You’ve been studying hard to prepare for your IELTS test..
You know your grammar, you have learned your ‘IELTS’ vocabulary, you have watched Youtube videos to learn how to write the two tasks….
but somehow… your writing and speaking scores stay at 6.5.
You’re not alone — this happens to many IELTS candidates.
Many high-level IELTS candidates, who are capable of at least a band 7.0, get stuck at 6.5
And here’s the truth: Band 7 isn’t about using advanced or ‘complex’ words or perfect grammar.
It’s about clarity, development, and confidence.
Let’s break it down 👇
✍️ Writing Band 7 for Task 2 means…
- Your ideas are fully developed — each body paragraph has one main idea and just 1-2 main points. Each main point is clearly developed by explaining what you mean and why.
- Any examples you use illustrate your points and do not just repeat what you have already said
- If the question asks for your opinion: e.g. ‘discuss both views and give your opinion?’ ‘do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?’ ‘is this a positive or a negative trend?’ ‘to what extent do you agree or disagree?’ then your chosen ‘position’ is clear throughout.
- The structure you use answers the question clearly. If it asks you to ‘discuss both views and give your opinion,’ it is clear what your opinion is and why you side with it. If it asks for advantages AND disadvantages, both are sufficiently discussed.
- You use linking naturally, not mechanically. You use a combination of phrases as well as single words (e.g. One reason for this view is.….not ‘firstly’, and you link within sentences, not just at the start of them.
- The vocabulary you use explains your points precisely and does not confuse the reader
- You can make grammar errors but they are occasional, not distracting.
💬 Speaking Band 7 means…
- You speak naturally and communicate with the examiner, you do not prepare speeches to deliver at him/her
- You hesitate naturally, not because you’re searching for memorised phrases.
- You can extend your answers with personal information in Part 1, not vague details, ‘facts’ and feelings
- For example:
- What is your favourite colour?
- I like blue because it gives me a feeling of calm and tranquillity ❌
- It’s always been blue. In fact, this is obvious if you look in my wardrobe. Almost all my clothes are in some shade of blue.✅
- Where do you live?
- I live in London, which is the capital city of Great Britain and is located in the southeast of the country. ❌
- I was born and bred in London and I never want to leave. I love the mix of history and modern life here. There’s always something going on – buskers, street parades, cultural festivals…I adore it all. ✅
- For example:
- You can give an organised answer for Part 2, telling stories and giving a personalised answer that the examiner can picture
- Your Part 3 answers are well developed, and you explain how and why
- Your vocabulary is appropriate to the topic and helps you explain yourself precisely.
- You use natural expressions that native English speakers commonly use e.g. I’m really into…..we get along well, I….now and again, I’m not cut out for…..I’m a bit of a night owl
- You use a range of grammatical structures naturally, even though you make some mistakes
⚡ Why Most Students Miss Band 7
Because they’re studying for the test, not for communication.
They focus on memorising, not on expressing.
They worry about mistakes, not about meaning.
But Band 7 is all about how you think and express yourself.
🚀 The Good News
If you’re already scoring 6.0–6.5, your English is good enough.
Now, it’s time to train your thinking, structure, and confidence.
That’s exactly what we teach in our Writing and Speaking classes — how to think clearly, speak naturally, and express ideas like a Band 7+ candidate.
✨ Ready to Find Your Band 7 Gap?
👉 Contact us to take a writing and/or speaking mock test the things that are stopping YOU getting 7.0+ in your IELTS test
