IELTS Writing Task 2: Band 6.5 vs Band 7 Sample Essay Breakdown with Tips
IELTS Writing Task 2: Why You’re Stuck at 6.5 — And How to Break Through
If you’ve practiced hard but still can’t push past Band 6.5 in IELTS Writing Task 2, you’re not alone. This page gives you a clear, side-by-side comparison of a Band 6.5 essay and a Band 7 response — using the same IELTS Writing Task 2 question.
You’ll learn:
- Why 6.5 happens (even if your English is “good”)
- How IELTS examiners score your essays
- What vocabulary, tone, and structure look like at Band 7
- What to avoid copying from Band 9 model essays
This is not theory. It’s applied IELTS strategy, based on real examiner scoring criteria.
If you want a Band 7 or higher, stop memorizing phrases and start mastering the moves that actually matter.
Read This Like an Examiner: What’s Holding This Essay at 6.5?
Before you read the Band 6.5 version of the essay, here’s the key:
This is not a bad essay. In fact, it’s dangerously close to Band 7. It answers the question, follows a structure, and uses understandable English. But that’s exactly the problem: it’s “safe” — not strategic.
As you read, look out for these core issues that quietly hold the score down:
- Vagueness of Opinion
The writer doesn’t take full control of their message. Their position is there, but it lacks strength and clarity. - Underdeveloped Ideas
The paragraphs mention problems and benefits, but explanations are thin and examples are missing. Examiners notice this instantly. - Repetition in Vocabulary and Grammar
The same words and sentence structures show up again and again. This limits the lexical and grammatical range score. - Basic Tone
The writing “gets the job done,” but it doesn’t guide, persuade, or impress. There’s no voice of authority.
Read this essay like an examiner — or better yet, like a strategist.
You’re not just spotting mistakes. You’re learning how to outscore them.
Let’s go in.
IELTS Writing Task 2 – Band 6.5 Model Essay
Question:
Many people believe that social networking sites (such as Facebook) have had a huge negative impact on both individuals and society. To what extent do you agree?
Essay
Introduction
Social networking websites like Facebook are popular today and many people use them every day. I think there are good things and bad things about them. In my view, they help people talk to others but they also cause some problems for the society.
📝 Comment: Position is present but vague. Introduction lacks clarity and precision. This affects Task Response.
Body Paragraph 1
For individuals, these websites are helpful. People can meet other people and share opinions. It is easy to talk to friends or family members even if they are far away. People can also join groups and follow news or hobbies they like. This is better than before when it was harder to know about other cultures.
📝 Comment: Ideas are relevant but too general. No examples. Vocabulary is basic and repeated (“people,” “talk,” “meet”).
Body Paragraph 2
But there are many problems also. Many people don’t join local events because they like to stay online. This makes communities weaker and people feel lonely sometimes. In society, some people talk only with internet friends, and they don’t have real relationships. If people spend too much time on social media, it can make society more separated. It is better to meet people face to face but that is not happening much these days.
📝 Comment: Main ideas are present, but development is limited. Expression is simple, and sentence structures are repetitive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I think these websites are good for talking to others, but also cause many bad things in society. We should use them less and try to talk to people in real life.
📝 Comment: Conclusion is overly simplistic. Repeats ideas without synthesis. Weak grammar (“bad things”).
📘 Examiner Feedback Summary
| Criterion | Band | Comments |
| Task Response | 6.5 | · “In IELTS Writing Task 2, Band 6.5 often means the ideas are relevant but underdeveloped.” |
| Coherence & Cohesion | 6.5 | Ideas are organised but basic. Limited use of cohesive devices. Some repetition of sentence patterns. |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 | Vocabulary is limited and repetitive. Errors with word choice (e.g., “bad things”). No higher-level collocations. |
| Grammar Range & Accuracy | 6.5 | Some complex structures attempted, but many are basic. Frequent repetition of sentence forms. Some errors affect tone and clarity. |
✅ Overall Band Score: 6.5
This essay shows the features of a typical Band 6.5:
- Relevant ideas, but limited development
- Mostly simple language
- Some awkward or vague expressions
- Repetitive sentence structures
Here’s a confident, persuasive introduction for the Band 7 essay, with a spotlight on vocabulary — designed to show the student that this version isn’t just “better,” it’s smarter, tighter, and more intentional in word choice. Tone: authoritative with a coaching vibe.
Band 7 in Action: How Vocabulary Elevates the Entire Essay
This Band 7 essay shows what happens when a candidate takes control of their vocabulary — not by using big words, but by using the right words.
“This IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essay demonstrates the tone and structure of a true Band 7.”
Here’s what to look for as you read:
1. Precise Vocabulary
Words like “connected,” “isolated,” “real-world communities,” and “supportive relationships” communicate ideas clearly without sounding forced or over-complicated. There’s no attempt to impress — just a calm mastery of tone.
2. Reduced Repetition
Instead of saying “people” five times in one paragraph, the writer uses synonyms and variations: individuals, users, members of society. This adds subtle variety and earns points for lexical resource.
3. Topic-Relevant Collocations
Phrases like “local events,” “online interactions,” and “stay active in their local areas” show an understanding of how words naturally go together. This is what examiners are trained to reward.
Not Too Fancy — Just Focused
Notice: there are no “academic” words for the sake of it. No memorised phrases. No awkward formalities. Just clean, confident English.
This is vocabulary that serves the message.
And that’s what Band 7 looks like.
IELTS Writing Task 2 – Band 7 Model Essay
Question:
Many people believe that social networking sites (such as Facebook) have had a huge negative impact on both individuals and society. To what extent do you agree?
Introduction
Social media websites like Facebook have changed how people communicate and connect. While I believe these platforms have helped individuals stay in touch with others, I also think they have had a negative effect on society, especially at the community level.
Body Paragraph 1
There are some clear advantages for individuals who use social networking sites. For example, they can make new friends and communicate with people from different parts of the world. This can help people learn about different cultures and ideas. In the past, it was much harder to meet others who lived far away, but now anyone with internet access can join online groups and share their thoughts. These platforms can also help people who feel shy or isolated to find support and connection online.
Body Paragraph 2
However, these benefits for individuals do not always help the wider community. Many people are now less involved in local events and activities because they spend more time online. This can make neighborhoods weaker, as people stop building relationships with those around them. It can also lead to a feeling of loneliness, because online friendships may not provide the same kind of support as real-life connections. Communities might become more disconnected if people continue to focus more on online interactions than on their local environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although social media helps individuals feel more connected, it has reduced the strength of real-world communities. To protect social bonds, it is important for people to stay active in their local areas and not rely only on online communication.
Task Response – Band 7
The candidate addresses all parts of the task and presents a clear position throughout. The position is relevant and supported with examples, although the development could be more detailed in places. The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points. There is room to deepen explanations slightly, but overall the response is reliable and complete.
Fully answers the question
Opinion is consistent
Could add slightly more development in body paragraphs for a stronger Band 8 argument
Coherence and Cohesion – Band 7
The essay is logically organised with clear progression. Paragraphing is appropriate, and main ideas are easy to follow. Linking is used well, although it is sometimes basic (e.g., “However,” “For example”). A wider range of cohesive devices and more sophisticated transitions could raise the score.
Good structure and paragraphing
Logical progression
Greater variety in linking words would boost fluency
Lexical Resource – Band 7
The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. Common words are used correctly (e.g., “neighborhoods,” “support,” “connection”), and some less common items appear naturally. However, there is limited range and no strong collocations or idiomatic expressions that might push the score higher.
Vocabulary is accurate
Some repetition and basic word choices
More precise or varied word use would increase the band
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – Band 7
The essay shows a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, with generally good control. There are occasional minor errors, but they do not interfere with meaning. More flexibility with complex grammar structures would be needed for a higher score.
Grammar is mostly accurate
Complex structures are limited or safe
Small slips in article use and sentence structure
Overall Band Score: 7.0
This is a strong Band 7 essay with a clear structure, relevant arguments, and mostly accurate language. To move into Band 8, the writer would need more sophisticated grammar, varied vocabulary, and deeper argumentation with more developed ideas.
Band 7 Vocabulary from the Essay: Learn It, Use It, Own It
1. Connected
Meaning: having a link or relationship with others
Why it’s useful: Simple, flexible, and avoids overused words like “together”
Example: Social media helps people feel more connected, even across long distances.
2. Isolated
Meaning: feeling alone or cut off from others
Why it’s useful: Emotional vocabulary that shows impact on individuals
Example: Some users join online groups because they feel isolated in real life.
3. Real-world communities
Meaning: groups of people interacting in physical, local spaces
Why it’s useful: Adds clarity and contrast to “online” life
Example: Social media weakens real-world communities by reducing face-to-face interaction.
4. Supportive relationships
Meaning: relationships where people care for and help one another
Why it’s useful: Specific and emotional; shows deeper thinking
Example: Many online connections lack the depth of supportive relationships in real life.
5. Local events
Meaning: social or community activities happening in your area
Why it’s useful: Topic-specific; builds context for social responsibility
Example: Fewer people attend local events because they spend more time online.
6. Online interactions
Meaning: communication or activity that happens through the internet
Why it’s useful: Shows awareness of modern life without sounding technical
Example: Online interactions can never fully replace human contact.
7. Stay active in their local areas
Meaning: participate in events or social life near where one lives
Why it’s useful: Clear, natural phrase that sounds like how native speakers express social engagement
Example: It is important for individuals to stay active in their local areas to maintain social bonds.
8. Social bonds
Meaning: emotional or social connections between people
Why it’s useful: More academic and precise than “relationships” or “friendships”
Example: Strong social bonds are essential for a healthy community.
9. Disconnection / Disconnected
Meaning: lacking connection; emotionally or socially separated
Why it’s useful: Abstract noun useful for describing effects at a societal level
Example: Society becomes more disconnected as people spend more time online.
10. Platform(s)
Meaning: online services like Facebook, Instagram, etc.
Why it’s useful: Specific and avoids repetition of “website” or “app”
Example: These platforms allow users to join communities with shared interests.
Now, check out this intro from another ielts site and tell me how you feel about it.
Introduction
Social networking sites, for instance Facebook, are thought by some to have had a detrimental effect on individual people as well as society and local communities. However, while I believe that such sites are mainly beneficial to the individual, I agree that they have had a damaging effect on local communities.
Weak sauce right?
We want punch.
We want to smash those Band BuTTONS!!!!!!
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Social media hasn’t just changed communication — it’s rewritten the rules of how we live, connect, and belong by offering individuals the chance to stay in touch, grow networks, and find support. However, this essay will show why the personal gains do not outweigh the collective losses.
IELTS 5 to 6 