IELTS Writing Mastery Guide
From Band 6 to Band 9
Self-Study Curriculum
September 19, 2025
Contents
1 Understanding the IELTS Writing Test 3
1.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.2 Timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.3 Common Mistakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2 Band Descriptors: What Examiners Want 4
2.1 The Four Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.2 Band Differences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.3 Mini Exercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3 Grammar Mastery for IELTS 6
3.1 Articles (a, an, the) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.2 Subject-Verb Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.3 Tenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.4 Complex Sentences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.5 Passive Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.6 Practice Exercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4 Subject-Verb Agreement 8
5 Tenses in IELTS Writing 8
6 Sentence Variety 9
7 Formal vs Informal Vocabulary 9
8 Synonyms for Trends (Task 1) 9
1
9 Academic Vocabulary for Task 2 10
10 Linking Words 10
11 Structure for Task 1 11
12 Common Mistakes in Task 1 11
13 Essay Types 11
14 Essay Structure (Band 9 Style) 11
15 Practice 12
16 How to Build Paragraphs 12
17 Weak vs Strong Example 12
18 Common Grammar Errors 12
19 Correction Exercise 13
20 Task 1 Example (Band 5 vs Band 9) 13
21 Task 2 Example (Band 5 vs Band 9) 13
22 Week 1: Grammar and Vocabulary 14
23 Week 2: Task 1 Focus 14
24 Week 3: Task 2 Focus 14
25 Week 4: Full Test Simulation 14
26 Adjectives for Describing Data 14
27 Essay Vocabulary by Function 15
28 Task 1 15
29 Task 2 15
30 Task 1 15
31 Task 2 16
2
1 Understanding the IELTS Writing Test
1.1 Overview
The IELTS Writing test has two main tasks:
• Task 1 (150 words minimum): Academic – describe a graph, chart, table, or
process. General Training – write a letter.
• Task 2 (250 words minimum): Write an essay in response to an argument,
opinion, or problem. This task carries double the marks of Task 1.
1.2 Timing
• Task 1: about 20 minutes
• Task 2: about 40 minutes
1.3 Common Mistakes
1. Writing too few words.
2. Copying the question instead of paraphrasing.
3. Poor structure (no intro, body, conclusion).
4. Limited vocabulary.
5. Frequent grammar errors.
3
2 Band Descriptors: What Examiners Want
2.1 The Four Criteria
Each essay is scored on four equal parts:
1. Task Achievement / Response
2. Coherence and Cohesion
3. Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy
2.2 Band Differences
Task Achievement
• Band 6: “The chart shows an increase in internet usage. It goes up every year.”
• Band 9: “Overall, internet usage rose steadily between 2000 and 2020, with the
sharpest growth between 2005 and 2010.”
Coherence & Cohesion
• Band 6: “First, people use phones. Second, they use computers. Finally, they use
internet.”
• Band 9: “While computer ownership grew gradually, mobile phone adoption rose
much faster, overtaking computers by 2010.”
Lexical Resource
• Band 6: “Technology is good for people.”
• Band 9: “Technological innovation has significantly enhanced convenience and
global connectivity.”
Grammar
• Band 6: “The number of households have increased.”
• Band 9: “The number of households has increased consistently since 2000.”
4
2.3 Mini Exercise
Rewrite these Band 6 sentences in Band 9 style:
1. People like use internet because it is good.
2. The chart show that phones go up fast.
3. Technology have make life easy.
5
3 Grammar Mastery for IELTS
3.1 Articles (a, an, the)
Common error: “He bought computer.” Correct: “He bought a computer.”
Rule:
• Use a/an for general, non-specific items.
• Use the for specific items already known.
3.2 Subject-Verb Agreement
Error: “The students was preparing.” Correct: “The students were preparing.”
3.3 Tenses
IELTS often requires:
• Present simple (general facts): “The chart shows...”
• Past simple (finished time): “Internet use increased between 2000 and 2010.”
• Present perfect (continuing trend): “Ownership has increased since 2000.”
3.4 Complex Sentences
Band 9 requires connectors:
• Cause: because, since, as
• Contrast: although, while, whereas
• Result: therefore, consequently, thus
Example: “Although mobile phone ownership rose quickly, computer ownership grew
at a slower pace.”
3.5 Passive Voice
Useful for Task 1:
“The data were collected from 500 households.”
6
3.6 Practice Exercise
Correct the errors:
1. The informations are clear.
2. Internet have change the world.
3. Students was happy with result.
4. He bought an apple and computer.
7
Grammar Mastery for IELTS Writing
4 Subject-Verb Agreement
A common problem in IELTS essays is incorrect subject-verb agreement. Remember:
• Singular subject → singular verb.
• Plural subject → plural verb.
Examples:
• Incorrect: A group of students were preparing for the presentation.
• Correct: A group of students was preparing for the presentation.
Exercise
Correct the following sentences:
1. The percentage of households owning a computer have increased.
2. Neither the teacher nor the students was interested.
3. A number of people is waiting outside.
5 Tenses in IELTS Writing
• Task 1 (Charts/Graphs): Usually past tense (if years are given) or present tense
(for general facts).
• Task 2 (Essays): Mix of tenses depending on argument.
Example: From 2000 to 2010, the percentage of households with internet rose
steadily.
Practice
Write two sentences:
1. One about a chart trend in the past.
2. One about a general fact today.
8
6 Sentence Variety
To reach Band 9, you must avoid repetitive structures. Use:
• Simple Sentences: One idea. Example: Internet use increased.
• Compound Sentences: Two ideas joined. Example: Internet use increased, and
mobile ownership also rose.
• Complex Sentences: Dependent + independent clause. Example: Although in-
ternet use increased, it did not reach full coverage.
Exercise
Rewrite this sentence in three ways (simple, compound, complex): Computer ownership
increased between 2000 and 2020.
Vocabulary for High Band IELTS Writing
7 Formal vs Informal Vocabulary
IELTS essays require formal academic style. Avoid contractions, slang, or casual
words.
• Informal: Kids spend too much time on phones.
• Formal: Children spend excessive time on mobile devices.
8 Synonyms for Trends (Task 1)
Word Synonyms
Increase rise, grow, climb, surge
Decrease fall, drop, decline, diminish
Stable remain constant, level off, plateau
Fluctuate vary, oscillate, shift
Exercise
Replace the underlined words with synonyms:
1. The percentage increased sharply.
9
2. Mobile ownership decreased slightly.
3. Computer use remained stable.
9 Academic Vocabulary for Task 2
Use precise words:
• Instead of a lot of → numerous, a significant number of.
• Instead of good → beneficial, advantageous.
• Instead of bad → harmful, detrimental.
Coherence and Cohesion
10 Linking Words
To connect ideas clearly:
• Adding: moreover, in addition, furthermore.
• Contrasting: however, on the other hand, although.
• Explaining result: therefore, thus, consequently.
Example: Mobile phone ownership increased steadily; however, computer use grew
more slowly.
Exercise
Join these sentences with appropriate linkers:
1. Internet use rose. Mobile phone use also rose.
2. Computer ownership was low. Internet access was even lower.
3. Many people use the internet. Some people prefer television.
Task 1 Writing Skills
10
11 Structure for Task 1
1. Introduction: Paraphrase the question.
2. Overview: Summarize main trends.
3. Body Paragraphs: Describe details, make comparisons.
4. Conclusion (optional): General remark.
Example Introduction: The chart illustrates the proportion of households that
owned internet, computers, and mobile phones between 2000 and 2020.
12 Common Mistakes in Task 1
• Copying question words directly.
• Listing data without summarizing.
• Using informal language.
Task 2 Writing Skills
13 Essay Types
• Opinion Essay (Agree/Disagree)
• Discussion Essay (Discuss both views)
• Problem/Solution Essay
• Advantages/Disadvantages Essay
14 Essay Structure (Band 9 Style)
1. Introduction (paraphrase + thesis statement).
2. Body Paragraph 1 (first idea + example).
3. Body Paragraph 2 (second idea + example).
4. Conclusion (summary + final thought).
11
15 Practice
Write an introduction for: Some people think technology makes life easier, while others
believe it makes life more complicated. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Developing Strong Arguments in Task 2
16 How to Build Paragraphs
Each body paragraph should:
1. Start with a clear topic sentence.
2. Provide explanation of the idea.
3. Support with an example (real or hypothetical).
4. End with a mini-conclusion linking back to the thesis.
Example (Band 9 style): One strong argument in favour of technology is its role in
improving communication. For example, video conferencing allows companies to connect
across continents without travel, saving both time and money. This demonstrates that
technological tools can strengthen global collaboration.
17 Weak vs Strong Example
• Weak: Technology is good. It helps people.
• Strong: Technology is beneficial because it increases access to education. For in-
stance, students in remote areas can attend online classes, which reduces educational
inequality.
Exercise
Rewrite the following weak sentence into a strong one: Mobile phones are bad for people.
Error Correction Practice
18 Common Grammar Errors
1. Incorrect tenses: The chart show the trend.
2. Wrong agreement: Many student prefers technology.
12
3. Informal words: Kids spend too much time online.
19 Correction Exercise
Correct the errors:
1. Internet users is increasing every year.
2. The data show that mobile phones was popular.
3. A lot of people are using internet nowadays, it’s cool.
Model Answers: Band Comparison
20 Task 1 Example (Band 5 vs Band 9)
Band 5 Style
The chart shows internet, mobile phones and computers from 2000 to 2020. They all go
up. Mobile phones is more than computers. In 2020 almost 100% of people had them.
Band 9 Style
The chart illustrates the proportion of households with internet access, mobile phones,
and computers between 2000 and 2020. Overall, all three technologies experienced steady
growth, with mobile phones becoming the most widely owned device. By 2020, ownership
of each technology approached universality.
21 Task 2 Example (Band 5 vs Band 9)
Band 5 Style
Technology is good but sometimes bad. Some people like it, some don’t. I think it is good
because it help people.
Band 9 Style
While technology has introduced certain challenges, such as over-reliance on digital de-
vices, it has undeniably made life more convenient. Communication, education, and
13
healthcare have all improved dramatically through technological advancements. Therefore,
I believe that technology has overall simplified and enhanced modern life.
Weekly Practice Plan
22 Week 1: Grammar and Vocabulary
• Daily: 5 subject-verb agreement drills.
• Write one Task 1 introduction.
• Learn 10 academic vocabulary words.
23 Week 2: Task 1 Focus
• Practice describing bar charts, line graphs, and pie charts.
• Write 3 full Task 1 essays and self-correct.
24 Week 3: Task 2 Focus
• Write one essay per day (alternate essay types).
• Focus on paragraph development and examples.
25 Week 4: Full Test Simulation
• 2 mock Writing Tests under exam conditions.
• Review errors carefully.
Vocabulary Banks
26 Adjectives for Describing Data
Word Example Sentence
Gradual Internet use increased gradually over two decades.
Sharp There was a sharp rise in mobile phone ownership in 2005.
Steady Computer ownership grew steadily throughout the period.
Dramatic A dramatic surge in internet use occurred between 2000 and 2010.
14
27 Essay Vocabulary by Function
• Cause: due to, because of, as a result of.
• Effect: therefore, consequently, thus.
• Contrast: however, on the other hand, although.
• Examples: for instance, such as, to illustrate.
Mock Writing Test 1
28 Task 1
Question: The chart below shows the percentage of households with access to different
household appliances between 1990 and 2020. Summarize the information by selecting
and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Your Task:
Write at least 150 words in 20 minutes.
29 Task 2
Question: Some people believe that traditional education is more effective than online
learning. Others think that online learning is more convenient and equally effective.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Your Task:
Write at least 250 words in 40 minutes.
Mock Writing Test 2
30 Task 1
Question: The line graph below shows the number of international tourists visiting three
different countries between 2000 and 2020.
15
31 Task 2
Question: Many people think that environmental problems should be solved globally,
while others believe individual countries should take responsibility. Discuss both views
and give your opinion.
Final Tips for Band 9
• Always paraphrase the question in your introduction.
• Write an overview in Task 1 — never forget this!
• Use a wide range of sentence structures (simple, compound, complex).
• Avoid informal words and contractions.
• Support every idea in Task 2 with explanation and example.
• Leave 2–3 minutes at the end to check for grammar and spelling errors.
*Conclusion Becoming a Band 9 IELTS Writing student requires practice, precision,
and persistence. By following the lessons, exercises, and mock tests in this book, you will
build the grammar, vocabulary, and structure necessary to write essays at the highest
level. Consistency is the key: practice every day, review your mistakes, and gradually
your writing will improve to Band 9 standard.
16