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Band 7 And Above IELTS Written Test Piece Looks Like

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IELTS band score

If you are looking to study abroad in an English speaking country such as the UK or Australia, you will need to take the IELTS test in order to apply for the course of your dreams.

The IELTS consists of 4 sections - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Each section has its own set of unique challenges and for some test-takers, the Writing test can prove to be a stumbling block.

While Band 7 or higher might seem like a tall order, especially if English is your second language, it is crucial to helping you make that overall cut-off score of 7 that is required by a host of reputable universities as well as for your migration dreams.

Understanding The Writing Test Marking Criteria

Before we reveal the tips, it’s useful to take a look at the marking criteria in order for a test taker to attain a band 7:

Marking Criteria	To Get An IELTS Band 7
Task Achievement	- Addresses all parts of the task - Presents a clear position throughout the answer - Presents, extends and supports the main ideas, but there is a tendency to over-generalize and/or supporting ideas may lack focus
Coherence & Cohesion	- Logically organizes information and ideas; there is a clear progression throughout - Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately although there may be some under or overuse - Presents a clear central topic within each paragraph
Lexical Resource	- Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision - Uses less common lexical items with some awareness of style and collocation - May produce occasional errors in word choice, spelling, and/or word formation
Grammatical Range and Accuracy	- Uses a variety of complex structures - Produces frequent error-free sentences - Has good control of grammar and punctuation but may make a few errors

When you are graded, it will be in accordance with the above four criteria making it essential that you understand how to perform your best in each category!

Below are five tips you can use to maximise your chances of getting a Band 7 (or above) for your IELTS Writing test.

Tip 1: Task Achievement - Be Clear & Support Your Ideas

This might be apparent but it is worth reminding that to score in this criteria, you will have to respond to everything that is asked in the question while having a clear position throughout.

That means no switching between your opinions for the sake of being neutral. You will also have to clearly support your ideas with proper reasoning and examples.

Tip 2: Coherence & Cohesion - Be Neat In Organising & Presenting Your Ideas

To score well in this criteria, simply ensure you have a clear central topic within each paragraph. Remember to also have a good mix of cohesive devices such as transition words that link your ideas and sentences together such as - ‘however’, ‘in fact’, ‘moreover’.

Tip 3: Lexical Resource - Use Good Vocabulary & Use Them Properly

If you have been building up your vocab from reading books and various exercises, now is the time to use them - especially the less common words! You will also have to use them in the right context precisely to score well.

Tip 4: Grammatical Range & Accuracy - Use A Wide Range Of Sentence Structures Precisely

While you might think using a few words such as ‘because’ and ‘although’ is enough, it isn’t. Try to link various sentences together to link thoughts and ideas correctly.

In addition, you need to check through to ensure your sentences are as error-free as possible.

Tip 5: Spend Time To Plan Your Answer - Don’t Rush!

While the clock might be ticking against you, it is smarter to take a step back and plan your answer accurately.

Each sentence shouldn’t be more than 3 lines and every paragraph will need to stand alone on its own. Seek to answer the question directly and then expand upon it, adding in the critical details such as times, dates, places and examples.

Need More Help?

Here are some Band 7, 8 and 9 Written test samples you can take a look at!

Band 7 Test Samples

Band 8 Test Samples

Band 9 Test Samples

While going through the test samples, take note of the five tips we highlighted earlier together with the marking criteria to get the most out of reading them.

Ready To Ace Your IELTS Test?

IDP is a proud co-owner of IELTS and have centres that offer both the computer-delivered IELTS test as well as the paper-based format.

Ready to get started? Check out our upcoming test dates and book your test with IDP today!