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IELTS Writing Descriptors notes6 vs 7 in Writing

The four criteria, and what lifts 6 to 7. This IELTS lesson is a deck of 9 visual cards from BandLadder's own study library, written and fact-checked by our team.
  • 9 cards
  • Free to read online
  • PDF with any plan
  • Updated 30 September 2026

Original BandLadder material

What's inside

Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.

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The first 3 of 9 cards

Preview

  1. IELTSStart here · Writing descriptors

    Big words don't make a 7

    the most common Writing myth

    Some learners cram rare words into essays to reach Band 7. The Band 6 descriptor even mentions risk-takers: wider vocabulary, more inaccuracy.

    Governments must eradicate the phenomenon of joblessnessforced through an augmentation of remuneration.unnatural

    Precise and natural beats rare.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material1 / 9
  2. IELTSStart here · Writing descriptors

    Four criteria, 25% each

    Task 1 calls the first one Task Achievement

    CriterionWhat it asks
    Task ResponseFull answer, developed ideas
    Coherence and CohesionClear order, smooth linking
    Lexical ResourceRange and accuracy of words
    Grammatical Range and AccuracyRange and accuracy of grammar

    Each task is scored on its own. Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material2 / 9
  3. IELTSStart here · Writing descriptors

    Ideas and order: 6 to 7

    one upgrade each

    Band 6 vs Band 7, in plain words
    CriterionBand 6Band 7
    Task ResponseIdeas stated, some thinIdeas extended and supported
    CoherenceLinks feel mechanicalLinks used flexibly
    • Task Response: at 7, main ideas are extended and supported.
    • Coherence: at 7, links vary and use reference words, not only First, Second, Finally.
    • Academic Task 1: a clear overview is a 7 feature. At 6 it is only attempted.
    © 2026 BandLadder · original material3 / 9
  4. Card 4 of 9 onwards

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9 cards

Contents

  1. 1Big words don't make a 7the most common Writing mythIn the preview
  2. 2Four criteria, 25% eachTask 1 calls the first one Task AchievementIn the preview
  3. 3Ideas and order: 6 to 7one upgrade eachIn the preview
  4. 4Words: 6 to 7fit and pairing, not rarityFree account
  5. 5Grammar: 6 to 7complex sentences that stay accurateFree account
  6. 6Two myths about the bandsswap the habitFree account
  7. 7Your turnthree quick onesFree account
  8. 8Save thisWriting bands, decodedFree account
  9. 9Where next?pick one and goFree account

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The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.

Who wrote this lesson?+

The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.

Is it for IELTS Academic or General Training?+

Both versions of the test: it covers what they share and says where they differ.

IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. PTE is a trademark of Pearson. BandLadder is not affiliated with either.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

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