Band 7 is the most important line for many candidates: universities abroad and grant programmes often ask for an overall 6.5 or 7.0. In Speaking, the gap between 6 and 7 is usually not knowledge but speaking habits: how you extend an answer, which words you choose and how often you use complex sentences.
Band 6 and band 7, criterion by criterion
| Criterion | Around 6 | Around 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency and Coherence | Speaks at length but stops to search for words; the same linkers repeat | Rarely stops, and then to think; varied linking |
| Lexical Resource | Enough words for the topic, but much repetition ("very good") | Less common words, natural collocations, paraphrase |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | Some complex sentences, often with errors | Complex sentences used often and mostly error-free |
| Pronunciation | Clear, but the listener has to work on some words | Easy to follow, with natural stress and intonation |
One answer, two versions
Do you like cooking?
Around band 6
Yes, I like cooking. I cook very often, maybe three times in week. I like cooking because it is very interesting and very relaxing. My favourite food is plov, it is very delicious.
Around band 7
I do, as long as I'm not in a hurry. On weekdays I tend to keep it simple, but on Sundays I'll spend a couple of hours making something more ambitious, like plov, which my dad taught me. Honestly, it's the most relaxing part of my week.
What makes the difference:
- Vocabulary: the first uses "very" four times. The second has "tend to", "keep it simple", "ambitious".
- Grammar: the first has an error ("three times in week") and sentences that all look the same. The second has a condition ("as long as"), a habit with "will" and a relative clause ("which my dad taught me").
- Structure: the first repeats the question. The second gives an answer, a contrast and a personal detail.
Five habits for band 7
1. Extend every answer
In Part 1, the formula is answer, reason, example. Two or three sentences are enough; one is too few.
2. Replace "very"
Instead of "very good", use natural collocations: "really enjoy", "incredibly relaxing", "a huge difference", "absolutely exhausted".
3. One complex structure in every answer
A conditional, a relative clause, the present perfect or "used to". The aim is not to show off but to use them naturally.
4. Fill pauses with thinking phrases
"That's an interesting question...", "Let me think...", "I'd never really thought about it, but...". Not in every answer, though: too many sound artificial.
5. Record yourself and listen back
Make a list of your own mistakes: most people have 5-10 that keep coming back, and fixing them brings the fastest results.
Reading is not enough: speak
In IELTS Buddy an AI examiner talks to you as in the real test and gives an estimated band on all 4 criteria. 3 mock tests are free.
A four-week plan
| Week | Focus | Every day |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fluency | 3 Part 1 questions: answer, reason, example, recorded |
| 2 | Lexical | One topic, 8 new phrases, replacing "very" |
| 3 | Grammar | One conditional or relative clause in every answer |
| 4 | Full mock | Parts 1, 2 and 3 with a timer, then a review of mistakes |
More: the 30-day plan, common mistakes, 40 useful phrases.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to move from 6 to 7?
It varies from person to person. With 30-40 minutes of focused practice a day, many people see a clear change within one or two months, but nobody can guarantee it.
Do I need idioms for band 7?
No. Band 7 rewards less common words and phrases, but an idiom used wrongly does more harm than good. Natural collocations are the safer choice.
Reading is not enough: speak
In IELTS Buddy an AI examiner talks to you as in the real test and gives an estimated band on all 4 criteria. 3 mock tests are free.
