7 mistakes that keep you stuck at Band 6.5 in Writing
The recurring habits that cap fluent writers at 6.5 — and the specific fixes that move you to 7 and beyond.
Most people stuck at 6.5 in Writing are not weak at English — they're making a handful of predictable, fixable errors against the band descriptors. Here are the seven that matter most.
1. No clear position (Task 2)
If the question asks your opinion, state it in the introduction and hold it to the conclusion. Sitting on the fence caps Task Response.
2. No overview (Task 1)
A data-free sentence naming the main trends is the single most important line in Task 1. Without it, you're capped at Band 6 no matter how accurate your figures are.
3. Under-developed ideas
A reason with no explanation or example is a listed idea, not a developed one. Follow topic sentence → explain → example → link back.
4. Memorised phrases and templates
Examiners spot 'It is a well-known fact that…' openers instantly and penalise memorised, off-topic language. Write to the specific question.
5. Mechanical linking
'Firstly, Secondly, Moreover, In conclusion' on every sentence signals weak cohesion, not strong. Link ideas naturally and vary connectors.
6. Repetitive vocabulary
Reusing the same words (especially the topic's keywords) limits Lexical Resource. Paraphrase and use precise collocations — not rare 'big words' used wrongly.
7. Ignoring proofreading
Articles, subject–verb agreement, plurals and tense slips add up. Leave three minutes to check — it's the cheapest half-band available.