HOW TO ACHIEVE BAND 8 IN WRITING
To achieve a band 8 in IELTS Writing Task 2, you will need to produce an essay that
contains all the positive features contained in the band 8 writing assessment criteria.
Let's take a look at these in the table below.

sufficiently addresses all parts of the task

presents a well-developed response to the
question with relevant, extended and
supported ideas

sequences information and ideas logically

manages all aspects of cohesion well

uses paragraphing sufficiently and
appropriately

uses a wide range of vocabulary fluently
and flexibly to convey precise meanings

skillfully uses uncommon lexical items but
there may be occasional inaccuracies in
word choice and collocation

produces rare errors in spelling and/or
word formation

uses a wide range of structures

the majority of sentences are error-free

makes only very occasional
errors or inappropriacies
Task response
Coherence and cohesion
Lexical resource
Grammatical range and
accuracy
Using the band descriptors as a guide we are going to go through the 8 steps to get you
on your way to a band 8 in Writing Task 2.
We will start with the task response before moving through all the criteria to show you
what an examiner will be looking for in your response.
Step 1: Answer is relevant to the question
HOW TO ACHIEVE BAND 8 IN WRITING
Answer what you have been asked in the question. Don’t produce an essay that is close
to a topic you have previously prepared. Make sure your examples and ideas are
relevant. If you generalise too much and are not specific enough this will affect how your
ideas are presented to the examiner.
Do

Make sure your ideas are directly related to the question

Use ideas and examples that you are familiar with, and that relate directly to the
topic

Extend your answer to include a number of ideas that will support the question.
Don't:

Include irrelevant information

Over-generalise

Produce a memorised essay

Present ‘recent’ research or statistics related to the topic “At least 41% of all men…”
Step 2: Answer all parts of the question
You must read the question carefully and decide how many parts are in it. You must answer all
parts of the question to reach a band 6 or higher.
Let’s look at some example IELTS question prompts and see how many parts are in each, if you
need to present your opinion. Remember, it is very important to present a clear position when
answering the statement to show that you understand the question being asked and to keep that
position clear throughout the essay.
Question type
How many parts?
Opinion required?
To what extent do you agree or
disagree with this statement?
1-part question
Yes, agree or
disagree, or decide
why you
agree/disagree
equally.
Discuss both views and give your
own opinion.
3-part question - discuss
both views as stated
Yes, present your
opinion, it may be
one of the views or a
combination of both.
HOW TO ACHIEVE BAND 8 IN WRITING
Why is this so? Give reasons for
this and solutions?
3-part question
A position is
presented on why this
is so, the reasons for
this issue and
solutions to solve the
issue.
Do the disadvantages of
international tourism outweigh
the advantages?
2-part question
Yes, you must clearly
say if there are more
advantages or more
disadvantages.
Why is this so? What effect does
it have on the individual and
society?
3-part question
Yes, you must give
reasons for the
statement and then
present the effect it
has on 1) the
individual and 2)
society.
Do:

Read the question carefully and decide how many parts are in it

Present your opinion and support it throughout the whole essay

If asked to present both views, make sure each view is presented equally (similar paragraph
length)

Watch for plurals. If you are asked to give ‘advantages’, you must present a minimum of 2

Watch for ‘and’. You may need to comment on more than one element

Write more than 250 words.
Don’t:

Ignore parts of the question

Assume that your opinion is clear, use the first person to ensure the examiner knows it’s
your opinion ‘I think’

Tell the examiner what you are going to say and what you have said

Produce a short essay.
Step 3: Organise your essay logically, with clear
progression using linking phrases
Ideas must be expressed and ordered clearly - starting with an introduction and moving through to
a conclusion.
HOW TO ACHIEVE BAND 8 IN WRITING
If you are asked to present both views and your opinion, state your opinion at the beginning of the
essay and then move on to present both views. You can then come back to your own opinion and
then conclude the essay. This is a logical way to present these ideas.
Do:

Use a range of linking words and phrases, but don’t overuse them

Use adverbial phrases, rather than single basic linkers

Use referencing and substitution to avoid repetition (this/them/the issue/the problem)

Use punctuation to make your writing coherent

Make sure your ideas are sequenced correctly

Make sure your ideas are logical and easy to follow

Use a separate paragraph for the introduction and the conclusion

Use one paragraph for each idea or topic area.
Don't:

Overuse basic linking words like firstly (instead, try using ‘The first reason for/ The primary
reason for this’)

Start every sentence with a linker (Try to put it in the middle of a sentence. E.g. “Some
people believe, however, that individuals must also take responsibility for the
environment” or “I believe, on the other hand, that individuals do have a responsibility
to…”)

Use numbers, symbols or abbreviations (1, 2, etc, &, +)

Use headings or subheadings

Underline words or phrases

Use one-sentence paragraphs

Start every sentence with a linking device.
Step 4: Organise your essays into paragraphs
Use paragraphs to organise your essay into clear parts. Make sure each paragraph contains a clear
and developed topic with a minimum of two sentences.
You can use the acronym “PEEL” when writing your essay:
Point – introduce your topic or topic sentence
Example – an example that supports your point
Explain – why this evidence supports your point
Link – transition to the next topic or paragraph
HOW TO ACHIEVE BAND 8 IN WRITING
You must use enough paragraphs to clearly show a structured response. This will show that you
can organise and present your thoughts and ideas logically.
Here are some ideas on how many paragraphs you could include in an essay:
Question type
To what extent do you agree
or disagree with this
statement?
How many paragraphs?
4/5
Paragraphs
1. Introduction
2. Reason why I agree/disagree
3. Another reason why I
agree/disagree
4. Concession paragraph reason
why I don’t agree/disagree
5.
Discuss both views and give
your own opinion.
5
Conclusion
1. Introduction
2. One view
3. Other view
4. Your opinion
5. Conclusion
Why is this so? Give reasons
for this and solutions?
5
1. Introduction
2. Reason why it is so
3. Reasons for this
4. Solutions for this
5. Conclusion
Do the disadvantages of
international tourism
outweigh the advantages?
4
1. Introduction (more
advantages)
2. Advantages (3)
3. Disadvantages (2)
HOW TO ACHIEVE BAND 8 IN WRITING
4. Conclusion
Why is this so? What effect
does it have on the individual
and the society?
5
1. Introduction
2. Why this is so
3. Effect/s on individual
4. Effect/s on society
5. Conclusion
Do:

Use paragraphs

Use linkers between and within your paragraphs

Leave a space between each paragraph (a line)

Use a paragraph for each topic

Use an introduction and a conclusion.
Don't

Use single-sentence paragraphs

Use very long paragraphs that cover a whole page (IELTS on paper)
Step 5: Use less common vocabulary and spell it
correctly
You will see in the band descriptors that a band 8 writer skillfully uses uncommon lexical items.
When we learn a language, we use common and uncommon terms. Common terms are words
and phrases we use every day to refer to personal experience and daily habits. Uncommon
terms are used when we discuss specific topics or when we use idiomatic language (phrasal
verbs).
Words that are old-fashioned and not used in everyday speech should not be used. If you choose a
synonym, the meaning must be the same and must not alter the idea being presented. For
example, adolescent/teenager have close meaning and can be used interchangeably, however,
toddler/baby have quite different meanings.
Collocation is also mentioned in band 8, and it is assumed that you know which words go
together, and which words are suitable to use for different topics.
If you are discussing child crime, you could use the term ‘minor’ as this is a legal term used to
describe children under the age of 18.
HOW TO ACHIEVE BAND 8 IN WRITING
If you use phrasal verbs, make sure that you are using the correct preposition as it can change the
meaning:
throw out/away = discard
throw up = vomit/get sick
Idioms (cultural language) should only be used if you understand them completely and if they fit
the topic you are discussing.
Do:

Use precise word choices

Use language that we use in everyday speech

Use words that you understand

Use words and phrases that are related to the topic

Use collocation and phrasal verbs (words that go together naturally – environmental
pollution | major issue | promising future)
Don't

Make spelling mistakes

Make typos

Mix up American and British spelling (You should use one or the other)

Use a word if you don’t understand it or cannot spell it.

Use imprecise words like ‘stuff/thing’

Use slang like ‘gonna’

Use old-fashioned language [the masses| denizens | myopic view | Hitherto]

Overuse synonyms, one is enough

Use idioms/clichés

Use contractions (can’t, doesn’t)
Step 6: Don’t use memorised language, phrases
or examples
Don’t use any memorised language, phrases or examples throughout your essay. They are easy
for examiners to spot and don’t demonstrate your ability to write fluently.
Overused phrases, idioms, proverbs and clichés should also be avoided, again, they are often used
when speaking. These include phrases like:

The grass is always greener on the other side
HOW TO ACHIEVE BAND 8 IN WRITING

Love is blind

Off the top of my head

Old is gold

A friend in need is a friend indeed
Additionally, the following terms should not be used when writing as they are vague and do not
address a task appropriately. You should always be using clear language and make appropriate
word choices that will express your ideas clearly.
Bad
Good
Bad
Good
Nowadays
In recent times
Crux of the discussion
The main/key issue
is…
Can’t
cannot
Stuff/thing
Use the correct word!
Controversial
issue
Major issue
e.g.
For example, …
The pros and
cons
Benefits and
drawbacks
Every coin has two
sides/faces
There are both
disadvantages and
advantages…
Firstly
The primary
reason why
A double-edged sword
The solution can also
cause issues as…
Secondly
Lack of education
is another reason
why…
In a nutshell
In conclusion…
Step 7: Use a variety of complex sentence
structures
At band 8 it is expected that you can use a wide range of structures accurately to present your
ideas and opinion. Show the examiner that you can use a wide range of structures and make sure
your sentences are error-free.
It is important to use a mix of complex and simple sentences. But remember, your complex
sentences should not be long and complicated.
HOW TO ACHIEVE BAND 8 IN WRITING
Your punctuation needs to be accurate, using capitalisation, commas and full stops correctly.
The most common errors made can be found below:
Grammar
Common errors
Relative Clause
Using the pronoun incorrectly - who/that/which
Conditional clause
Choosing the wrong tense for the clause type – Zero,
Type 1,2,3
Present perfect/past
Choosing the wrong tense - had/have had
Passive
Choosing the wrong past participle
Gerunds
Making errors with -ing
Countable nouns
Making errors with singular and plural nouns
Articles
Using a/the incorrectly, or not using it at all
Subject/verb agreement
The girls ‘are’ – singular or plural
Prepositions
Choosing the wrong dependent preposition, an incorrect
preposition of place and so on.
Punctuation
Used incorrectly, or not used at all.
Step 8: Checklist
Use the following checklist to make sure that your writing contains all the positive features at a
band 8
Task response

Did you answer ALL parts of the question sufficiently?

Are all your ideas and support directly relevant to the
question?
HOW TO ACHIEVE BAND 8 IN WRITING
Coherence and
cohesion
Lexical resource

Did you avoid over-generalising the topic?

Does the examiner know exactly what you think, and do you
present this position clearly for the whole essay?

Did you support your ideas with clear examples [not vague
research and survey results]?

Did you write over 250 words?

Can the examiner follow your ideas easily, from the
beginning of your essay to the end?

Does it progress clearly [introduction, main ideas with
supporting examples, conclusion]?

Did you use a range linking words and phrases?

Did you avoid repetition and starting every sentence with a
linking device [Firstly...Secondly…Thirdly]?

Did you use referencing [These issues…] and substitution
[problems/issues] correctly?

Did you use sufficient paragraphs?

Did you use one paragraph to develop each idea?

Is there a clear introductory and concluding paragraph?

Did you use a range of vocabulary that is on-topic?

Did you use precise vocabulary choices?

Did you avoid memorised language, clichés [double-edged
sword] and proverbs?

Did you use collocation correctly [environmental problem |
global issue]?

Did you use appropriate uncommon words [detrimental to |
cultural diversity | measures]?

Did you correct your spelling mistakes?

Did you check for typos?

Did you use the correct form of the word you needed
[adverbs, nouns, adjectives and verbs]?
HOW TO ACHIEVE BAND 8 IN WRITING
Grammatical range
and accuracy

Did you use simple and complex structures accurately?

Did you use a range of structures [conditional, present
perfect, relative clauses, modal verbs]?

Did you avoid long, complicated sentences?

Are your sentences error-free?

Did you punctuate correctly?

Did you use capital letters to start sentences and for proper
nouns?

Did you use commas in your complex sentences, where
needed? [If the government invests funds in
implementing environmentally-friendly solutions, pollution
in the atmosphere will be reduced.]

Did you use full stops(.) to finish sentences?
If you follow these 8 steps, you will be well on your way to a band 8 in Writing Task 2.
Is IELTS writing hard?
IELTS writing is not so hard if you have a thorough understanding of the test format and are able
to organise your thoughts into grammatically-correct, well-structured sentences. Obviously it
requires a fair amount of practice. To make it easy, IDP has launched IELTS Prepare where you
can access a range of preparation materials: from practice tests, sample answers, videos and
articles, all the way to expert assessments, online courses, webinars and more.
IELTS writing for beginners
Join our free IDP IELTS webinars that are designed to give you a sense of what to expect during
the IELTS Writing test and guide you towards reaching a high band score:

Improve your understanding of the writing test format and questions

Identify key points

Make your answers relevant

Organize your answers in a more coherent manner