<h2>What Examiners Actually Look For</h2> <p>IELTS Writing Task 2 is marked on four equally-weighted criteria: Task Achievement (TA), Coherence and Cohesion (CC), Lexical Resource (LR), and Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA). Band 9 requires perfection in all four — but "perfection" is achievable once you understand what each criterion demands.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Task Achievement (Band 9):</strong> Every part of the question is fully addressed. Your position is clear and consistently maintained. Ideas are developed with relevant, extended examples.</li> <li><strong>Coherence and Cohesion (Band 9):</strong> Cohesion is used so naturally that it is barely noticeable. Paragraphing is consistently logical and appropriate.</li> <li><strong>Lexical Resource (Band 9):</strong> Full flexibility and precise use of vocabulary. Rare minor errors occur only as "slips" — not systematic mistakes.</li> <li><strong>Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Band 9):</strong> Wide variety of structures used with full flexibility. Errors are extremely rare and do not cause misunderstanding.</li> </ul> <h2>The Four-Paragraph Essay Framework</h2> <p>Almost all IELTS Task 2 questions can be answered with four well-developed paragraphs. This structure satisfies the examiner's expectation for clear organisation.</p> <ol> <li><strong>Introduction (50–70 words):</strong> Paraphrase the question, state your position or overview.</li> <li><strong>Body Paragraph 1 (100–130 words):</strong> First main point — topic sentence → explanation → example → link back.</li> <li><strong>Body Paragraph 2 (100–130 words):</strong> Second main point — same structure, OR a counter-argument if the question asks for both views.</li> <li><strong>Conclusion (40–60 words):</strong> Summarise both body paragraphs, restate your position. No new ideas.</li> </ol> <h2>Five Essay Templates That Unlock Band 8–9</h2> <p><strong>Template 1 — Opinion (Agree/Disagree):</strong> "It is argued that [paraphrase]. Although [counter-view], I strongly agree that [your position] because [reason 1] and [reason 2]."</p> <p><strong>Template 2 — Discussion (Both Views):</strong> "Proponents of [view A] contend that [reason]. Conversely, those who favour [view B] argue that [reason]. In my view, [balanced or sided conclusion]."</p> <p><strong>Template 3 — Problem/Solution:</strong> "The primary cause of [issue] is [cause 1]. Furthermore, [cause 2] exacerbates the situation. To address this, governments could [solution 1], while individuals should [solution 2]."</p> <p><strong>Template 4 — Advantage/Disadvantage:</strong> "While [advantage 1] represents a significant benefit of [X], this must be weighed against [disadvantage 1] and [disadvantage 2], which have [effect]."</p> <p><strong>Template 5 — Two-Part Question:</strong> Address Part A fully (one body paragraph) then Part B fully (another body paragraph) — do not mix them.</p> <h2>Lexical Precision: The Band 8/9 Vocabulary Gap</h2> <p>Band 6 candidates write "this is bad for the environment." Band 9 candidates write "this accelerates anthropogenic climate change." The difference is not complexity for its own sake — it is precision and collocation. Learn vocabulary in chunks: "exacerbate a problem," "mitigate the effects of," "foster social cohesion," "pose an existential threat to."</p> <h2>Common Mistakes That Cap Scores at Band 7</h2> <ul> <li>Using memorised "template sentences" verbatim — examiners recognise these and it damages your TA and LR scores.</li> <li>Writing more than 350 words — this usually indicates poor editing, not more content, and rarely improves your score.</li> <li>Underdeveloped body paragraphs with only a topic sentence and example — you need the explanation layer.</li> <li>Inconsistent position — avoid switching your opinion mid-essay.</li> </ul> <h2>Practice Routine for Band 9</h2> <p>Write one timed essay (40 minutes) every two days. After each essay, use the four-criterion rubric to self-mark. Pay particular attention to your lexical range — keep a dedicated vocabulary notebook for collocations you discover while reading academic English. Work with a certified IELTS tutor for detailed feedback at least once a week.</p>