If you’ve been stuck at Band 5.5 or 6.0 for what feels like forever, you’re not alone — and it’s not because you’re lazy, untalented, or unlucky. After years of teaching IELTS, I’ve noticed a pattern in students who struggle to improve, and it usually comes down to three root causes:
1. They Practice Without Feedback
Writing essay after essay is great… unless you don’t know what’s wrong. Without someone (or something) showing you how to improve, it’s like running on a treadmill — exhausting but not going anywhere.
🧠 Fix it: Use instant scoring tools like an AI writing analyst or get specific Band-based feedback.
2. They Memorise Instead of Master
Many students rely on templates or memorised phrases. But examiners can spot this — and it often limits your vocabulary and coherence score.
🧠 Fix it: Learn vocabulary in context and focus on structure, not scripts.
3. They Don't Know What Band 7 Looks Like
You can’t hit a target you can’t see. If you’ve never read a Band 7 or Band 8 response with analysis, how can you write one?
🧠 Fix it: Study real, marked samples. Learn what coherence, task response, and grammar range really look like at higher bands.
🚀 Want to Break Through to The Next Band?
If you’re ready to practice smarter — not just harder — check out my custom IELTS prompt pack, built to match your level, goals, and topics.
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