IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Score Band 7+ in Australia

After helping over 1,000 students achieve their target IELTS scores in Australia, I've identified the exact strategies that separate Band 6 writers from Band 7+ achievers. The difference isn't just about grammar or vocabulary – it's about understanding what IELTS examiners specifically look for and delivering it consistently.

Today, I'm sharing the complete framework that has helped my students consistently score Band 7, 8, and even 9 in IELTS Writing Task 2. These aren't generic tips – they're specific strategies tailored for test-takers in Australia.

Understanding the IELTS Writing Task 2 Assessment Criteria

Before diving into strategies, you must understand how your essay is evaluated. IELTS Writing Task 2 is assessed on four criteria, each worth 25% of your score:

1. Task Achievement (25%): How well you address the task and develop your arguments
2. Coherence and Cohesion (25%): How logically your essay flows and connects ideas
3. Lexical Resource (25%): Your vocabulary range and accuracy
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25%): Your grammar variety and precision

Most students focus heavily on vocabulary and grammar while neglecting task achievement and coherence. This is why many capable writers plateau at Band 6. Let's address all four criteria systematically.

The Band 7+ Essay Structure That Always Works

After analyzing hundreds of successful essays, I've developed a foolproof structure that consistently delivers high scores:

Introduction (3-4 sentences, 50-70 words)

• Sentence 1: Paraphrase the topic using synonyms
• Sentence 2: Acknowledge different viewpoints (if applicable)
• Sentence 3: State your clear position/thesis
• Sentence 4 (optional): Outline your main supporting points

Body Paragraph 1 (120-140 words)

• Topic sentence: Clear main idea that supports your thesis
• Explanation: Develop the idea with reasoning
• Example: Specific, relevant example (preferably Australian context)
• Result/Consequence: Explain the significance of your point

Body Paragraph 2 (120-140 words)

Follow the same structure as Body Paragraph 1, but with a different supporting argument.

Conclusion (40-50 words)

• Restate thesis: Using different words than your introduction
• Summarize main points: Briefly mention your key arguments
• Final thought (optional): A broader implication or recommendation

Task Achievement: Addressing the Question Completely

Many students lose points by not fully addressing the task. Here's how to ensure maximum task achievement:

Analyze the Question Keywords

Every IELTS Writing Task 2 question contains specific instruction words. Understanding these is crucial:

• "Discuss both views": You MUST present both sides fairly before giving your opinion
• "To what extent do you agree?": You must state how much you agree (completely, partially, or disagree)
• "What are the causes and solutions?": You need both causes AND solutions
• "Advantages and disadvantages": Present both sides, usually with your opinion on which outweighs

Australian Context Examples

Using Australian examples shows cultural awareness and makes your essay more relevant. Here are some universally applicable Australian examples:

• Education: Australia's multicultural university system
• Environment: Great Barrier Reef conservation efforts
• Technology: NBN (National Broadband Network) implementation
• Society: Australia's immigration and multiculturalism policies
• Economy: Mining industry's impact on regional communities

Coherence and Cohesion: Making Your Essay Flow

Band 7+ essays demonstrate clear logical progression. Here's how to achieve it:

Paragraph Linking Phrases

• To introduce first point: "Firstly," "To begin with," "The primary reason is..."
• To add information: "Furthermore," "Additionally," "Moreover,"
• To contrast: "However," "Nevertheless," "On the other hand,"
• To conclude: "In conclusion," "To summarize," "Overall,"

Within-Paragraph Cohesion

• For examples: "For instance," "A clear example of this is," "This can be seen in..."
• For results: "As a result," "Consequently," "This leads to..."
• For explanations: "This means that," "In other words," "That is to say,"

Lexical Resource: Vocabulary That Impresses Examiners

Band 7+ requires sophisticated vocabulary used naturally. Here's how to develop it:

Topic-Specific Vocabulary Banks

Education Topic:

• Basic: teaching, learning, students
• Band 7+: pedagogical approaches, educational attainment, academic rigour, intellectual development

Environment Topic:

• Basic: pollution, protect, environment
• Band 7+: ecological degradation, sustainable practices, environmental stewardship, carbon footprint

Academic Collocations

Use these sophisticated word combinations:

• "pose a significant threat" instead of "is dangerous"
• "alleviate the problem" instead of "make it better"
• "far-reaching implications" instead of "big effects"
• "compelling evidence" instead of "good proof"

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Complex Structures Done Right

Band 7+ requires complex grammar used accurately. Focus on these structures:

Complex Sentence Patterns

1. Relative clauses: "Students who receive individualized attention, which is common in Australian universities, tend to perform better academically."
2. Conditional sentences: "Were governments to invest more heavily in renewable energy, the long-term economic benefits would be substantial."
3. Participle phrases: "Having implemented strict environmental regulations, Australia has seen significant improvements in air quality."

Advanced Grammar Structures

• Nominalization: "The implementation of new policies" instead of "When they implement new policies"
• Passive voice: "These measures are widely regarded as effective" instead of "People think these measures are effective"
• Subjunctive mood: "It is essential that governments take immediate action"

Common Mistakes That Prevent Band 7+

Task Achievement Mistakes

• Not answering all parts of the question
• Taking a weak position (saying "it depends" without clear reasoning)
• Using irrelevant examples that don't support your argument

Coherence Mistakes

• Overusing linking words (sounds unnatural)
• Illogical paragraph order
• Unclear pronoun references

Vocabulary Mistakes

• Using advanced words incorrectly
• Repetition of simple vocabulary
• Inappropriate register (too casual or too formal)

Grammar Mistakes

• Subject-verb disagreement with complex subjects
• Incorrect article usage
• Misusing complex structures (attempting Band 9 grammar without accuracy)

The 40-Minute Time Management Strategy

Effective time management is crucial for Band 7+ performance:

• Minutes 1-5: Analyze the question and plan your essay structure
• Minutes 6-10: Write your introduction and outline main points
• Minutes 11-25: Write both body paragraphs (7 minutes each)
• Minutes 26-30: Write your conclusion
• Minutes 31-40: Review, edit, and check for errors

Practice Strategy for Continuous Improvement

1. Week 1-2: Master the essay structure with timed practice
2. Week 3-4: Focus on task achievement – practice different question types
3. Week 5-6: Develop coherence and cohesion skills
4. Week 7-8: Build vocabulary banks for common topics
5. Week 9-10: Practice complex grammar structures
6. Week 11-12: Complete practice tests under exam conditions

Final Tips for Australian Test-Takers

• Familiarize yourself with Australian social issues for relevant examples
• Practice with recent IELTS questions from Australian test centers
• Understand Australian academic writing conventions
• Use Australian spelling consistently (colour, not color; organisation, not organization)