IELTS Writing
What IELTS Writing band 7.0 means
A good essay: clear, developed and generally accurate. Many universities and visa routes ask for this band.
What an examiner sees at 7.0
- A clear, developed position, with ideas that are explained and supported.
- Logical progression, with a range of linking and reference words.
- Enough vocabulary for some flexibility and precision, with an awareness of collocation.
- A variety of complex structures, with frequent error-free sentences.
What usually holds an essay at 7.0
- Ideas that are supported but sometimes over-generalised.
- Linking that is correct but noticeable.
- A few errors that persist across the essay.
How to reach 7.5
- 1
Develop each idea fully, to its consequence, with nothing left general.
- 2
Let ideas connect through meaning so linking words stop drawing attention.
- 3
Use less common words and phrases only where they are exactly right.
- 4
Make the majority of sentences error-free, including the complex ones.
Is your essay at 7.0?
Get an estimated band for each criterion and the sentences that hold you back. Free, about a minute.
What Writing 7.0 is worth
- Canada (General Training)
- CLB 9
- 31 CRS points for Writing, single applicant
- Australia points test
- Proficient
- If your other skills are at least 7.0
Universities set their own requirements, usually as an overall band plus a minimum in each skill. Check the course page. Work out your overall band with the band score calculator, or your CRS points with the IELTS to CLB calculator.
Practise for 7.5
See every criterion side by side in the band descriptors explained, pick a question from the Task 2 question bank, and plan it with the essay planner.