7 Easy Steps to Score 7 Bands in IELTS Writing Test

By Muhammad Ayaz Aslam

SCORING 7 BANDS IN EACH MODULE, both in IELTS Academics and GT types of assessment, is highly anticipated these days. The candidates - seeking immigration, doctors - planning to further their studies and academically bright students - having a desire to enrol in fully funded programmes need 7 bands each in IELTS. The term '7 Each' refers to obtaining 7 bands in all: reading, writing, listening and speaking tests of IELTS. The data, collected from the students of The Career Makers Wapda Town Branch, suggest that scoring 7 bands in IELTS writing module is the most challenging part for the students. The purpose of writing this article is to nail down the issue and to unveil a methodology which is proved helpful in scoring the desired bands in writing.

Step 1 - The Diagnosis

Like a physician always recommends medical tests to a patient; a comprehensive assessment is inevitable which, for example, illustrates all the grey areas of a writing response. An expert opinion could save valuable time and give directions to the writer - the learner. In a report, for instance, mistakes- such as wrong word order, poor formation of passages, wrong usage of articles (a, an, the), collocation mistakes or problems in the formation of basic and complex sentences are discussed- will not only give a training path to the instructor but it is equally important for the learners too.

Step 2 - Improving Grey Areas

If a test taker scores 7 bands or higher in IELTS writing module despite his or her writing containing mistakes such as preposition, articles, tenses or collocations, it would be a miracle or a problem on the part of the examiner. The said mistakes are of basic types and a test taker must improve them if he wants to score impressive bands in IELTS writing. To extend your knowledge and to develop a conscience, a test taker should take lectures, consult literature, read grammar books, attempt worksheets and, above all, do extensive reading.

Step 3 - Understanding the Band Descriptors

Good authors around the globe always consider the purpose of writing, possible audience, and demand of the subject before penning down any piece of writing. Likewise, understanding of IELTS writing band descriptors is of prime importance if a test taker is aiming to score seven, eight or nine bands in IELTS. First, understanding the meaning of the four criteriums - cohesion, coherence, lexical resources, grammar, accuracy and response; what are these things? How scores vary from one band to the next or previous is of prime importance, as well.

Step 4 - Reading 8 and 9 Band Responses

'Reading maketh a full man', Francis Bacon once said. Where reading quenches the thirst of its reader, it also nourishes the human mind with beautiful expressions, gives literary sense and expands vocabulary. If the purpose is getting bands, follow those who have achieved this milestone. Read the well crafted IELTS writing task 1 and 2 responses, often written by experts in the subject, and copy the ideas and how the words and expressions are interwoven in such a way that it elevates the aesthetic sense of the reader. Without developing an extensive reading habit, the chances to score 7 bands in IELTS are slim.

Step 5 - Developing Vocabulary Bank

On can vividly understand the pivotal role of bricks in the construction of a building. As, without bricks, development of a megastructure is not possible. In the same fashion, in the absence of strong and accurate lexical resources - vocabulary - writing a 7 bands response is impossible. Knowing the importance of lexemes, the question strikes in our mind: from where and how a test taker can improve vocabulary if he or she is running short on time. The answer: you already know! See step 4 to improve academic vocabulary, especially learning words for IELTS, it is better to copy the expressions of well-written responses. Further, IELTS Academic reading passages could work to improve a short-term vocabulary. Ayazaslam.com is the best place for this purpose.

Step 6 - Practice, Practice, and Practice

Practice makes perfect; undoubtedly, the quote is best fit in IELTS context. Crafting error-free responses in sixty minutes demand a tireless workout. Though a test taker is well grounded in theoretical knowledge, without practice, seldom is it observed that test takers score higher bands. Every day, at least consume one quality hour on writing. Free writing, creative writing, articles writing and writing responses- whatever you feel like, you can write.

Step 7 - Again Diagnosis

Quite interestingly, at this stage, a candidate who wants to score higher grades in IELTS feels high and gets confident. However, this is the best time when you are ready for learning. Yes, it is surprising but true that a learner must revise all the steps again at least once before taking the assessment. Remember, only a few lucky people score above 7 bands in IELTS writing. Certainly, you are the next.