How to get Band 7 in IELTS Writing?

The public band descriptors are the closest thing to a mark scheme that IELTS releases. They say what a Band 7 script looks like in each of the four criteria, and they show where a Band 6 script falls short. The plain-words version below describes the Task 2 wording, updated May 2023.

What Band 7 asks for, criterion by criterion

Task Response. The main parts of the prompt are addressed, and a clear and developed position is presented. Main ideas are extended and supported. The descriptor allows a tendency to over-generalise, or a lack of focus and precision in supporting material.

Coherence and Cohesion. Ideas are logically organised with a clear progression throughout. A range of linking devices, including reference and substitution, is used flexibly, with some inaccuracies or some over- or under-use. Paragraphing is generally effective.

Lexical Resource. The vocabulary is sufficient for some flexibility and precision. There is some ability to use less common or idiomatic items, and an awareness of style and collocation, though inappropriacies occur. Spelling and word-formation errors are few.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy. A variety of complex structures is used with some flexibility and accuracy. Grammar and punctuation are generally well controlled, error-free sentences are frequent, and a few errors may persist without impeding communication.

For Task 1, the same criteria apply with Task Achievement in place of Task Response. Band 7 in Academic Task 1 includes a clear overview and main trends identified. In General Training it includes clearly covered bullet points and a consistent, appropriate tone.

The usual gap between 6 and 7

Set the Band 6 wording beside Band 7 and the differences are specific. At Band 6 some main ideas are insufficiently developed, conclusions may be unclear, unjustified or repetitive, linking devices may be faulty or mechanical, complex structures are less accurate than simple ones, and vocabulary range is restricted. At Band 7 the ideas are developed, the progression is clear, and error-free sentences are frequent.

That suggests where to look in your own writing: whether each main idea is explained and not only stated, whether your paragraphs each have a clear point, and whether your longer sentences are as accurate as your short ones.

What to keep in mind

The descriptors state that a script must fully fit the positive features of a band to receive it, and that negative features limit a rating. Task 2 counts for more than Task 1, so a strong essay is the best use of your time. Nothing here is a promise that a change of habit will move your band; it is a checklist for reading your own writing the way the descriptors read it.