IELTS Writing Practice Set for Band 7 Target
Student Focus: Improving linking words, grammar accuracy, coherence, cohesion, transitions, sentence variety, and overall task fulfillment.
General Instructions for the Student:
●
For each task, complete all the preliminary exercises before writing the full response. This
will help you focus on specific skills.
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Pay close attention to word counts (Task 1: at least 150 words;
Task 2: at least 250 words).
●
Time yourself when writing the full responses (Task 1: 20
minutes; Task 2: 40 minutes).
●
After writing, review your work using the "Band 7
Checklist" provided at the end of each task's exercises.
●
To write your answers, please click here to
open and write on the "Answer Sheet": Answer Sheet
__________________________________________________________________________________
Practice Task 1: Line Graph
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
(Preliminary Exercises – Complete BEFORE writing the full Task 1
response):
1.
Understanding the Data
& Overview (Focus: Task Achievement, Coherence)
○
What are the main variables shown in the graph (units, time
period, categories)?
○
What is the most striking overall trend for each age group?
○
Write a two-sentence overview that summarises the main trends or
most significant features without quoting specific data. (e.g., "Overall,
internet usage increased for all age groups, but the most dramatic rise was
seen in...")
2.
Identifying Key
Features & Paragraph Planning (Focus: Task Achievement, Coherence)
○
Identify 2-3 key features or trends for each age group (e.g.,
starting point, ending point, significant increases/decreases, plateaus,
intersections).
○
How will you group this information into 2 body paragraphs?
Briefly outline what each paragraph will describe. (e.g., Paragraph 1: Trends
for age group A and B; Paragraph 2: Trend for age group C and key comparisons).
3.
Vocabulary for Trends
(Focus: Lexical Resource)
○
List 3 verbs to describe an upward trend (e.g., rose, increased,
climbed).
○
List 3 verbs to describe a downward trend (e.g., fell,
decreased, declined).
○
List 3 adverbs to describe the speed/degree of change (e.g.,
sharply, gradually, significantly).
○
Write three sentences describing different movements in the
graph using some of this vocabulary.
4.
Linking for Comparison
& Contrast (Focus: Cohesion, Lexical Resource)
○
List 3 linking words/phrases for comparison (e.g., similarly,
likewise, also).
○
List 3 linking words/phrases for contrast (e.g., however, in
contrast, while, whereas).
○
Write two sentences that compare or contrast data points from
different age groups using these linkers.
5.
Grammar – Describing
Changes (Focus: Grammatical Range and Accuracy)
○
Write one sentence describing a past situation (e.g., "In
2000, the percentage of 51+ using the internet was...")
○
Write one sentence describing a change over time using a perfect
tense (e.g., "By 2020, internet usage for the 18-30 group had risen
to...")
○
Write one sentence using a subordinate clause to combine
information (e.g., "While the 18-30 age group started with moderate usage,
it experienced the most significant growth...")
(Write your full Task
1 Response now – at least 150 words)
(Band 7 Checklist for Task 1 –
Review your response):
* [ ] Task Achievement: Have I
addressed all parts of the task? Is there a clear overview? Are key features
and trends clearly reported and supported by data? Is it at least 150 words?
* [ ] Coherence & Cohesion: Is
the information logically organised into paragraphs? Are linking words used
effectively and accurately to connect ideas and make comparisons? Is there
clear referencing (e.g., pronouns)?
* [ ] Lexical Resource: Have I used
a sufficient range of vocabulary accurately? Is there varied vocabulary for
describing trends and making comparisons? Are there any spelling/word choice
errors?
* [ ] Grammatical Range &
Accuracy: Have I used a variety of sentence structures (simple, compound,
complex)? Are verb tenses, prepositions, and articles used correctly? Are there
minimal grammatical errors?
Practice Task 2:
Opinion Essay
Essay Question:
Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes (for example, working for a charity, improving the neighborhood, or teaching sports to younger children). To what extent do you agree or disagree?
(Preliminary Exercises – Complete BEFORE writing the full Task 2
response):
1.
Deconstructing the
Prompt & Brainstorming (Focus: Task Response, Coherence)
○
What is the core issue? (Compulsory unpaid community service in
high school)
○
What specifically does the question ask you to do? (To what
extent do you agree or disagree?)
○
Brainstorm 2-3 reasons to agree with the idea. For each reason,
think of a brief explanation or example.
○
Brainstorm 2-3 reasons to disagree with the idea (or reasons why
it might be problematic). For each reason, think of a brief explanation or
example.
2.
Thesis Statement &
Essay Plan (Focus: Task Response, Coherence)
○
Decide on your position (fully agree, partially agree, fully
disagree).
○
Write a clear thesis statement that states your position and
briefly outlines the main reasons you will discuss in your essay. (e.g.,
"While compulsory community service could offer some benefits such as
skill development, I largely disagree with its mandatory implementation because
it could place undue stress on students and may not be genuinely beneficial if
performed unwillingly.")
○
Create a brief outline for your essay (Introduction, Body
Paragraph 1: Reason X, Body Paragraph 2: Reason Y, (Optional Body Paragraph 3:
Concession/Further Reason), Conclusion).
3.
Topic Sentences
(Focus: Coherence, Cohesion)
○
For each of your planned body paragraphs, write a clear topic
sentence that introduces the main idea of that paragraph.
4.
Linking Words &
Transitions (Focus: Cohesion, Lexical Resource)
○
List 2 linking words/phrases for introducing a first point
(e.g., Firstly, One primary reason is...).
○
List 2 linking words/phrases for adding another point (e.g.,
Furthermore, In addition, Moreover...).
○
List 2 linking words/phrases for showing contrast or introducing
a counter-argument (e.g., However, On the other hand, Despite this...).
○
List 1-2 linking words/phrases for concluding (e.g., In
conclusion, To sum up...).
○
Try to incorporate some of these into your topic sentences or as
transitions between ideas within your paragraph outlines.
5.
Sentence Variety &
Hedging/Emphasis (Focus: Grammatical Range & Accuracy, Lexical Resource)
○
Write one complex sentence (a sentence with a main clause and at
least one subordinate clause) supporting one of your arguments. (e.g.,
"Although proponents argue that mandatory service instills a sense of
civic duty, it is possible that forcing students into such roles could breed
resentment rather than genuine altruism.")
○
Write one sentence using cautious/hedging language (e.g.,
"It could be argued that...", "Some might suggest...",
"This may lead to...").
○
Write one sentence using language of emphasis where appropriate
for your argument (e.g., "Undoubtedly...", "It is crucial
that...").
(Write your full Task
2 Response now – at least 250 words)
(Band 7 Checklist for Task 2 –
Review your response):
* [ ] Task Response: Have I
addressed all parts of the question? Is my position clear throughout the essay?
Are my arguments relevant and well-supported with explanations/examples? Is it
at least 250 words?
* [ ] Coherence & Cohesion: Is
the essay logically organised with clear paragraphs? Does each paragraph have a
clear central topic? Are linking words and phrases used effectively and
accurately to connect ideas between and within paragraphs?
* [ ] Lexical Resource: Have I used
a wide range of vocabulary appropriately and accurately? Is there any evidence
of less common lexical items? Are there any significant spelling/word choice
errors? Is the tone appropriate for an academic essay?
* [ ] Grammatical Range &
Accuracy: Have I used a variety of sentence structures (simple, compound,
complex) effectively? Is there good control of grammar (tenses, subject-verb
agreement, articles, prepositions)? Are there minimal errors that impede communication?
Guidance for the
Tutor/Feedback Provider:
●
Review the preliminary exercises first to pinpoint specific
areas of weakness before assessing
the full response.
●
When providing feedback on the full responses, refer back to the
Band 7 descriptors and the checklist.
●
Provide concrete examples of how the student could improve
specific sentences or express ideas more effectively for a Band 7.
●
Encourage the student to revise their essays based on your
feedback.
This structured approach should help your student practice the
specific skills needed to move towards a Band 7 in IELTS Writing. Repetition
with different Task 1 visuals and Task 2 questions, using this same focused
method, will be key.
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