Category: IELTS Scoring System

Scoring a Band 7 or higher in IELTS is a dream for many, but it often feels out of reach—especially if you have studied in your regional language during your school life. In fact English medium students also face difficulty in scoring the required bands due to lack of proper guidance and mentorship.

But don’t worry! All you need is the right guidance. With the right strategy, structured practice and proper mindset, you can crack this exam with 7+ bands. In this blog, we will take you step by step through everything you need to know—starting with understanding the IELTS band system, followed by detailed strategies for each section: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Table of contents

1. Let’s First Understand the Band Structure
2. How to Score 7+ Bands in IELTS Listening
3. How to Score 7+ Bands in IELTS Reading
4. How to Score 7+ Bands in IELTS Writing
5. How to Score 7+ Bands in IELTS Speaking
6. Final Thoughts
7. Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s First Understand the Band Structure

Before jumping into preparation, let’s first understand how IELTS scoring works. The IELTS exam is divided into four modules: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Each module is scored individually on a scale of 0 to 9 bands and your overall band score is the average of all four module scores.

Here’s what each band score means:

Band Score	Skill Level	Description
9	Expert	Fully operational command of the language with complete fluency and accuracy.
8	Very Good	Very few errors, excellent understanding and ability to handle complex situations.
7	Good	Strong command of English but with occasional inaccuracies and misunderstandings.
6	Competent	Effective communication with some errors in unfamiliar situations.
5	Modest	Can handle basic conversations but makes frequent grammatical mistakes.
4	Limited	Understands only simple phrases and struggles in complex situations.

To achieve 7+ bands in IELTS you need to master fluency, accuracy and speed in all four modules. Let’s now break down each module and explore powerful strategies to boost your score!

How to Score 7+ Bands in IELTS Listening

Many students struggle with the Listening section because of unfamiliar accents, fast-paced conversations and tricky question formats. However, by building strong listening habits and practising consistently, you can significantly improve your score.

Understanding the Listening Test Format

The IELTS Listening test consists of four parts with increasing difficulty. You will listen to recorded conversations and monologues and answer 40 questions based on what you hear. The duration is 30 minutes, plus you are given 10 minutes to transfer your answers.

Section	Type of Audio	Difficulty Level
Part 1	Everyday conversation (e.g., booking a hotel)	Easy
Part 2	Monologue (e.g., speech on local facilities)	Moderate
Part 3	Academic discussion (e.g., students discussing an assignment)	Hard
Part 4	Academic lecture (e.g., university professor explaining a topic)	Hardest

Tips to Score Band 7+ in Listening

The listening section can be tricky because you are not familiar with the accents. However, by practicing consistently you can get a hang of it. And believe us, it’s the easiest module out of all the four modules because you just have to listen and find answers in the recording itself and write it down. 

Here’s what you can do to develop your listening skills over time.

1. Expose Yourself to Different English Accents: The test includes British, Australian and American accents. Listen to BBC News, TED Talks and Australian radio shows to get familiar. And if this sounds boring, start listening to popular English songs without looking at the lyrics. This way you will be exposed to a lot of English words and you will start catching up with it.
2. Practice Active Listening: Don’t just listen—take notes, summarise the key points and repeat phrases aloud to train your brain to catch information quickly. And take a lot of practice tests, which you can easily find on YouTube. Try to answer the questions then and there. At first, you might have difficulty in keeping up with the pace, but after a while you will start improving.
3. Predict Answers Before Listening: Before the audio begins, read the questions. This will help you know what information to listen for. But do this practice only when you have just started your preparation. Because at the time of the test, you might not get that much time to first go through the questions.
4. Follow Instructions Carefully: If a question asks for ‘no more than two words,’ exceeding the word limit will lead to a wrong answer. And also beware of the tricky parts. There are many instances where the speaker will say 982436 then say sorry, it’s 992436. When you practice, notice these patterns and be mindful of it during your test.

How to Score 7+ Bands in IELTS Reading

The Reading test is a major challenge for non-native English speakers. But with the right techniques, you can train yourself to find answers faster.

Understanding the Reading Test Format

There are three reading passages with a total of 40 questions. Each passage becomes increasingly difficult.

Passage	Topic	Difficulty
Passage 1	General topics (easier)	Easy
Passage 2	More detailed topics (business/science)	Moderate
Passage 3	Complex academic text	Hard

Tips to Score Band 7+ in Reading

If you ask the students who have already appeared for the IELTS test before, they will tell you timing is a big challenge. But don’t worry, follow these tips and you should be fine.

1. Practice understanding it first: It becomes easy to answer the questions if you really understand what they are trying to say. The real challenge is understanding. At first, when you start practising, just read to understand it. Don’t jump in to answer the questions. If you need more guidance, join an online IELTS course.
2. Skim First, Read Later: Eventually, when you start understanding what they are trying to say, practise skimming through the passages.
3. Learn to Scan for Keywords: Questions often contain key terms that match the passage. Learn to find them quickly.
4. Time Management is Key: Don’t spend too much time on one question. Move on and return later if needed.
5. Understand Common Question Types: IELTS Reading has different question formats like True/False/Not Given, Matching Headings and Sentence Completion. Practising each type will boost your confidence.

How to Score 7+ Bands in IELTS Writing

This section is a bit tricky because you need to be a person who reads a lot. Because when you read certain things, you will then have opinions about it, which is what writing in IELTS is all about.

Understanding Writing Test Format

The writing test is divided into two parts. Task 1 and Task 2. Here’s all you need to know about the test format.

Task	Word Limit	What You Need to Do
Task 1	150 words	Describe a chart, graph or diagram
Task 2	250 words	Write an essay in response to a question

Tips to Score Band 7+ in Writing

A lot of students think that if they use difficult English words, then they can score well. But it’s the opposite.  They know when you forcefully use a word. Instead, learn how to communicate the same information using different words. Use the following tips to score 7+ bands in IELTS Writing. 

1. Use a clear structure – For essays, always follow a logical structure: Introduction → Body Paragraph 1 → Body Paragraph 2 → Conclusion. This makes your writing easier to follow.
2. Avoid repetitive words – Use synonyms and vary your sentence structures to keep your writing fresh and engaging.
3. Practise writing under time constraints – Time management is key. Aim to complete Task 1 in 20 minutes and Task 2 in 40 minutes to avoid running out of time.
4. Answer all parts of the question – Ensure your response addresses every part of the prompt. Missing even one part can lower your score.
5. Maintain a formal tone – IELTS Writing is not conversational. Avoid slang, contractions and overly casual language.
6. Use cohesive devices – Linking words like “however,” “therefore” and “on the other hand” make your writing flow better and improve coherence.
7. Proofread your answers – Reserve the last 2-3 minutes to check for spelling, grammar and punctuation errors. Small mistakes can lower your score.
8. Use complex but clear sentences – Include a mix of simple, compound and complex sentences to show language range without sounding forced.
9. Be specific and avoid general statements – Instead of saying, “Technology is good,” explain why it’s beneficial and give a specific example.
10. Stay focused on the topic – Going off-topic or including irrelevant details can hurt your coherence score.

How to Score 7+ Bands in IELTS Speaking

Now this module is the one that most students cannot clear only because they don’t practice it enough in the right way. While you might be talking in English a few times in a day, but that kind of English is not sufficient for IELTS.

You need to practice speaking English in the format of the IELTS speaking test. The Speaking section has 3 parts:

• Part 1: Introduction
• Part 2: Speak for 2 mins on a given topic
• Part 3: Follow up questions 

Common IELTS Speaking Mistakes & Fixes

Mistake	Why It’s a Problem	How to Fix It
One-word answers	Shows lack of fluency	Always add one extra sentence.
Speaking too fast	Reduces clarity	Pause after each sentence.
Using complex words incorrectly	Sounds unnatural	Use simple, correct sentences.
Long pauses while thinking	Makes you sound less fluent	Use filler phrases like “That’s a great question…”

Practice Tips to Score 7+ Bands in Speaking

Most students don’t have a problem speaking, they just don’t know how to answer the questions in a way that gets them bands. These tips will help you score well in speaking.

1. Take an online English speaking course – If you’re not comfortable speaking English, a course can help you build fluency and confidence.
2. Practise with a teacher or partner – Simulate the actual IELTS Speaking test to get used to the pressure and format.
3. Record yourself – Analyse your pauses, hesitations and repeated words. Work on improving your flow and clarity.
4. Focus on fluency over perfection – It’s okay to make minor grammar mistakes as long as you speak naturally and your ideas are clear.
5. Expand your vocabulary – Practice different topics like travel, education and work to avoid getting stuck during the test.
6. Use linking phrases – Phrases like “on the other hand” and “to be honest” make your answers more structured and fluent.
7. Maintain eye contact and confidence – Speaking calmly and confidently helps create a good impression on the examiner.
8. Avoid memorising answers – Examiners can spot memorised responses. Focus on sounding natural and conversational.
9. Practice answering unexpected questions – If you don’t know the answer, start with “That’s an interesting question…” to give yourself time to think.
10. Control your speaking pace – Speaking too fast can make you sound nervous, while speaking too slowly can hurt your fluency

Final Thoughts

Scoring Band 7+ in IELTS is not about memorising difficult words or writing overly complex sentences. It’s about understanding the test format, practicing with a strategy and improving your English naturally. Many students fail to achieve their desired score simply because they focus on studying hard instead of studying smart.

Most students practice without feedback. Self-study is great, but without expert guidance, you may not realise what mistakes are holding you back. That’s why it’s highly recommended to take structured coaching or at least get your writing and speaking evaluated by professionals. Platforms like Oops Study offer expert-led IELTS online course that can help you fix mistakes, refine strategies and boost your score efficiently.

Good Luck!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to score 7+ in IELTS?

To score Band 7 or higher, focus on all four modules. Listen to English daily, read faster using skimming and scanning, structure your writing well and practise speaking confidently. A structured IELTS course online can help if you need guidance.

2. Can I get 7 bands in 15 days?

Yes, but only if your basics are strong. Take a mock test, study for at least 6-8 hours daily and practise under exam conditions. If you’re struggling with English, the best IELTS course online in India can speed up your progress.

3. How can I get 8.5 in IELTS Listening?

Listen to BBC, TED Talks and IELTS practice tests daily. Predict answers, focus on synonyms and avoid distractions. Always double-check spelling and grammar in your answers.

4. What is the trick for Listening in IELTS?

Read the questions before the recording starts, underline keywords and write answers as you listen. Be careful with distractors and expose yourself to different English accents.

5. How can I improve my IELTS Reading score?

Read newspapers, articles and IELTS sample passages daily. Skim for the main idea, scan for details and always check the type of question before answering.

6. How do I manage time in IELTS Reading?

Spend no more than 20 minutes on each passage. Skim for key ideas and underline important words. Always answer easy questions first to save time.

7. What are common mistakes in IELTS Writing?

Lack of structure, incorrect grammar and limited vocabulary can lower your score. Always plan before writing, use varied sentence structures and avoid repeating words.

Learning English grammar is an important step towards cracking your IELTS exams, especially because our languages are quite different. And English isn’t always straightforward—its rules often don’t match those of Indian languages like Hindi, Marathi or Bengali, which makes it even tougher to grasp.

But don’t worry! Learning grammar is totally possible and we are here to help you make the process easier.

So, let’s break it down in a way that’s simple & most importantly effective.

Table of Contents

• Why Is Grammar Important For IELTS?
• How To Learn English Grammar Easily?
  • Step 1: Start with the Basics
  • Step 2: Learn  Parts of Speech
  • Step 3: Avoid Making Common Grammar Mistakes
  • Step 4: Practice with IELTS-Specific Grammar
  • Step 5: Learn from Real-Life Examples
  • Step 6: Use Grammar Resources Effectively
  • Step 7: Take it One Step at a Time
• In Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is Grammar Important For IELTS?

Let’s start by talking about why grammar is so important for the IELTS exam. IELTS has four components—Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. While you might feel comfortable with listening or reading comprehension, grammar is an area where many students struggle, especially when it comes to writing and speaking.

1. In Writing: Grammatical accuracy is directly linked to higher band scores. If your grammar isn’t correct, your sentences will be unclear or confusing. It’s not just about having fancy vocabulary—correct grammar is what makes your ideas easy to understand.
2. In Speaking: Your ability to speak clearly and confidently can be impacted by your understanding of grammar. Whether you’re talking about your daily life or describing a complex issue, grammar helps you convey your message effectively.

How To Learn English Grammar Easily?

Now, you might be wondering, “How can I master English grammar easily for the IELTS?” Let’s dive into the step-by-step process.

Step 1: Start with the Basics

It’s tempting to jump straight into complex grammar rules, but the key to learning grammar easily is to start with the basics. Just like when you first learned your native language, you need to build a strong foundation.

1) Understand Sentence Structure 

In English, a sentence usually follows the Subject + Verb + Object (SVO) pattern.

For example:

• I ate an apple (S+V+O)
• She speaks English (S+V+O)

This structure is simpler than what you might be used to in languages like Hindi, where the structure can be Subject + Object + Verb (S+O+V).

For example

• मैंने सेब खाया (S+O+V)
• वह इंग्लिश बोलती है (S+O+V)

Understanding this pattern will help you build basic, correct sentences.

2) Know the Tenses

Tenses in English can be tricky because they describe when an action takes place (past, present, future). But once you understand the basic tense structure, it becomes much easier to use them correctly.

• Present Simple: I study every day
• Past Simple: I studied yesterday
• Future Simple: I will study tomorrow

There are different versions of these tenses. But go to that later. Focus on getting a grip on present simple, past simple and future simple tenses first. These are the most commonly used tenses in IELTS writing and speaking tasks.

Step 2: Learn Parts of Speech

The next step is to focus on the parts of speech. In every sentence you create, you’ll find these essential building blocks. Once you master them, it will become much easier to structure sentences for your IELTS exam.

1) Know what is Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives and Adverbs

• Nouns: People, places, things or ideas. For example, dog, India, happiness.
• Verbs: Actions or states of being. For example, run, is, eat.
• Adjectives: Words that describe nouns. For example, beautiful, tall, fast.
• Adverbs: Words that describe verbs, adjectives or other adverbs. For example, quickly, very, carefully.

Each part of speech plays a unique role in a sentence. For instance, in the sentence “She speaks English fluently,” “She” is a noun (subject), “speaks” is a verb (action) and “fluently” is an adverb (describes the action).

2) Practice with Examples

It’s important to apply these parts of speech in real sentences. Here are a few examples you can practice with:

• Noun: The book is on the table.
• Verb: I will write a letter.
• Adjective: She has a beautiful dress.
• Adverb: He runs fast.

Start by making simple sentences and gradually add more detail as you get comfortable.

Step 3: Avoid Making Common Grammar Mistakes

We’ve seen our students make the same grammar mistakes again and again. It’s helpful to be aware of these mistakes and avoid them. Here are some common ones:

1) Subject-Verb Agreement

This rule means that the subject (the person or thing doing the action) and the verb (the action word) must match in number. If the subject is singular (one person or thing), the verb must also be singular. If the subject is plural (more than one person or thing), the verb must be plural.

For example:

• She plays football. (She is one person, so the verb play with s should be used)
• They play football. (They refer to more than one person, so the verb play without s should be used)

Incorrect usage would look like this:

• She play football.

2) Articles

In languages like Hindi, articles (like “a”, “an” and “the”) aren’t used, which often causes confusion in English.

• Correct: I saw a dog.
• Incorrect: I saw dog.

3) Prepositions

Prepositions can be tricky because they don’t always match with their equivalents in other languages.

• Correct: I’m going to the market.
• Incorrect: I’m going at the market.

Take time to practice these rules so that you can avoid making these mistakes on your IELTS exam.

Step 4: Practice with IELTS-Specific Grammar

For IELTS, there are certain grammar areas that you need to focus on more than others. These include:

1) Complex Sentences

Being able to use complex sentences effectively will show the examiner that you can handle more advanced English grammar. For example:

• I want to go to the cinema, but I don’t have enough money.

2) Conditionals

In IELTS Writing Task 2, you often have to discuss hypothetical situations or make recommendations. For example:

• If they had more time, They would definitely work effieciently.

3) Passive Voice

Understanding when to use the passive voice will help you express ideas differently.

• Active voice: The teacher explains the lesson.
• Passive voice: The lesson is explained by the teacher.

Practice these structures to improve your sentence variety and overall grammar score.

Step 5: Learn from Real-Life Examples

Learning grammar isn’t just about memorising rules. It’s about seeing how grammar is used in real-life contexts. Read books, newspapers and websites in English and pay attention to how grammar is used. You can also watch English movies or listen to podcasts to hear how native speakers use grammar in everyday conversations.

For example, notice how in the sentence “I’ve been studying for two hours,” the present perfect continuous tense is used. This tense shows the action started in the past and is still continuing. Learning from such examples will make grammar less abstract and more practical.

Step 6: Use Grammar Resources Effectively

There are countless online resources and books available to help you learn English grammar. But it’s important to use them effectively. Here are some recommendations:

• Grammar Books: A good grammar book can help you with clear explanations and practice exercises. We recommend English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy for beginners. 
• Online Courses: An online course can give you structured lessons, especially if you want to focus on grammar for IELTS preparation. If you’re looking for a more guided approach, try searching for the best IELTS online course. In fact one is here right in front of you. You can enroll in IELTS online course at OOPS Study. Having trained 1000+ students, we know exactly where you struggle and how to improve at it. With us, you can learn grammar and other important skills in a more focused way. 
• IELTS Preparation Websites: Websites like British Council and  IELTS Liz have specific grammar lessons for IELTS preparation. These resources can help you understand what grammar structures are important for the test.

Step 7: Take it One Step at a Time

Don’t try to learn everything all at once. Break your study into smaller chunks, focus on one grammar topic at a time. For example, start with tenses, then move on to articles and finally, focus on more complex topics like conditionals or passive voice.

By taking it one step at a time, you’ll feel more confident as you progress and you’ll find it easier to remember the rules.

And when we say practise — we mean practise through materials. Do those exercises like you would in school.

We understand it’s difficult to crack IELTS and its grammar. But to get started you can opt for an English speaking course online that will help you at every step of your journey.

In Conclusion

English grammar can be confusing and really stressful. But it can be simple without being too overwhelming if you are under right guidance. At OOPS Study, we specialise in helping learners like you overcome grammar challenges with practical tips and a supportive learning environment.

If you’re looking for a clear path to improving your grammar, check out our best IELTS online course. It’s designed to make learning effective and enjoyable, ensuring you’re ready for any challenge that comes your way.

Happy Learning!

Frequently Asked Questions

1) How can I learn grammar fast?

Focus on mastering the basics like sentence structure, tenses and parts of speech first. Practice daily using real-life examples and take advantage of structured courses like our english speaking course online for guided learning.

2) How can I learn English grammar by myself?

Start with beginner-friendly resources like grammar books or apps. Practice writing and speaking regularly and use online platforms like OOPS Study to clarify concepts and stay consistent.

3) How do I improve my English grammar?

Break your learning into steps—start with basics, identify common mistakes and practice IELTS-specific grammar like complex sentences and passive voice. Enrolling in a course can give you the structure and support needed to stay on track.

4) What are the 12 basic rules of English grammar?

These rules cover key areas like subject-verb agreement, tenses, parts of speech, sentence structure and proper use of articles and prepositions. They form the foundation of constructing clear and correct sentences in English.