Teacher Paul’s secret to reach band 7 IELTS

You have put all your effort into studying and preparing for the IELTS exam for many years, but it's not certain that you have fully grasped these truths. Let's uncover the secrets to conquering band 7 IELTS together with PREP, shared by teacher Paul - a former examiner at BC.

I. Standards and Common Mistakes in IELTS Writing

1. Analysis of IELTS Writing Task 1 based on 4 criteria

1.1. Task Achievement

Word count: Minimum of 140 words to avoid point deduction.

Paragraphing:

• Do not write a paragraph with only one sentence.
• 2-3 paragraphs are sufficient for one essay.
• Not paragraphing → Max score = 5.0, not band 7 IELTS.

Overview:

• No overview → Max score = 5.0 (Avoid writing vague overviews lacking information such as "many changes," and "many differences").
• Unclear or vague overview → Max score = 6.0.
• Clear overview → Max score = band 7 IELTS or possibly higher.
• Presenting more than one idea in the overview ⇒ higher score.
• Good overview ⇒ the examiner will tend to be more lenient and deduct fewer points during the subsequent assessment.

The body section without data → Max score = 5.0, not band 7 IELTS.

Personal statements will not be counted in the word count (This means that if your word count is barely 140 words and includes personal statements, those statements will be excluded from the essay, and the essay may be considered insufficient in word count).

1.2. Coherence & Cohesion

Avoid colloquial expressions such as "Looking at..." / "Moving to..." → Coherence & Cohesion deduction → Replace them with phrases like "Regarding..." / "In terms of..." (refer to additional phrases in the IELTS 7 Flip Book 2022 edition - a resource for developing skills using the Mind Box method).

1.3. Lexical Resource

Writing the currency symbol after the number → Vocabulary mistake → Lexical Resource.

• Note: You will not be penalized twice for one mistake.

2. Analysis of IELTS Writing Task 2 based on 4 criteria

2.1. Task Response

• If the essay does not adequately address all parts of the question → Usually achieves only band 5 (may reach band 6 if it mentions all parts of the question).
• Instead of relying on personal anecdotes, use more universal examples, such as a well-known event or a general observation, to strengthen your argument.  (it is encouraged to use "we" and "I" in the introduction and conclusion).
• In the Problem-Solution type, if solutions are listed without developed ideas and without presenting consequences/results → Usually achieve band 6 in Task Response.
• In the Problem-Solution type, problems and solutions must be related to each other.
• Note: There is no difference between the two question types "Do you agree or disagree?" and "To what extent do you agree or disagree?" and the answer can be partial agreement, not necessarily choosing between complete agreement or disagreement.

2.2. Coherence & Cohesion

Band 7 IELTS encourages the use of conjunctions within sentences (e.g., "S + V. However, S + V." vs. "S + V, however, S + V."). If the introduction does not provide a clear direction, lacks coherence, and does not inform the reader about what will be discussed in the essay → The score is likely to fall into band 5.

Notes:

• "On the flip side" is colloquial (recommended for use in Speaking).
• Using "Besides" makes the writing informal - However, "Besides that," is acceptable.
• "To sum up" and "too" are both informal → Not encouraged to use.
• Do not start a sentence with the word "but."

2.3. Lexical Resource

• Not capitalizing letters will be marked as a spelling mistake.
• If the omission of a word makes the writing difficult to understand → Points will be deducted even if it is not specifically mentioned in the band descriptor.
• The expression 'get better and better' is considered informal and should be avoided in academic writing, as it does not convey a precise or formal tone.
• Adjectives like big, small, good, bad, nice, etc., are low-level adjectives.
• "Very" is accepted in IELTS Writing, but "really" is not.

2.4. Grammatical range & accuracy

Incorrect use of prepositions will be penalized in Grammatical range & accuracy, not in Lexical Resource.

• Note: You will not be penalized twice for one grammatical mistake.

II. Standards and common mistakes in IELTS Speaking

1. Pronunciation

• In higher bands (e.g., band 7 IELTS), sentence stress, intonation, and timing are crucial.
• Unclear or unintelligible pronunciation → Maximum score = 5 or lower. IELTS Band 7 is unachievable.

2. Fluency and coherence

• In Part 2, you must speak for at least 1 minute and 40 seconds to avoid point deduction.
• Short answers will be penalized (Examiners need to extend Part 1 to approximately 4 minutes and 40 seconds, so make sure your answers are long enough to have more value in the IELTS test).
• Answers should be logical and include discourse markers such as "however," "besides," "although," "despite," etc.
• Avoid using phrases like "As I just mentioned" and similar expressions. Instead, summarize and paraphrase the content to demonstrate vocabulary range.
• Band 7 IELTS: Standards and common mistakes in IELTS Speaking

3. Lexical Resources

• When Part 3 answers are too personal, the examiner will redirect the answer (a warning).
• Paraphrasing the question is not necessary, but if done correctly, it can be a vocabulary bonus (in band 7 IELTS and possibly higher).
• Repetitive expressions and ideas can lower the Lexical Resource score.
• The filler word "like" may be accepted but will be penalized if overused.
• The adverb "absolutely" is being overused by many candidates, so it is advisable not to use it excessively.
• Idiomatic language (uncommon expressions, collocations, etc.) is essential, but idioms are not. Overusing idioms can lower the Lexical Resource score to band 5, not band 7 IELTS.
• Memorization results in a deduction of 1 band in Lexical Resource.

III. Important Tips to Help You Achieve Band 7 in IELTS

The following three important tips will help you easily achieve band 7 IELTS:

• You MUST answer the cue card questions.
• The more challenging the questions in Part 3, the higher the score.
• Part 3 usually consists of three sets of questions, with about 2/3 of them being abstract concepts.

By following the strategies outlined in this article, you will be well on your way to achieving a Band 7 in IELTS. Remember, consistency and practice are the keys to mastering the exam’s demands and showcasing your skills at their best.