For many IELTS candidates, achieving a Band 7 or higher in the writing section is the ultimate goal. But how do you get there? What does it take to write essays that not only meet but exceed the expectations of the IELTS examiners? In this post, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the strategies and techniques you need to follow to boost your writing score.
At WritingChex, we are helping many students prepare for the IELTS writing test, and we’ve seen what works. This guide will cover everything from task understanding to essay structure, grammar, and vocabulary. By the end, you’ll have a clear action plan to improve your writing and achieve that Band 7+ score.
1. Understand the Task Requirements
The Key to a High Band Score Starts with Task Understanding
One of the most important things you need to master in IELTS Writing is understanding exactly what the question is asking. A Band 7 or higher is only possible if you address every part of the task correctly and fully. This is especially true for Task 2, the essay section, where examiners look for a clear, direct answer to the question.
What You Need to Do:
- Read the prompt carefully: Take time to identify key instructions such as “discuss both views,” “agree or disagree,” or “advantages and disadvantages.” Understanding these instructions will help you stay on track.
- Highlight the keywords: Look for words that give you specific instructions on what type of essay to write. For example, “discuss” means you need to explore both sides, while “agree/disagree” means you should take a clear stance.
- Focus on all parts of the task: Sometimes, a prompt will ask for multiple things. Make sure you don’t miss anything. If it asks for a solution, don’t just discuss the problem.
Tip from WritingChex:
Before you start writing, paraphrase the prompt in your own words to ensure you fully understand it. This will also help you avoid misinterpreting the question.
2. Plan Your Essay
Proper Planning Leads to a Strong Essay
A common mistake many IELTS test-takers make is rushing into writing without a clear plan. If you don’t organize your thoughts before you start, you’ll likely end up with a disjointed essay that lacks focus.
What You Need to Do:
- Brainstorm ideas: Spend 2–3 minutes before writing to think about the question and jot down your ideas.
- Create an outline: Organize your ideas logically. A basic essay structure for Task 2 includes an introduction, two or three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- Use the PEE method: For each body paragraph, make sure to have a Point, an Example, and an Explanation. This ensures your ideas are well-developed and clear.
Tip from WritingChex:
Don’t skip the planning stage. Even if you feel pressed for time, a solid plan will save you time during the writing process by giving you a clear path to follow.
3. Write a Clear and Concise Introduction
Set the Stage with a Strong Introduction
Your introduction is your first opportunity to make a good impression. If it’s unclear or confusing, the examiner might struggle to understand your argument. A clear introduction is essential for demonstrating that you understand the question and know how to address it.
What You Need to Do:
- Paraphrase the question: Start by rephrasing the prompt to show that you’ve fully understood it.
- Present your stance or main idea: If the question asks for your opinion (e.g., “Do you agree or disagree?”), make sure to clearly state your position. If it asks for a discussion, provide an outline of the ideas you’ll present.
- Keep it short: Your introduction should be no more than 3–4 sentences long. Avoid unnecessary details or long explanations at this stage.
Tip from WritingChex:
Aim for a clear thesis statement that directly answers the question. This will guide the rest of your essay and show the examiner that you know what you’re talking about.
4. Develop Strong Body Paragraphs
Building a Well-Structured Argument
Your body paragraphs are where you develop your ideas and arguments. To achieve Band 7 or higher, each body paragraph needs to be well-organized, relevant, and sufficiently developed.
What You Need to Do:
- Focus on one main idea per paragraph: Each paragraph should address only one idea or argument. Start with a topic sentence that introduces the point, followed by supporting details and examples.
- Support your points with examples: Use specific examples, facts, or personal experiences to back up your argument. This makes your essay more convincing and shows that you can develop your ideas effectively.
- Explain your ideas clearly: Don’t just present an example—explain how it supports your argument and why it matters in relation to the task.
Tip from WritingChex:
Always aim to explain why your examples are relevant. For example, if you say “Education is important,” don’t just leave it at that. Explain why it’s important and how it benefits individuals or society.
5. Write a Strong Conclusion
Tie Everything Together with a Clear Conclusion
Your conclusion is your last chance to make an impact, so it’s essential to summarize your key points and provide a final thought. A weak or vague conclusion can undermine the strength of your essay.
What You Need to Do:
- Summarize your main points: Briefly restate your key arguments, making sure to tie everything back to the question.
- Reaffirm your stance or main idea: If the question asks for your opinion, reinforce your position.
- Keep it concise: Your conclusion should be short and to the point—don’t introduce any new ideas here.
Tip from WritingChex:
Avoid overly generic conclusions like “In conclusion, education is important.” Instead, make sure to summarize your points clearly and relate them back to the original question.
6. Use a Range of Vocabulary and Grammar
Diversify Your Language for a Higher Score
To achieve a Band 7+ score, you need to show a wide range of vocabulary and grammar. This doesn’t mean using overly complex words or phrases, but it does mean you should be able to use language accurately and appropriately.
What You Need to Do:
- Use a range of sentence structures: Don’t just rely on simple sentences. Mix in compound and complex sentences to show variety.
- Use synonyms and paraphrasing: Avoid repeating the same words and phrases. Instead, use synonyms or paraphrase your ideas to show vocabulary range.
- Check for grammar mistakes: Ensure subject-verb agreement, proper tense use, and correct punctuation.
Tip from WritingChex:
Practice writing different types of sentences and use new words that you encounter while reading. The more you practice, the more natural it will become to use a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures.
7. Proofread Your Essay
Don’t Skip the Final Check
After spending time writing your essay, it’s easy to feel like you’re done. But one of the most important steps is proofreading. This is where you catch any minor mistakes or errors that could cost you points.
What You Need to Do:
- Look for grammar mistakes: Check for common errors like subject-verb agreement, punctuation, and word choice.
- Check your word count: Make sure your essay is within the required word limit (around 250 words for Task 2).
- Review your coherence and cohesion: Ensure your paragraphs flow logically and your ideas are well-connected.
Tip from WritingChex:
Leave 2–3 minutes at the end of your writing time for proofreading. This final check can make a significant difference in your score.
How WritingChex Can Help You Achieve Band 7+ in IELTS Writing
At WritingChex, we know how important it is to have personalized feedback when preparing for the IELTS writing exam. We specialize in reviewing and improving IELTS writing tasks, providing clear, actionable feedback on how to elevate your writing to Band 7 or higher. Get Started Now! For Free!
By submitting your essays to WritingChex, you’ll receive detailed corrections and suggestions for improvement. Whether it’s refining your grammar, expanding your vocabulary, or improving coherence, we’ll give you the tools you need to succeed.
Final Thoughts
Achieving a Band 7+ in IELTS writing is entirely possible with the right strategies and consistent practice. By understanding the task requirements, planning your essay, using a variety of grammar and vocabulary, and proofreading your work, you’ll be on your way to achieving your goal.
Start following these steps today, and you’ll see significant improvements in your writing. And don’t forget to submit your essays to WritingChex for expert feedback!
