Sentence Structures That Score
How to Sound Like Band 7+ Without Overcomplicating
Meta Description:
Want a higher IELTS Writing score? Learn the 3 sentence types that dominate Band 7+ essays. Stop writing long, clunky sentences — start writing with clarity, logic, and power.
Key Insight
Band 7+ writing isn’t complex — it’s controlled.
Trying to sound “advanced” by writing long, awkward sentences is a common Band 6 mistake. Band 7+ writing uses clear, varied structures with confidence and logic.
Clarity beats complexity. Always.
The 3 Sentence Types That Dominate Band 7+ Writing
1. Compound Sentences – Logic & Flow
Used to show cause/effect, contrast, or balance.
Structure: Independent clause + coordinating conjunction + independent clause
(e.g., and, but, so, yet)
Example:
“Many people support online education, but others believe it reduces real interaction.”
2. Complex Sentences – Precision & Depth
Used to show contrast, condition, time, or reason.
Structure: Dependent clause + independent clause
(using: although, because, while, since, even though, if…)
Example:
“While online courses offer flexibility, they often lack the personal support of classroom teaching.”
3. Short Declarative Sentences – Impact & Control
Used to end a paragraph with punch or make a clear point. Often overlooked by Band 6 students.
Example:
“This is no small issue.”
“That’s why the system is failing.”
“Students need more than content — they need guidance.”
Varying Sentence Starters = Fluency Signal
Instead of starting every sentence the same way…
Band 6 Style:
- “People think…”
- “Some people say…”
- “This is because…”
Try Band 7+ starters:
- “While some believe…”
- “This has led to…”
- “In many cases…”
- “Despite this…”
- “What this means is…”
This shows fluency, not formula.
Example Upgrade: Band 6 → Band 7
Poor Band 6:
“People have opinions. Some people say it is good. Others say it is bad.”
Band 7+:
“While some argue that this trend is beneficial, others remain deeply concerned about its long-term effects — but both sides overlook the core issue: implementation.”
Rewrite Challenge: Band 6 to Band 7
Instructions:
Take these 5 Band 6-level sentences. Rewrite them using a combination of:
- Compound sentences
- Complex sentences
- Short, declarative sentences
- Better linking phrases
Sentence 1
“Technology is good. It helps people learn. But it has problems too.”
Your Rewrite (Target Band 7):
…
Sentence 2
“Many people eat fast food. They do it because it is cheap. It can be unhealthy.”
Your Rewrite:
…
Sentence 3
“Some people like to work at home. Others prefer the office. It depends on the person.”
Your Rewrite:
…
Sentence 4
“Pollution is getting worse. Cars and factories are the cause. We must stop it.”
Your Rewrite:
…
Sentence 5
“Students study hard. They want to pass exams. It is stressful.”
Your Rewrite:
…
Peer Marking or Self-Check: Band 7 Sentence Quality
| Feature | Present? (✓) |
|---|---|
| At least 1 compound sentence | ☐ |
| At least 1 complex sentence | ☐ |
| At least 1 short declarative for emphasis | ☐ |
| Varied sentence starters | ☐ |
| Clear logic and smooth flow | ☐ |
| No robotic sentence repetition | ☐ |
Reminder: The Goal Isn’t Fancy — It’s Fluid
Band 7+ writing is fluent, not forced.
You’re not trying to sound “smart.” You’re trying to sound natural and controlled.
Call to Action: Learn Real Band 7 Writing with Model Essays
Explore our Free Writing Task 2 Course and get:
- Model essays with Band 7+ sentence structures
- Sentence transformation activities
- Vocabulary by topic
- Real IELTS questions with writing feedback
Start Here → TotallyFreeIELTS.com/free-lessons
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