How To Improve IELTS Writing Score from 6.5 to 7

IELTS writing is the last section of the IELTS test. IELTS writing test is 60 minutes long. The IELTS writing task 1 is of 20 minutes. IELTS writing task 1 requires candidates to write 150 words. IELTS writing task 2 on the other hand is of 40 minutes and requires candidates to write 250 words. A candidate with an IELTS 6.5 band score is judged on their competency. Scoring IELTS band 7 means candidates are required to be at B2. The B2 in IELTS band 7 needs to be on the Common European Framework. Candidates have questions regarding how to improve IELTS writing score from 6.5 to 7. Points and measures have been mentioned below in this article.

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Improve IELTS Writing Score

There are certain practices that candidates should undertake. Candidates are required to keep practicing for the IELTS writing task. Test takers preparing for IELTS writing and wanting to improve IELTS writing scores should focus more on improving language skills. To ensure IELTS band score 7, candidates should explore real life English learning aspects like; books, TV programmes, TED talks, and many more. Addressing these basics will help with IELTS 7 band score from IELTS writing 6.5.

How To Prepare for IELTS

Candidates should follow a proper schedule to prepare for the IELTS exam. To improve IELTS writing score from IELTS score 7 to IELTS 6.5 band score, certain measures are to be implemented. It will take months to prepare for IELTS test and get IELTS 7 band result. The first step is to understand the IELTS Exam pattern. Mentioned below are some key references candidates should remember while appearing for IELTS writing test.

Marking Criteria

In the IELTS written test, IELTS score are evaluated based on the below mentioned points:

• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Coherence and Cohesion
• Task Response

Therefore to score an overall 7 band in IELTS, candidates should have a wide range of knowledge in vocabulary, accuracy with grammar, and academic phrases and words. In addition, to improve IELTS score from IELTS band 6.5 to 7, skills with respect to good paragraphing is a necessity.

Why is scoring IELTS band score 7 challenging?

Candidates might find it difficult to score IELTS band score 7 in speaking and writing, however, some might easily be able to score IELTS band 7 result in listening and reading. Candidates with appropriate language skills might also struggle with IELTS writing task 1 and IELTS writing task 2. IELTS 7 band means candidates are able to form error free sentences and there is a very negligible difference between what IELTS 6.5 means and IELTS score 7.

Scoring System For IELTS Writing

The marking pattern for academic and general reading differs slightly since general reading passages are notably easier than academic passages. Answering 30 questions correctly in IELTS academic will help candidates score an overall 7 band in IELTS. However, 7 bands in IELTS general means answering 34 questions correctly.

Improve IELTS Writing Score

In the IELTS general exam, IELTS writing task is considered difficult. Candidates find this difficult due to lack of practice and fail to even score IELTS writing 6.5. A number of things are to be considered:

• Spelling
• Punctuation
• Sentence Structure
• Cohesive devices
• Collocation
• Uncommon Vocabulary
• Idioms

Spelling and Punctuations in IELTS Writing

Candidates aspiring to score IELTS band score 7 are to practice and have a knowledge of a wide range of spellings and punctuation. Even a minor spelling error might lead to loss of IELTS writing 6.5.

Structuring Sentences

Test takers should be able to portray their proficiency with English language while appearing for IELTS writing tasks. This will help them to acquire overall 7 bands in IELTS. Check to see whether your sentences include compound or complicated structures. Learn how to use a compound or complicated structure to explain what you want to say.

For example:

Simple structure: Jignesh studied engineering. He is also passionate about literature.
Compound structure: Jignesh studied engineering and was also passionate about literature.
Complex structure: Although Jignesh studied engineering, he was also passionate about literature.
The second and third examples from the text above would be suitable for a band 7 essay rather than the first example.

Cohesive Devices for IELTS Band 7

Candidates can consider using cohesive devices while constructing sentences. Cohesive devices are crucial for connecting between different parts of a text and further add to IELTS 7 band score. Cohesive devices are an inclusion of pronouns and transitional words. Blow mentioned are some cohesive devices:

• Earlier
• Immediately
• Later
• Meanwhile
• Additionally
• Again
• Also
• Though
• However
• Finally

Collocations for IELTS Band 7

Using collocation is a trick in IELTS preparation for IELTS writing. This is key to improving the IELTS score for a candidate. In the English language, collocation refers to the usage of two or more words together.

Eg: Look at the two sentences given below:

1. All you need to do is type your pin and make a deposit.
2. Just key in your pin and you can make your deposit.

The first sentence will help you achieve an IELTS 6.5 band score, while aiming for a 7 you need to include the use of collocations that change the whole look of the sentence, like the way it is used in sentence 2.

Uncommon Vocabulary

Using complex words leaves a good impression of the candidate. It suggests to the examiner that the test taker has a good command over English. Below mentioned is an example:

Eg:

1. The photographers at Cynthia’s wedding were pushy and irritating.
2. The photographers at Cynthia’s wedding were pushy and intrusive.

As you can see, the term bothersome has been substituted with obtrusive in the second phrase, and the first statement will help you achieve a 6.5 band. The second phrase with the use of unusual and complicated words is a wonderful alternative for you to earn a 7 bands in IELTS.

Idioms

Idioms are collections of words with a meaning that cannot be deduced from the words alone, but when employed in a phrase, they modify the entire statement for the better.

Eg:

1. I was happy and joyful when I held my baby for the first time.
2. I was on cloud nine when I held my baby for the first time.

As you can see, the first phrase is straightforward and can easily help you get an IELTS band 6.5, but a little, however, a little modification in idioms will help score higher.