1. Core Goals to Move from 5 → 7

At band 5, common issues:

• Limited vocabulary → frequent repetition
• Simple sentences → grammar mistakes
• Hesitation → not fully answering the question
• Limited ideas → short answers

Band 7 requires:

• Fluent, coherent, and extended responses
• Range of vocabulary and grammar
• Accurate and flexible structures
• Ability to give examples, reasons, and opinions

2. Vocabulary Development

A. Topic-specific vocabulary

Focus on frequent IELTS topics:

Tip: Learn collocations (words that naturally go together), e.g., make an effort, take responsibility, pose a challenge.

B. Linking Words & Phrases

Fluency and coherence are key for band 7.

3. Grammar & Structures

A. Sentence Variety

• Simple → “I like reading books.”
• Compound → “I like reading books, and I also enjoy writing essays.”
• Complex → “I like reading books because they help me learn new things.”
• Conditional → “If I had more free time, I would travel abroad more often.”

Tip: Band 7 requires complex sentence structures, but keep them natural.

B. Tenses

• Present simple/present continuous → describe routines or trends
• Past simple/past continuous → experiences or stories
• Present perfect → “I have visited three countries” (experience without a specific time)
• Future forms → “I will probably…”, “I am going to…”

C. Modals & Opinions

• Express certainty: definitely, certainly, without a doubt
• Express probability: might, could, likely, unlikely
• Giving advice/opinion: should, ought to, had better

4. Answer Frames / Speaking Structures

Part 1 – Introduction & Everyday Topics

Q: “Do you like cooking?”
Frame:

1. Opinion: Yes, I really enjoy cooking…
2. Reason: because it helps me relax after work.
3. Example: For instance, last weekend I tried making a new pasta recipe…

Useful phrase: “I am quite fond of…”, “It’s something I find really enjoyable…”

Part 2 – Long Turn / Cue Card

Structure (3 parts, 2–3 min):

1. Introduction: Paraphrase the question
   “Today, I want to talk about my favorite hobby, which is painting…”
2. Details & description: Use adjectives, senses, examples
   “I usually paint landscapes. I love capturing the colors of sunsets…
3. Personal reflection / conclusion:
   “I find painting very relaxing and it also allows me to express myself creatively…”

Frame phrases:

• “One thing I particularly enjoy about… is…”
• “It was really memorable because…”
• “I think this hobby has helped me develop…”

Part 3 – Discussion / Abstract Questions

Structure:

1. State opinion clearly: “In my opinion, education should focus more on practical skills.”
2. Reason / explanation: “This is because students often struggle to apply theoretical knowledge in real life.”
3. Example: “For example, in my high school, we rarely had opportunities to do real-world projects.”
4. Speculate / compare / suggest: “In the future, I believe schools might integrate more internships and practical classes.”

Advanced connectors: however, despite this, on the other hand, consequently

5. Practice Techniques

1. Shadowing / repetition: Listen to sample answers and repeat aloud.
2. Timed speaking: Practice 2-min answers for Part 2.
3. Record & self-evaluate: Check grammar, vocabulary, and fluency.
4. Use synonyms & paraphrase: Avoid repeating “good, nice, big”.
5. Think in English: Reduce translation time; improves fluency.