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How to get band 7 in academic writing?

Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2015 1:20 pm
by PreciousCharmRN
Good day!

I am scheduled to take the academic ielts this coming June 27. This is my second time to take the academic module. my previous scores were
Listening-7
Speaking- 7
Reading- 7.5
Writing - 6.5

I need to get all 7 band scores in four areas. How should i improve my writing? I'm doing practices everyday.
your tips will be highly appreciated. Thank You. :D

Re: How to get band 7 in academic writing?

Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2015 10:16 am
by David.IELTS.Examiner
Hi Precious,

Moving from 6.5 to 7 can be a big jump. First you need to identify the areas where you need to improve - task response, coherence/cohesion, vocabulary, grammar. My personal experience is that the likely culprits are task response and grammar.

Task response - Make sure that you FULLY answer the question. In T2, don't focus too much on one particular aspect of the debate/issue/argument. An unusual point can be very useful as it grabs the examiner's attention and marks you out as different.

Grammar - The tough one! First cut down sentence size. The longer a sentence, the more likely a grammatical error. Double check for simple errors - plurals and past tense, for example. Then double check again. Then double check again if you have time! Make sure that the meaning is ALWAYS crystal clear.

Vocabulary - Be sure to include some high level vocab - specialised terms are particularly good. Double check word forms - noun/adjective/adverb. Yes, then you double check it again!

Coherence - Check that you have used a WIDE variety of connectives. Make sure they are used correctly.

My opinion is that you probably have the skills to do this. Send me an essay if you like.

Best wishes,
David

Re: How to get band 7 in academic writing?

Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2015 2:40 pm
by David.IELTS.Examiner
These are links to some useful information published by a friend of mine - copy and paste. In section 1, there is an explanation of how to achieve bands 5 to 7.5 in speaking and writing. Let me know if the links don't work, but they worked for me.

https://dl-web.dropbox.com/get/ielts-sp ... rN9zg5xhaA

https://dl-web.dropbox.com/get/ielts-sp ... xV2yeOxLIg

Re: How to get band 7 in academic writing?

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2015 12:52 pm
by OnlineEnglishTeacher
PreciousCharmRN wrote:Good day!

I am scheduled to take the academic ielts this coming June 27. This is my second time to take the academic module. my previous scores were
Listening-7
Speaking- 7
Reading- 7.5
Writing - 6.5

I need to get all 7 band scores in four areas. How should i improve my writing? I'm doing practices everyday.
your tips will be highly appreciated. Thank You. :D
Also, be careful about your listening and speaking (and reading), as sometimes students grades can go up and down a bit.