Do’s and don’ts of IELTS essays (Band 7+)

Achieving a band score of 7 or above in IELTS essays requires a combination of language proficiency, task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy. Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you attain a higher score:

Do’s:

1. Understand the Task Response:

• Read the task carefully and make sure you understand what is required.
• Address all aspects of the prompt in your essay.

2. Organize Your Ideas:

• Create a clear and logical structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• Ensure each paragraph has a central idea and supporting details.

3. Use a Range of Vocabulary:

• Demonstrate a rich vocabulary with varied and precise language.
• Avoid repetition; use synonyms and paraphrasing effectively.

4. Show Cohesion:

• Use cohesive devices such as conjunctions, linking words, and pronouns to connect ideas.
• Ensure a smooth flow of information between sentences and paragraphs.

5. Grammar and Sentence Structure:

• Exhibit a variety of sentence structures, including complex and compound sentences.
• Demonstrate a good command of grammar, avoiding major errors.

6. Provide Specific Examples:

• Support your ideas with relevant examples and details.
• Use real-life scenarios or personal experiences to illustrate your points.

7. Manage Your Time:

• Allocate time wisely during the exam. Plan your essay and leave some time for editing.
• Avoid spending too much time on one section at the expense of others.

8. Proofread:

• Check your essay for spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors.
• Ensure that your sentences are clear and make sense.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t Deviate from the Topic:

• Stick to the given topic and avoid going off on tangents.
• Ensure that each paragraph contributes to the overall argument.

2. Avoid Informal Language:

• Use formal language appropriate for an academic setting.
• Avoid contractions (e.g., don’t, can’t) and colloquial expressions.

3. Don’t Overuse Simple Vocabulary:

• While simplicity is essential, do not limit yourself to basic vocabulary.
• Showcase a range of words to demonstrate your language proficiency.

4. Avoid Repetition:

• Do not repeat the same words or ideas excessively.
• Use synonyms and varied sentence structures to maintain interest.

5. Don’t Write Incomplete Paragraphs:

• Ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and supporting details.
• Avoid one-sentence paragraphs, as they may lack sufficient development.

6. Don’t Provide Generalizations Without Support:

• Back up your statements with specific examples and evidence.
• Avoid making broad, unsupported claims.

7. Don’t Write Off-topic or Irrelevant Information:

• Focus on the task and avoid providing information that does not contribute to your argument.
• Stay relevant to the prompt.

By following these do’s and don’ts, you can enhance the quality of your IELTS essays and increase your chances of achieving a band score of 7 or above. Practice is crucial, so make sure to write and review essays regularly to improve your skills.