try to be fancy — aim for clarity + variety.
Example: “While some argue that individuals cannot make a difference, I believe collective action can lead to substantial change.”
Final Takeaway: Give the Examiner What They’re Trained to Reward
Examiners don’t care about sounding smart. They care about whether your writing is clear, relevant, well-supported, and well-structured.
The four areas they score you on — Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammar — are not a mystery. They’re a blueprint.
If your writing delivers what they’re looking for in each of these areas, your score goes up.
IELTS 5 to 6 