How band scores work in these tests
Band 5 · 50–64% Band 6 · 65–74% Band 7 · 75–84% Band 8+ · 85–100%
These ranges are approximate indicators based on grammatical accuracy — IELTS band scores also include task achievement, coherence, and lexical resource.

Writing Task 2

Opinion essays

The grammar structures that most affect your band score in Task 2 — complex sentences, hedging, cohesion, and accuracy under exam conditions.

Writing Task 2 · Test 1

Complex Sentences & Cohesion

Relative clauses, participle clauses, discourse markers, parallel structure, and linking words for academic essays.

20 questions ~12 min Band 5–8
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Writing Task 2 · Test 2

Hedging, Register & Accuracy

Hedging language, formal register, passive voice, nominalization, advanced modals, and avoiding common IELTS grammar errors.

20 questions ~14 min Band 6–8+
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Writing Task 1

Data description

Grammar specific to describing graphs, charts, and processes — trends, comparisons, passives for process descriptions, and precise quantifying language.

Writing Task 1 · Test 1

Trends, Comparisons & Data Language

Describing trends with accuracy (rose, fell, peaked), comparative structures, time clauses, and quantifying expressions.

20 questions ~12 min Band 5–8
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Writing Task 1 · Test 2

Process Descriptions & Passives

Passive constructions for process diagrams, sequencing language, present simple for facts, and describing maps or diagrams.

20 questions ~12 min Band 5–8
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Reading grammar

In-context

Grammar questions set within short academic-style passages — the way grammar actually functions in IELTS Reading. Identify how structures create meaning in context.

Reading Grammar · Test 1

Grammar in Academic Texts

Interpret grammatical choices in short reading passages — reference, substitution, reduced clauses, and formal structures.

15 questions ~15 min Band 6–8+
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Academic Vocabulary · Test 1

Academic Word List & Collocations

High-frequency academic vocabulary, collocations that appear across IELTS tasks, and precise word choice for formal writing.

20 questions ~12 min Band 5–8
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Grammar by band score

Reference guide

What IELTS examiners expect from your grammar at each band level — use this to identify which structures to focus on.

Band Grammar range Typical errors Key structures to practise
5
Simple and some complex sentences; limited range; frequent errors Subject–verb agreement, article use, tense consistency, run-on sentences Present perfect, passive voice, basic conditionals, article rules
6
Mix of simple and complex structures; some errors that don't impede meaning Relative clause punctuation, gerund vs infinitive, modal verb choice Relative clauses, reported speech, linking adverbials, second conditional
7
Frequent use of complex structures; generally accurate with occasional errors Hedging precision, nominalisation, participle clause attachment Cleft sentences, nominalization, advanced passives, mixed conditionals
8+
Wide range used flexibly and accurately; errors are rare and minor Stylistic register slips; occasional article error in complex noun phrases Inversion, ellipsis, discourse structure, reduced relative clauses

Grammar tips for IELTS

Vary your sentence structures

Examiners reward a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences. Avoid writing all sentences the same length or pattern.

Use the passive voice strategically

In Task 1 process diagrams and Task 2 impersonal arguments, the passive signals academic register and shifts emphasis effectively.

Hedge your claims

Replace strong assertions with hedged language: it appears that, evidence suggests, this may indicate. This raises your register and avoids overstatement.

Cohesion over connectors

Don't rely on furthermore and moreover alone. Use pronouns, lexical chains, and ellipsis to create natural cohesion across sentences.

Nominalise key verbs

Convert verbs to nouns for a more academic tone: analyse → analysis, develop → development, increase → an increase in.

Leave time to proofread

Most band-reducing errors (missing articles, wrong tense, subject–verb agreement) are fixable if you reserve 3–5 minutes to re-read your answer.