How to Score Band 7 in IELTS Writing Task 2

Achieving a band 7 in Writing Task 2 is one of the most common goals among IELTS candidates. This guide breaks down exactly what examiners look for and how you can consistently hit that target.

The four marking criteria

Your essay is marked equally across four criteria, each worth 25% of your Writing Task 2 score:

1. Task Achievement — Did you fully address all parts of the question?

2. Coherence and Cohesion — Is your essay logically organised with clear paragraphing?

3. Lexical Resource — Do you use a wide and accurate range of vocabulary?

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Do you use varied structures with minimal errors?

Task Achievement: address every part

Band 7 requires you to cover all parts of the prompt. For a 'discuss both views and give your opinion' question, you must present both sides and make your position clear. Many candidates lose marks by only partially addressing the question.

Coherence: one idea per paragraph

A band 7 essay has a clear introduction, two or three body paragraphs each with a single main idea, and a conclusion. Use linking phrases naturally — avoid forcing in 'Furthermore' or 'In addition' where they do not fit.

Vocabulary: paraphrase, don't repeat

Demonstrate range by paraphrasing the question in your introduction rather than copying it word for word. Use topic-specific vocabulary accurately. One well-chosen word beats two average ones.

Grammar: variety matters

Band 7 requires a mix of simple and complex sentences. Aim for one or two advanced structures per paragraph — relative clauses, conditionals, passive voice — while keeping your simpler sentences error-free.

Practice strategy

Write one timed essay per week. After each attempt, use the AI feedback tool on this site to get band estimates across all four criteria. Review the corrections and rewrite the weakest paragraph before moving on.