7 Writing Task 2 Mistakes Stopping You From Band 7
Updated 2 July 2026 · 2 min read · ieltspractice.app
If you keep landing on Band 6 or 6.5 and cannot work out why, the problem is usually not your vocabulary. It is a handful of common mistakes that quietly cap your score. The encouraging part is that these are all fixable. Here are seven of the most common ones, and exactly how to put each right.
1. Not fully answering the question
This is the single biggest score-killer. Many essays only cover half of a two-part question, or drift into a general topic instead of the exact task.
The fix: before you write, underline what the question actually asks and make sure every paragraph serves it. If you are told to give your opinion, give a clear one.
2. Weak or missing paragraphing
A wall of text with no clear paragraphs is hard to follow and hurts your Coherence score. So does cramming several ideas into one paragraph.
The fix: one main idea per paragraph, with a clear topic sentence, and a blank line between paragraphs so the structure is obvious.
3. Undeveloped ideas
Listing many points without explaining any of them is a classic Band 6 habit. Each idea needs support to count.
The fix: use the point, explain, example pattern. One idea developed fully beats three ideas mentioned in passing.
4. Memorised phrases and overused connectors
Examiners quickly spot memorised openers and essays where every sentence starts with Firstly, Moreover or In conclusion. It reads as mechanical, not fluent.
The fix: use a varied, natural range of linking, and connect some ideas through the order of your sentences rather than a heavy connector every time.
5. Reaching for vocabulary you cannot control
Forcing in rare words often backfires, because a wrong or unnatural word choice lowers both your Lexical Resource and your clarity.
The fix: use precise, accurate words you fully understand. Clear beats fancy every time.
6. Spelling and small grammar slips
On computer-delivered IELTS there is no spell-check, so typos count as errors, and repeated small slips separate a Band 6 from a Band 7 in accuracy.
The fix: leave two minutes at the end to reread for agreement, articles, tenses and spelling. These quick corrections add up.
7. Poor time management
Spending too long on Task 2, or running out of time before the conclusion, leaves the essay unfinished and unbalanced.
The fix: plan for about 40 minutes on Task 2 — a few minutes to plan, the bulk to write, and a couple to check. Finish the essay, even if the ending is short.
Quick check
Test yourself — tap an answer to see if you are right.
1. What is the biggest score-killer in Task 2?
2. How should you develop an idea?
3. Why does spelling matter on computer IELTS?
Frequently asked questions
Why am I stuck at Band 6.5 in Writing?
Usually because of a few repeated habits: not fully answering the question, weak paragraphing, undeveloped ideas, or small accuracy slips. Fixing these often lifts the score more than new vocabulary.
Does advanced vocabulary raise my band?
Only if it is accurate and natural. Rare words used wrongly lower your score. Precise, correct language matters more than impressive-sounding words.
How important is spelling?
More than many people think. On computer there is no spell-check, and repeated spelling errors can keep your Lexical Resource below Band 7.
How long should I spend on Task 2?
About 40 minutes. Plan briefly, write the bulk, and leave two minutes to check. Always finish the essay, even with a short conclusion.
Sources
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