IELTS Academic Band 7–9 Academic Writing Guide

https://bcfeducation.com/ielts-band-7-9-word-lists-for-success/✍️ IELTS Academic Writing – Complete Guide

⏱ Time Management

  • Task 1: 20 minutes (150 words)

  • Task 2: 40 minutes (250+ words) → more important


📊 Academic Writing Task 1

What you may get

  • Line graph | Bar chart | Pie chart | Table

  • Map

  • Process diagram

🔹 Band 7–9 Structure

Paragraph 1 – Introduction
Paraphrase the question (1 sentence)

Paragraph 2 – Overview (VERY IMPORTANT)

  • Biggest trends

  • Highest / lowest

  • Overall changes
    ❌ No numbers here

Paragraph 3 – Body 1

  • Specific data

  • Comparisons

Paragraph 4 – Body 2

  • Remaining details


📌 Useful Academic Vocabulary

  • Increase: rose sharply, climbed steadily

  • Decrease: declined gradually, fell dramatically

  • Stability: remained constant, showed little change

  • Comparison: in contrast, whereas, similarly


📝 Academic Writing Task 2 (Essay)

Common Question Types

  1. Opinion (Agree / Disagree)

  2. Discuss both views

  3. Problem – Solution

  4. Advantages – Disadvantages


🏗 Band 7–9 Essay Structure

Introduction

  • Paraphrase the topic

  • Clear thesis statement

Body Paragraph 1

  • Topic sentence

  • Explanation

  • Example

Body Paragraph 2

  • Topic sentence

  • Explanation

  • Example

Conclusion

  • Restate your opinion

  • Summarize key points


🔑 High-Scoring Linking Words

  • Furthermore, Moreover

  • However, On the other hand

  • As a result, Therefore

  • In conclusion, To sum up


🚫 Common Academic Mistakes

  • Informal words (kids, a lot, stuff)

  • Memorized answers

  • Weak conclusion

  • No clear opinion


🎯 Band 7+ Writing Formula

✔ Clear structure
✔ Logical ideas
✔ Accurate grammar
✔ Relevant examples
✔ Formal academic tone

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2

Question:
Some people believe that universities should focus only on academic subjects, while others think that practical skills are equally important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.


Band 7–8 Sample Essay

Many people argue that the primary role of universities is to provide students with academic knowledge, whereas others believe that practical skills should also be given equal importance. This essay will discuss both perspectives before explaining why a balanced approach is more beneficial.

On the one hand, supporters of academic-focused education claim that universities are centres of theoretical learning and research. Subjects such as mathematics, physics, and philosophy require deep intellectual understanding, which can only be developed through rigorous academic study. Furthermore, strong theoretical foundations enable students to adapt to different professional fields in the future, especially in rapidly changing industries.

On the other hand, opponents argue that practical skills are essential for students to succeed in the modern job market. Employers often seek graduates who not only possess academic qualifications but can also apply their knowledge in real-world situations. For example, skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are highly valued across most professions. Without such abilities, graduates may struggle to secure employment despite having strong academic backgrounds.

In my opinion, universities should combine academic education with practical training. While theoretical knowledge forms the basis of higher education, practical skills help students become more confident and job-ready. Therefore, integrating internships, workshops, and project-based learning into university programs would prepare students more effectively for their future careers.

In conclusion, although academic subjects are fundamental to university education, practical skills are equally important. A balanced curriculum that includes both aspects is the most effective way to meet the demands of students and employers alike.

📘 100 IELTS Academic Vocabulary Words

🔹 General Academic Vocabulary (1–25)

  1. Analyze

  2. Approach

  3. Assess

  4. Assume

  5. Benefit

  6. Concept

  7. Consist

  8. Context

  9. Contrast

  10. Data

  11. Define

  12. Distribute

  13. Establish

  14. Evidence

  15. Factor

  16. Function

  17. Identify

  18. Indicate

  19. Method

  20. Occur

  21. Principle

  22. Process

  23. Research

  24. Respond

  25. Significant


🔹 IELTS Writing Task 2 Vocabulary (26–50)

  1. Advocate

  2. Consequence

  3. Controversial

  4. Crucial

  5. Debate

  6. Demonstrate

  7. Emphasize

  8. Exceed

  9. Impact

  10. Implication

  11. Incentive

  12. Inevitably

  13. Justify

  14. Notion

  15. Perspective

  16. Prioritize

  17. Proportion

  18. Relevant

  19. Restrict

  20. Sustain

  21. Trend

  22. Valid

  23. Widespread

  24. Allocate

  25. Decline


🔹 IELTS Academic Reading Vocabulary (51–75)

  1. Abstract

  2. Accurate

  3. Category

  4. Cite

  5. Coherent

  6. Compile

  7. Complex

  8. Comprehensive

  9. Derive

  10. Dimension

  11. Distinct

  12. Estimate

  13. Explicit

  14. Framework

  15. Hypothesis

  16. Illustrate

  17. Interpret

  18. Interval

  19. Layer

  20. Modify

  21. Objective

  22. Precise

  23. Publish

  24. Sequence

  25. Stable


🔹 Advanced / Band 8–9 Vocabulary (76–100)

  1. Albeit

  2. Apparent

  3. Arbitrary

  4. Cope

  5. Disparity

  6. Emerge

  7. Enhance

  8. Feasible

  9. Fluctuate

  10. Inherent

  11. Integrate

  12. Magnitude

  13. Negligible

  14. Obsolete

  15. Paradigm

  16. Predominant

  17. Robust

  18. Scarce

  19. Simultaneously

  20. Substantial

  21. Transform

  22. Underlying

  23. Unprecedented

  24. Viable

  25. Yield


✅ How to Use These Words Effectively

  • Use accuracy over quantity

  • Avoid memorizing blindly—practice in sentences

  • Use advanced words only where natural

  • Combine with clear grammar and coherence

British Council IELTS

Other Useful Official websites:

Official Ielts Website

http://www.ielts.org/

British Council Website for IELTS

https://www.ielts.britishcouncil.org/

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IELTS Academic Band 7–9 Academic Writing Guide

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