Part 1: The Anatomy of a Band 9 – Decoding the Examiner’s Checklist

I see a lot of questions here about the Writing test, especially about that elusive Band 9. It’s the Everest of IELTS scores, and many people wonder if it’s even possible. The short answer is: yes, it is.1 But it’s not achieved through simple “hacks” or by memorizing a few “Band 9 phrases.” It’s achieved through a deep, strategic understanding of what the examiners are actually looking for. I’m an IELTS tutor and strategist. I’ve spent countless hours diving into the official band descriptors, analyzing examiner comments on sample scripts, and synthesizing the experiences of candidates who have reached the top. This post is the culmination of that research. It’s a no-nonsense, comprehensive roadmap designed to demystify the Band 9 and give you a clear, strategic path forward. This is a long one, so grab a coffee. Let’s get started.

1.1 Introduction: Moving Beyond “Good English”

The first and most critical thing to understand is that IELTS Writing is not just a test of “good English.” It’s a test of your ability to perform specific tasks according to a very specific set of rules. A native speaker who doesn’t understand these rules will likely not get a Band 9.1 Your entire preparation must be built on the foundation of the four official marking criteria. Each one is worth exactly 25% of your marks for each task, so they are all equally important.3 Internalizing these criteria is the most important step you can take.2

1.2 The Four Pillars of a Perfect Score: A Forensic Breakdown

Let’s dissect the official Band 9 descriptors and translate them from “examiner-speak” into practical, actionable goals.8

Task Achievement (TA) for Task 1 / Task Response (TR) for Task 2

Official Descriptor: “fully addresses all parts of the task,” “presents a fully developed position in answer to the question with relevant, fully extended and well supported ideas”.9 Practical Meaning: This is your ability to answer the question, the whole question, and nothing but the question. If the prompt asks for advantages and disadvantages, you must cover both in detail. If it asks for your opinion, you must state it clearly in the introduction and maintain it consistently.10 A Band 9 response doesn’t just mention ideas; it fully extends them with detailed explanations and supports them with specific, relevant examples.1 Every single part of the prompt must be comprehensively addressed.10

Coherence and Cohesion (CC)

Official Descriptor: “uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention,” “skilfully manages paragraphing”.8 Practical Meaning: This is the “flow” of your writing. For a Band 9, this flow must be so smooth and logical that the structure is essentially invisible. The reader follows your argument effortlessly, without noticing the mechanics. This is achieved through two key elements:

• Logical Paragraphing: Each paragraph must have one single, central idea. Mixing ideas in a paragraph will destroy your CC score.15
• Seamless Cohesion: This goes beyond just using linking words. It involves a sophisticated and varied use of cohesive devices—like pronouns, substitution, and conjunctions—so that they are not clunky or mechanical. A Band 9 writer doesn’t just throw in “Moreover” at the start of a sentence; they connect ideas in a way that feels completely natural.3

Lexical Resource (LR)

Official Descriptor: “uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control,” “rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips'”.8 Practical Meaning: This is about much more than just using “big words.” It’s about precision, flexibility, and sophistication. You use less common vocabulary not to impress, but because it’s the exact word needed for the context. A huge part of this is the skillful use of collocations—words that naturally go together (e.g., “take urgent action,” “highly competitive,” “foster engagement”).8 Your control of word formation and spelling is so good that any errors are clearly just typos, not knowledge gaps.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA)

Official Descriptor: “uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy,” “rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips'”.8 Practical Meaning: A Band 9 response demonstrates mastery over grammar. You must use a wide variety of sentence structures—simple, compound, and complex—to convey your ideas with precision.7 The key is flexibility and control. The overwhelming majority of your sentences are completely error-free. Punctuation is not an afterthought; it is used perfectly to enhance clarity.3 Again, any mistakes are minor “slips” (like a typo you missed), not fundamental errors.

1.3 The Leap from Band 7 to Band 9

Many candidates get stuck at Band 7. The jump to Band 9 isn’t just about making fewer mistakes; it’s a fundamental shift from competence to mastery. A Band 7 writer shows they can control the language; a Band 9 writer uses it with such sophistication that the control is effortless and invisible. The Band 7 descriptors describe a “Good User” who “generally handles complex language well” but with “occasional inaccuracies”.3 This implies a conscious effort that is mostly, but not always, successful. In contrast, the Band 9 descriptors point to an “Expert User” with “fully operational command” where the language use is “natural and sophisticated” and the cohesion “attracts no attention”.3 The difference is the naturalness. A Band 7 response might have good linking words, but they feel deliberate. A Band 9 response weaves them in so they are unnoticeable. A Band 7 uses good vocabulary; a Band 9 uses the perfect word with sophisticated control of collocations.8 To make this concrete, here is a table breaking down the key upgrades needed to move from a strong Band 7 to an expert Band 9.

Criterion	What a Band 7 Looks Like 8	What a Band 9 Looks Like 8	The Key Upgrade
Task Response (TR)	Presents a clear position throughout the response. Addresses all parts of the task, although some parts may be more fully covered than others.	Presents a fully developed position in answer to the question with relevant, fully extended and well supported ideas.	From “clear” to “fully developed.” From “addressing” to “fully extending and supporting” every single part of the question.
Coherence & Cohesion (CC)	Logically organises information and ideas; there is a clear progression. Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately, though there may be some over/under use.	Uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention. Skilfully manages paragraphing.	From “clear progression” to “effortless flow.” Cohesive devices become invisible and paragraphing is masterful.
Lexical Resource (LR)	Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision. Uses less common vocabulary with some awareness of style and collocation.	Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.	From “sufficient” to “wide and sophisticated.” From “awareness of collocation” to “natural control” of it. Precision is key.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA)	Uses a variety of complex structures. Frequently produces error-free sentences. Has good control of grammar and punctuation but may make a few errors.	Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’.	From “variety” to “wide range with full flexibility.” From “frequent error-free sentences” to a response that is virtually error-free.

Part 2: A Two-Pronged Attack: Mastering Task 1 and Task 2

You have 60 minutes to complete two tasks. Task 2, the essay, is worth twice as many marks as Task 1, so your strategy must reflect this.3

2.1 The Essay (Task 2): The Heart of Your Score (40 mins, 250+ words)

The single most important secret to a high-scoring essay is this: the quality of your argument development is far more important than the complexity of your ideas. Examiners are not grading how “smart” your ideas are. They are grading how well you can take a relevant idea, explain it in detail, and support it with a strong example.2 High-scorers on this very subreddit have confirmed this: “You don’t need fancy words or smart arguments, you just need a couple of basic ones that you then develop”.21 The official descriptors demand a “fully developed position” with “fully extended and well supported ideas”.9 The focus is on the development, extension, and support. A simple, clear idea that is brilliantly explained and exemplified will always score higher than a complex, philosophical idea that is vague and poorly supported.

Structuring for Success: The 4-Paragraph Powerhouse

For the time-pressured environment of IELTS, the most efficient and effective structure is the classic 4-paragraph model.13 Introduction (2-3 sentences):

• Paraphrase the question statement (do not just copy it, and avoid clunky memorized phrases like “This is a controversial issue…”).18
• Write a clear thesis statement that directly answers the question and outlines what you will discuss in the essay.13 Body Paragraphs (The Core of your marks):
• Each body paragraph must have one central idea. This is non-negotiable.15
• Start with a clear topic sentence that introduces this central idea.18
• Explain the topic sentence. What does it mean? Why is it true?
• Provide a specific, relevant Example to support your explanation. This can be a real-world example or a logical, hypothetical one.1
• You can add a concluding or Link sentence to summarize the paragraph’s point or transition to the next. Conclusion (1-2 sentences):
• Briefly summarize your main points from the body paragraphs.
• Restate your thesis/opinion in different words.
• Do not introduce any new ideas.15

Structural Blueprints for Common Task 2 Essay Types

To help you plan quickly, here are blueprints for the most common essay types.

Essay Type	Introduction Thesis	Body Paragraph 1 Focus	Body Paragraph 2 Focus	Conclusion Summary
Opinion (Agree/Disagree) 26	State your opinion clearly (e.g., “This essay agrees that…”) and outline your two supporting reasons.	Explain and exemplify your first reason for agreeing/disagreeing.	Explain and exemplify your second reason for agreeing/disagreeing.	Restate your opinion and summarize your two reasons.
Discussion (Discuss Both Views) 26	Paraphrase the topic and state that you will discuss both viewpoints before giving your own opinion.	Discuss the first viewpoint with explanations and examples.	Discuss the second viewpoint with explanations and examples.	Summarize both views and clearly state your own opinion.
Problem & Solution 26	Paraphrase the topic and state that you will discuss the main problems and propose viable solutions.	Explain the primary causes/problems associated with the issue, with examples.	Propose and explain the most effective solutions to these problems.	Briefly summarize the problems and the recommended solutions.
Advantages & Disadvantages 26	Paraphrase the topic and state that you will examine the main advantages and disadvantages.	Discuss one or two key advantages in detail.	Discuss one or two key disadvantages in detail.	Summarize the main pros and cons. If asked, state whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

2.2 The Opening Act (Task 1): Securing the First Third of Your Marks (20 mins, 150+ words)

While the four marking criteria (CC, LR, GRA) are applied similarly across both modules, the definition of success for Task Achievement (TA) is fundamentally different for Academic and General Training.10 An Academic Task 1 requires the objective, analytical skills of a data reporter.28 A General Training Task 1 requires the pragmatic, social skills of an effective communicator who understands purpose and tone.30

Academic Module – The Art of the Data Report

Your job is to summarize visual information (graphs, charts, tables, maps, or processes). You are a reporter, not an analyst. You must not give your opinion or speculate on reasons for the data that are not provided.28 Step 1: Analyze & Plan (3 mins): Quickly analyze the visual. What do the axes, labels, and units show? What is the time period? Most importantly, identify 2-4 key features. These are the most obvious and significant pieces of information: the highest and lowest points, the most dramatic trends, the biggest changes, or major exceptions to a pattern.5 Step 2: Write the Introduction & Overview (5 mins):

• Introduction (1 sentence): Paraphrase the question prompt to state what the visual shows.5
• Overview (2 sentences): This is the most important paragraph of your report.38 In two sentences, summarize the 2-4 key features you identified in Step 1. Do not use any specific numbers or data here. This paragraph proves to the examiner that you can see the “big picture” before diving into the details.5 Step 3: Detail the Features in Body Paragraphs (10 mins): Now, in one or two body paragraphs, you describe those key features in detail, supporting your statements with specific data (numbers, percentages, dates) from the visual.5 Group information logically. For example, if you have two charts, you might dedicate one body paragraph to each.37

General Training Module – The Perfect Letter

Your job is to write a letter to respond to a situation. You will be given three bullet points that you must cover. Step 1: Analyze & Plan (3 mins):

• Recipient: Who are you writing to? A friend? A manager? A company you don’t know? This determines the tone.5
• Purpose: Why are you writing? To complain? To ask for information? To apologize? This must be clear from the very beginning.
• Bullet Points: Identify the three points you must address. You need a plan to cover all of them fully.5 Step 2: Write the Letter (15 mins):
• Opening: Use the correct salutation based on the tone (e.g., “Dear John,” for informal; “Dear Sir/Madam,” or “Dear Mr. Smith,” for formal). In your first sentence, clearly state the purpose of the letter.30
• Body Paragraphs: Clearly and fully address all three bullet points. The easiest way to ensure you do this is to dedicate a separate, short paragraph to each bullet point.5 Make sure you extend each point with sufficient detail.
• Closing: Use an appropriate closing line (e.g., “I look forward to your prompt response.”) and sign-off that matches the tone (e.g., “Best regards,” for informal/semi-formal; “Yours sincerely,” if you used their name, or “Yours faithfully,” if you used “Sir/Madam”).31 Key to Band 9: The tone (formal, semi-formal, or informal) must be perfectly consistent throughout the letter, and all three bullet points must be fully and logically developed.4

Part 3: The 60-Minute Countdown: A Strategic Game Plan

3.1 The 20/40 Time Split: A Non-Negotiable Rule

You must be disciplined with your time. The official advice is to spend approximately 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2.20 This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a strategic necessity. Because Task 2 is worth double the marks, spending an extra 5 minutes on Task 1 to make it “perfect” is a catastrophic error if it means you run out of time to write a proper conclusion for your essay.20

3.2 The First 10 Minutes: Winning the Battle Before You Write

The most critical period of your 60-minute writing test is the initial planning phase. Top-scoring candidates consistently emphasize that planning is the key to success.13 Spending 7-10 minutes planning your essay is not “wasted time”; it is an investment that pays huge dividends. A good plan leads to a better structure (improving your CC score), more focused arguments (improving your TR score), and faster, more confident writing, which leaves you more time at the end for the crucial proofreading stage. Actionable Plan:

• Task 2 (First 7-8 minutes of the 40): Immediately after the test starts, turn to Task 2. Read the question 2-3 times. Identify keywords. Decide your position. Brainstorm two strong supporting points. Jot down a quick 4-paragraph outline with your thesis and topic sentences.18
• Task 1 (First 2-3 minutes of the 20): After writing your Task 2 essay, switch to Task 1. Quickly analyze the visual or prompt. Identify your 2-3 key features (Academic) or the purpose/tone (General). Plan your paragraph structure.33

3.3 The Final 5-Minute Proofread: Your Last Line of Defense

Proofreading is not optional; it is an essential part of the writing process that can lift your score by catching careless errors.41 But with only a few minutes left, you can’t check for everything. You need to perform a proofreading triage, focusing only on the highest-impact errors. You aren’t rewriting your essay; you are polishing it. A High-Pressure Proofreading Checklist:

• Pass 1: Your Personal Error Scan (60 seconds): Scan for your most common mistakes. Do you always forget the ‘s’ on third-person verbs? Do you mix up ‘its’ and ‘it’s’? Hunt for these specific errors first because you know where to find them.46
• Pass 2: Subject-Verb Agreement & Tense (60 seconds): Quickly scan each sentence. Does the subject match the verb? (e.g., “The government provides,” not “The government provide”). Are your tenses consistent?.49
• Pass 3: Punctuation & Obvious Spelling (60 seconds): Look for missing full stops. Check for major spelling errors on keywords you’ve used multiple times. Reading a sentence backwards can sometimes help you spot spelling mistakes because your brain isn’t focused on the meaning.43
• Pass 4: Word Repetition (60 seconds): Did you use the word “important” five times? Quickly scan and see if you can substitute a synonym like “crucial,” “vital,” or “significant” in one or two places.43

Part 4: Your Personalised Training Regimen & The Final Step

4.1 Building Your Arsenal: Beyond the Test Day

A Band 9 performance is built on a foundation of strong language skills developed over time. Lexical Resource: Stop memorizing abstract word lists. You need to learn vocabulary in context. Read high-quality English publications (e.g., The Economist, BBC News, National Geographic) and pay attention to how words are used.2 Keep a vocabulary journal, but don’t just write words and definitions. Write down the full sentence you found it in and focus on collocations for common IELTS topics (e.g., for ‘Environment’, learn phrases like ‘carbon footprint’, ‘sustainable practices’, ‘renewable energy’).17 Grammatical Range: Don’t just hope for the best. Be active. Take a simple idea and practice expressing it in multiple ways: as a compound sentence, a complex sentence with a relative clause, a conditional sentence, or using the passive voice where appropriate. This builds the flexibility that examiners look for.36

4.2 The Path to Mastery: Practice, Feedback, and Refinement

Simply writing 50 essays will not guarantee a high score. In fact, it might just reinforce your bad habits. The fastest and most effective way to improve is through a targeted feedback loop: Practice -> Get Expert Feedback -> Identify Weaknesses -> Targeted Study -> Practice Again. You are often blind to your own recurring mistakes. An expert tutor or a reliable, well-designed feedback service can spot patterns in your writing that you will never see on your own (e.g., “You consistently misuse articles before abstract nouns”).13 This feedback is gold. It allows you to stop making the same mistakes and focus your energy on fixing your specific weak points.54

4.3 Final Recommendation: Putting Theory into Practice with Mock Tests

So, you’ve internalized the marking criteria, you’ve mastered the task structures, you have a solid time management plan, and you’ve been building your core skills. What’s the final piece of the puzzle? You have to put it all together under exam conditions. But how do you know if you’re truly ready? How can you simulate the pressure and timing of the real 60-minute test and get a feel for the full exam experience? This is where mock tests become essential. They are the bridge between practice and performance. A full mock test allows you to:

• Test your 20/40 time management strategy under real pressure.
• Practice the mental switch from the analytical Task 1 to the argumentative Task 2.
• Build the writing stamina required for the full 60-minute challenge.
• Get familiar with the test interface, especially for the computer-based exam. To help you with this crucial final step, my team and I have developed a platform with free, high-quality mock IELTS tests. It’s the perfect way to apply everything we’ve discussed today and see where you stand.