Original BandLadder material
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, word cards with meanings and examples (a sedentary lifestyle, junk food, chronic illness and mental health), 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.
Reading it online is free: create a free BandLadder account and the whole lesson opens in our study reader, on the web and in the app. Downloading the PDF to keep needs a plan; the free reader has every card.
The first 3 of 9 cards
fine in a chat, flat in an essay
"Healthy food is good" is true. But good for what? A precise phrase names the effect, so your reader sees it.
Healthy food is very goodgood how? for people, but many eat bad foodwhich food? and get sicksick with what?.
Name the effect: a balanced diet can lower the risk of heart disease.
swap the vague word for the effect
| Vague | Precise |
|---|---|
| very good for you | lowers the risk of illness |
| bad food | junk food |
| doesn't move much | a sedentary lifestyle |
| be ill for years | develop a chronic illness |
| the hospitals | the healthcare system |
Band 7 IELTS writing shows "an awareness of style and collocation". PTE Essay scores vocabulary too.
say exactly what is wrong
Many desk workers lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Some schools have banned junk food.
A chronic illness can make full-time work hard.
Long hours can harm mental health.
Card 4 of 9 onwards
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Yes, to read online. Create a free BandLadder account and the full lesson opens in the study reader. No card details are needed.
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.
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.
Both. The lesson is in the IELTS and the PTE study library, so it opens whichever exam you prepare for.
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