Writing Skill Upgrade for IELTS Band 6 to Band 7+
Meta Description:
Transform your IELTS Writing Task 2 paragraphs from Band 6 to Band 7+ using real examples. Learn how to cut fluff, improve cohesion, and upgrade your vocabulary without sounding memorized.
Key Insight
Band 7 writers don’t just follow structure — they refine it.
That means:
- Clear, relevant sentences
- Logical linking and flow
- Higher-level vocabulary used naturally
- No repetition, no robotic transitions
This isn’t guesswork — it’s paragraph engineering. You’re building success with every sentence.
3 Teaching Points
1. Cut Fluff
Band 6 often includes vague or empty sentences. Band 7 cuts them and focuses only on ideas that move the argument forward.
Band 6:
“Many people have cars. Cars are important for people. They use them to travel to places.”
Band 7:
“Private vehicles remain a key mode of transport for many, especially in suburban areas where public transit is limited.”
—
2. Improve Cohesion
Don’t just say “Firstly, Secondly, Finally.” Use clear logic to connect ideas through reason, contrast, or effect.
Band 6:
“Pollution is a big issue. It affects people’s health. That is why it is important to stop it.”
Band 7:
“Air pollution continues to pose serious health risks, particularly in large urban centres. As a result, reducing emissions has become a major public policy goal.”
—
3. Use Better Vocabulary — But Don’t Overdo It
Band 6 students often repeat basic words like “big,” “bad,” “important,” and “good.” Band 7+ students replace them with precise, topic-related terms.
Band 6:
“Online learning is a good idea because it helps people. Also, people can study from home.”
Band 7+:
“Digital education offers significant flexibility, allowing individuals to access academic content from the comfort of their homes — a benefit especially relevant during global health crises.”
Before/After Demo: Pollution Paragraph
Band 6 (basic + repetitive):
“Cars cause pollution. People drive a lot. It makes the air dirty.”
Band 7+ (precise + connected):
“Private car use contributes heavily to urban air pollution, particularly during peak traffic hours. In cities like Delhi, for example, daily emissions from vehicles significantly worsen public health outcomes.”
Model Analysis: What Makes This Band 7?
| Feature | Band 6 | Band 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | “Cars cause pollution” | “Private car use contributes to urban air pollution” |
| Cohesion | List of facts | Cause-effect structure |
| Clarity | Basic sentences | Specific example + focus |
| Grammar | Simple | Complex + accurate |
Student Exercise: Rewrite Challenge
Instructions:
Rewrite the two Band 6 paragraphs below to a Band 7+ level. Then self-score or peer-mark using the checklist.
Paragraph 1: Technology
Band 6:
“Technology is everywhere. People use it all the time. It can be good or bad. It helps, but it also causes problems.”
Your Rewrite (Band 7+ Goal):
…
Paragraph 2: Education
Band 6:
“Students learn in schools. Some like to study, but some don’t. Learning is important. Teachers help students understand things.”
Your Rewrite (Band 7+ Goal):
…
Marking Checklist (Self or Peer Use)
| ✅ Band 7+ Traits | Check if present |
|---|---|
| Sentences are precise and clear | ☐ |
| No vague words like “stuff,” “things,” or “good” | ☐ |
| Ideas are logically connected | ☐ |
| Linking words are natural, not robotic | ☐ |
| Vocabulary fits the topic | ☐ |
| At least one example or specific phrase is used | ☐ |
| Grammar includes one complex sentence | ☐ |
Psychological Hook Reminder
You’re not “writing essays.” You’re engineering precision.
Every strong sentence = another step toward Band 7+.
Next Step: Flow + Feedback Combo
Once you’ve rewritten your paragraphs, do this:
- Read them out loud. Does it sound natural?
- Score yourself with the checklist.
- Ask a partner or tutor for feedback.
- Compare your final draft with our free model answers in the Writing Task 2 Vault.
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