One Question, Three Answers: IELTS Task 2 at Band 6, 7 and 8
Sneha from Pune has scored 6.0 in Writing three times. Rather than reading another abstract IELTS Task 2 Band 7 sample answer, she needs to see what separates her paragraphs from the next score level.
The step from Band 6 to Band 7 is mostly development and control, not rare vocabulary: a clear, developed position, ideas explained rather than listed, natural linking, and frequent error-free complex sentences. Band 8 adds precision and ease.
Practice question: Some people think that governments should invest more in public transport, while others believe building more roads is the better solution to traffic problems. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
What Separates the Three Bands
The bands below are illustrative estimates for one introduction and body paragraph, not official results; a real band depends on the whole essay.
Band 6: Underdeveloped Ideas and Mechanical Links
Here the position is vague and the points are thinly explained.
Model introduction + Body 1 (illustrative Band 6)
Traffic congestion is a major problem in many modern cities. Some people argue that governments ought to allocate funds to public transport, while others believe constructing new roads is better. In my opinion, both solutions have certain benefits, and they should be considered carefully by the government.
Firstly, investing in public transport systems help reduce vehicular congestion. When citizens travel by buses and trains, fewer private vehicles travel on road, preventing daily traffic jams. Moreover, expanding the metro network can carry thousands of passengers at the same time, saving time during peak hours. Furthermore, public transport is more economically for workers because fuel costs rise and many people cannot afford to run a car. In addition, electric trains produce less air pollution than cars, which improves environment for everyone. Consequently, governments must allocate more money to public transport so that commuters travel easily and quickly.
Why this draft sits at Band 6:
- Task Response: The stance is vague (“both solutions have certain benefits”); four points are listed, not extended.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Links are mechanical, opening consecutive sentences with routine transitions (Firstly, Moreover, Furthermore).
- Lexical Resource & Grammar: Adequate vocabulary; errors that do not block meaning: agreement (systems help), articles (on road), word form (more economically).
Band 7: Clear Position and Extended Support
Here the position is clear and one idea is extended with an example.
Model introduction + Body 1 (illustrative Band 7)
Opinions differ on whether governments should spend more on public transport or on new roads to ease traffic. In my view, public transport is the better investment, because it tackles the cause of congestion more sustainably than road building.
Public transport can move far more people through limited road space than private cars. Each passenger on a bus takes up far less road space than a driver in a private car, and metro trains run on their own tracks, so a well-used network removes many vehicles from city streets at peak hours. Unlike road building, which often encourages more driving, this reduces congestion without drawing in extra traffic. For example, the expanding metro networks of several Indian cities have given many office workers a fast alternative to driving, which can ease pressure on crowded roads. Public transport also lowers vehicle emissions per passenger, so cleaner air is an additional benefit. State investment in reliable mass transit therefore offers longer-lasting relief from congestion than new roads.
Why this draft reaches Band 7:
- Task Response: A clear position, and one argument (road space) extended with an explanation, an example and a result.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Natural linking, for example Unlike road building and this reduces congestion.
- Lexical Resource & Grammar: Precise collocations (limited road space, longer-lasting relief); frequent error-free complex sentences.
Band 8: Full Development and Precise Language
Here the argument is fully developed and the language precise, but still natural.
Model introduction + Body 1 (illustrative Band 8)
People disagree about whether governments should invest in public transport or build more roads to ease traffic. Although new roads can offer drivers quick relief, I would argue that public transport is the sounder long-term investment, because it moves people more efficiently than any road can.
The strongest argument for public transport is the efficiency with which it uses limited urban space, which is the scarcest resource in any large city. A private car takes up far more road space per passenger than a bus or a train, so new roads tend to fill up again as more people choose to drive. By contrast, a metro system that runs above or below the street carries large numbers of commuters without adding to surface traffic. The Delhi Metro, which carries millions of passengers every day, shows what such a system can offer a congested city: a dependable alternative to the road. Public investment in mass transit therefore tackles congestion at its source, whereas road building often delivers only temporary relief.
Why this draft reaches Band 8:
- Task Response: Fully developed: space per passenger, why new roads fill up, a metro example, a return to the position.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Logical progression and natural linking (By contrast, such a system, therefore).
- Lexical Resource & Grammar: Precise, flexible wording (dependable alternative, tackles congestion at its source); a wide range of structures, no noticeable errors.
Band 6, 7 and 8 Compared Side by Side
| Criterion | Band 6 | Band 7 | Band 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task Response | Position vague, ideas listed | Clear position, idea extended | Fully developed, precise |
| Coherence and Cohesion | Mechanical (Firstly, Moreover) | Varied, natural linking | Smooth, logical progression |
| Lexical Resource | Adequate, some misused words | Less common words, good collocation | Precise, flexible |
| Grammar | Some errors; mix of simple and complex | Frequent error-free complex sentences | Most sentences error-free |
Three Shifts That Move Your Score From 6 to 7
- Maintain an explicit position. State your stance in the introduction; see how to maintain a clear position.
- Develop one central idea. Explain one mechanism with an example rather than listing points; see IELTS Task 2 body paragraphs.
- Replace mechanical connectors. Use referencing and varied linkers rather than repeating Firstly and Moreover; see using linking words without overdoing it.
Incorrect: Firstly, public transport is good. Moreover, it reduces pollution. Furthermore, it saves money.
Correct: Investing in mass transit eases congestion because each full train takes many cars off the road.
Develop one mechanism with an example instead of stacking three unextended assertions.
Tip
Check the first word of each sentence. If two in a row begin with Moreover or Furthermore, rewrite one using a relative clause or a reference word.
Key Takeaways
- Band 7 describes a clear and developed position; state yours in the introduction.
- Extend one central idea with an example instead of listing points.
- Replace mechanical transitions with natural referencing and varied structures.
The bottom line: The step from Band 6 to Band 7 is mostly idea development and sentence control, not a thesaurus.