By English Test Coach · Updated
Writing bands · updated 21 October 2026
Stuck at band 6 in IELTS Writing? How to find what to fix next
Short answer: a 6 is rarely one problem. It is usually one or two criteria at 6 while the others sit at 6.5 or 7. Find which criterion is lowest across several essays, learn exactly what the band 7 description asks for on that criterion, and practise that one change until it shows up in your next essays.
Disclosure: we make an IELTS writing checker, mentioned below. No method or tool can promise a band; these steps give you the best information.
Why "write more essays" stops working at 6
At band 6 most writers already have a clear structure and enough vocabulary. More essays without feedback repeat the same habits. What moves the score is knowing which habit costs you the most.
Step 1: get criterion-level feedback on three essays
An overall 6 hides the detail. You need a separate judgement for Task response, Coherence and cohesion, Lexical resource, and Grammatical range and accuracy, on three essays of different types: an opinion, a discussion and a problem and solution essay. A teacher can do this, or a checker that scores each criterion and quotes your essay.
Step 2: find the pattern
Write the four scores for each essay in a small table. The criterion that is lowest in at least two of the three is your target. Ignore half-band swings on a single essay.
Step 3: the usual band 6 to 7 gaps, by criterion
| Criterion | Typical band 6 habit | What band 7 asks for |
|---|---|---|
| Task response | Position unclear or changes; ideas listed, not developed | A clear position throughout; main ideas extended and supported |
| Coherence and cohesion | Linking words used mechanically ("Moreover", "Furthermore") | Ideas that progress logically; linking that shows a real relationship |
| Lexical resource | General words ("good", "bad", "many people"); some word-form errors | Less common words used with precision; awareness of style and collocation |
| Grammatical range and accuracy | Complex sentences attempted, with frequent errors | A variety of complex structures; frequent error-free sentences |
Our band descriptors in plain English explain each row in more detail.
Step 4: practise one change for a week
Choose one habit from the table. For Task response, write only introductions and conclusions for five questions and check that the position matches. For Lexical resource, rewrite one body paragraph, replacing every general word with a precise one; the precise vocabulary lesson shows how. Then write a full essay and check whether that criterion moved.
Step 5: check again, and compare
Look at the same criterion across your old and new reports. If it has not moved after two essays, the change was not the right one: go back to the feedback and pick the next most common issue. For how to read a single estimate, see how to find out your Task 2 band before the exam.
Which tool can give me criterion-level feedback?
Most readers ask this next. Our comparisons cover the options and their costs:
- Best IELTS writing checkers compared
- English Test Coach vs IELTS Advantage: AI checks on every essay, or a course with examiner sessions
- English Test Coach vs Writing9
See your four criterion bands
Check an essay free. Each report ends with the revisions most likely to lift your weakest criterion. Bands are estimates, not official scores.