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Band 7+ Guide

How to Get Band 7in IELTS Writing

A comprehensive guide to achieving Band 7 in IELTS Writing. Learn proven strategies for Task 1 & Task 2, time management, vocabulary, and grammar to reach your target score.

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10 min read
Band 7 target
Proven strategies

Key Takeaways for Band 7

Task Response

Fully address all parts, develop ideas, support with examples

Coherence & Cohesion

Logical organization, clear progression, linking words

Lexical Resource

Wide vocabulary range, collocations, avoid repetition

Grammar

Variety of structures, complex sentences, accuracy

Time Management

20 min Task 1, 40 min Task 2, plan before writing

Practice

Regular writing, AI feedback, learn from mistakes

1. Understanding What Band 7 Means

Before diving into strategies, it's crucial to understand exactly what examiners are looking for at Band 7 level.

Band 7 Writing Criteria

Task Response

  • Addresses all parts of the task
  • Presents a clear position throughout
  • Presents relevant, extended ideas
  • Supports main ideas with examples

Coherence & Cohesion

  • Sequences information logically
  • Manages paragraphing effectively
  • Uses linking words naturally
  • Clear progression throughout

Lexical Resource

  • Uses vocabulary resource flexibly
  • Uses some less common vocabulary
  • Attempts paraphrasing successfully
  • Good collocation awareness

Grammar

  • Uses a range of complex structures
  • Frequently produces error-free sentences
  • Good control of grammar and punctuation

💡 Key Insight

Band 7 is not about perfection—it's about demonstrating that you can use English flexibly and accurately. You can still make some mistakes, as long as they don't impede communication.

2. Band 7 Strategy for Task 1

Task 1 contributes 33% of your Writing score. Here's how to maximize your marks. View our complete Task 1 guide →

Task 1 Band 7 Checklist

Planning (2-3 min)

Identify key features, trends, and data points

Introduction (2-3 min)

Paraphrase the question, state what the graph shows

Overview (3-4 min)

Identify 2 main patterns, write 2-3 sentences

Details (10-12 min)

Describe specific data with comparisons

Review (2 min)

Check word count, grammar, and spelling

✅ Do

  • Write at least 150 words
  • Use linking words (however, similarly, in contrast)
  • Use specific data and numbers
  • Include an overview with main trends
  • Use varied vocabulary (increase, rise, grow)
  • Paraphrase the question

❌ Don't

  • Write less than 150 words
  • Include your personal opinion
  • Repeat the same words repeatedly
  • Miss the overview paragraph
  • Write about future trends not shown in data
  • Copy the question word-for-word

3. Band 7 Strategy for Task 2

Task 2 is worth 67% of your Writing score. Master these strategies to maximize your marks. View our complete Task 2 guide →

Task 2 Band 7 Checklist

Planning (3-5 min)

Analyze question, decide position, outline paragraphs

Introduction (5 min)

Paraphrase question, state clear thesis

Body Paragraph 1 (8-10 min)

Main idea, explanation, example

Body Paragraph 2 (8-10 min)

Second idea, explanation, example

Conclusion (3-4 min)

Summarize main points, restate position

Review (2 min)

Check word count, grammar, spelling

🎯 Critical Band 7 Requirements

Clear Position

Take a definite stance and maintain it throughout

Extended Ideas

Develop ideas fully with explanations and examples

Examples

Include relevant, specific examples to support arguments

4. Vocabulary Strategies for Band 7

Lexical Resource accounts for 25% of your score. Here's how to demonstrate range and flexibility.

Vocabulary Checklist

Use academic vocabulary
Include some less common words
Paraphrase successfully
Use collocations correctly
Avoid repetition of key nouns
Show vocabulary flexibility

Example Upgrades

Basic:

"The number went up."

Band 7:

"The figure experienced a significant surge."

Basic:

"This is important."

Band 7:

"This holds considerable significance."

5. Grammar Strategies for Band 7

Grammar is worth 25% of your score. Band 7 requires a variety of structures with good accuracy.

Grammar Checklist

Use complex sentences with subordinate clauses
Include relative clauses
Use a range of tenses (present perfect, past simple)
Use conditional sentences (if, unless, provided that)
Use passive voice appropriately
Sample Complex Sentences:

"Although the population increased, birth rates declined."

"The city where the factory was built experienced economic growth."

"If governments invest in public transport, pollution levels will decrease."

6. Common Mistakes That Cost Band 7

Avoid these critical errors that prevent candidates from reaching Band 7.

!

Not answering all parts of the question

Impact:

High - severely affects Task Response

Solution:

Highlight all question parts before writing

!

Unclear or no position in Task 2

Impact:

High - fails Task Response criteria

Solution:

State your opinion in introduction and conclusion

!

Underword count

Impact:

High - automatic penalty

Solution:

Write 170-180 words (Task 1) / 270-300 (Task 2)

!

Copying the question

Impact:

Medium - shows poor paraphrasing

Solution:

Always paraphrase using synonyms and different structures

!

No overview in Task 1

Impact:

High - misses key scoring requirement

Solution:

Include 2-3 sentences summarizing main patterns

!

No conclusion in Task 2

Impact:

Medium - incomplete essay

Solution:

Always write a conclusion, even if brief

7. Practice Strategy for Band 7

Consistent, focused practice is essential. Here's an effective 4-week study plan.

Week 1

Task Response

  • Practice planning
  • Write 2 Task 2 essays
  • Focus on clear position
Week 2

Coherence & Cohesion

  • Practice paragraphing
  • Learn linking words
  • Write 2 essays with focus on flow
Week 3

Vocabulary

  • Learn 50 new words
  • Practice paraphrasing
  • Write 2 essays with new vocabulary
Week 4

Grammar & Timing

  • Review complex structures
  • Practice with timer
  • Full mock tests

💡 Pro Tip: Get Expert-Level Feedback

Our AI-powered analysis identifies your exact weaknesses across all 4 criteria. Free version shows your band score and main issues.Pro version gives you a personalized 4-week improvement plan based on your writing patterns.

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