Achieving a Band 7 or above overall, with no less than 7 in each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking), is a challenging task.

If you have been aiming for Band 7 but consistently scoring 6 or 6.5, this post will guide you on how to elevate your performance and reach Band 7.

If you keep taking the exam and getting the same results, it’s crucial to change your approach to the test; otherwise, you’ll continue to obtain the same outcome, caught in a vicious circle. Some students believe that taking the test repeatedly will automatically improve their score, especially at the lower bands. However, this process may take an indefinite amount of time.

The exam should not be considered as a method of preparation; rather, it should be the final step in your study. Once you reach Band 6, the leap to Bands 7 and 8 becomes much more significant. You need to attain a level of English language proficiency approaching that of a native speaker (and it takes around 7 years for a native speaker to reach that level!). Moreover, you must precisely know what to do in every part of the test to earn that coveted Band 7 score.

Let’s delve into the specific requirements for each section:

Listening:

– Ability to pick out small details from what is said

– Take notes to avoid missing crucial information

– Be aware of grammatical changes needed for your answers

– Listen for markers to keep track and avoid missing questions

– Simultaneously listen, understand, read, and write.

Reading:

– Possess a wide range of vocabulary to spot synonyms

– Organize answers grammatically after finding relevant information

– Understand how linguistic devices (e.g., negatives) function in English to match questions and text information accurately

– Work fast, pace yourself, and complete all tasks with ease

– Use key words not only to locate information in the text but also to identify when it is not the right place.

Writing:

– Able to plan quickly and effectively

– Familiar with the “feel” of Band 7 writing

– Proficient in grammar, vocabulary, and formal “academic” writing

– Possess a wide range of vocabulary and flexibility in using formal grammar

– Focus on improving Task 2 writing, which holds double the marks of Task 1.

Speaking:

– Comfortably speak about a range of topics

– Demonstrate a good knowledge and flexibility of language

– Structure a short “talk” quickly and deliver it fluently and interestingly

– Use a range of tenses, modal verbs, and other grammatical features to provide opinions and comments to the examiner’s questions

– Listen actively and simultaneously formulate an answer.

All of these skills are second nature in your native language, but now you need to apply them effectively in English. The better you apply these skills, the higher your band score will be—it’s that simple!

If you are already comfortable with these concepts but not achieving Band 7, then it’s essential to apply them more effectively. Embrace change, as it is the key to improvement!

In conclusion, you don’t need any special techniques or groundbreaking advice. Small improvements can make a significant difference. For instance, in the speaking and writing tests, aim to express your ideas in more detail and reduce minor mistakes.

Best of luck in your next exam!