Your favourite words are costing you band points.
You can't see your own patterns. You reach for the same verbs, the same adjectives, essay after essay — and the examiner notices.
IELTS Memo's Vocabulary Builder analyses every essay you write, maps your word habits, and flags the ones holding you back. Then it gives you Band 7+ alternatives with real usage examples so you know exactly how to use them.
Stop repeating yourself. Start building a vocabulary that impresses.
Check your patterns free at ieltsmemo.com
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
You can't see your own patterns. You reach for the same verbs, the same adjectives, essay after essay — and the examiner notices.
IELTS Memo's Vocabulary Builder analyses every essay you write, maps your word habits, and flags the ones holding you back. Then it gives you Band 7+ alternatives with real usage examples so you know exactly how to use them.
Overuse "important"? Memo suggests significant, crucial, pivotal — with sample sentences from real IELTS responses.
Stop repeating yourself. Start building a vocabulary that impresses.
Check your patterns free at ieltsmemo.com
─────────────────
ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Word of the Day
precarious · adjective
Dangerously unstable or uncertain; depending on chance and likely to change for the worse.
IELTS example:
Word forms: precarious (adjective) → precariously (adverb) → precariousness (noun)
Key collocation: precarious situation / precarious balance / precarious position
Tip: Use this word in Task 2 when discussing unstable social, economic, or environmental conditions. It signals sophisticated vocabulary and is particularly effective in agree/disagree or problem-solution essays where you discuss challenges or risks facing groups or systems.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
precarious · adjective
Dangerously unstable or uncertain; depending on chance and likely to change for the worse.
IELTS example:
Many young people today find themselves in a precarious employment situation, relying on short-term contracts rather than stable, permanent positions.
Word forms: precarious (adjective) → precariously (adverb) → precariousness (noun)
Key collocation: precarious situation / precarious balance / precarious position
Tip: Use this word in Task 2 when discussing unstable social, economic, or environmental conditions. It signals sophisticated vocabulary and is particularly effective in agree/disagree or problem-solution essays where you discuss challenges or risks facing groups or systems.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Grammar Tip
Sentence variety — mixing simple, compound, and complex sentences
Examiners reward writers who vary sentence structure. Use simple sentences for clarity, compound sentences to show relationships, and complex sentences to demonstrate control. Avoid writing only one type—it sounds repetitive and limits your range.
Weak — avoid this:
Strong — use this instead:
Why it matters: Varied sentence structures directly influence your Lexical Range and Grammatical Accuracy score, showing you can control different sentence patterns with confidence.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Sentence variety — mixing simple, compound, and complex sentences
Examiners reward writers who vary sentence structure. Use simple sentences for clarity, compound sentences to show relationships, and complex sentences to demonstrate control. Avoid writing only one type—it sounds repetitive and limits your range.
Weak — avoid this:
Climate change is a serious problem. It affects agriculture. It affects water resources. It affects human health. Governments must act. They must reduce emissions. They must invest in renewable energy. Companies must change too.
Strong — use this instead:
Climate change is a serious problem that affects agriculture, water resources, and human health. Although governments must reduce emissions and invest in renewable energy, companies must also change their practices to prevent further damage.
Why it matters: Varied sentence structures directly influence your Lexical Range and Grammatical Accuracy score, showing you can control different sentence patterns with confidence.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Phrase Bank — Showing that two things are equally true
Mastering this function allows you to present balanced arguments and demonstrate nuanced thinking, which examiners reward with higher coherence and lexical range scores.
• Both X and Y are true
• Equally important is the fact that
• X is true; at the same time, Y is also true
• While X holds true, it is equally the case that Y more formal
• Not only is X valid, but Y is equally so
In an essay:
Tip: Alternate between these phrases and use slightly different structures — avoid repeating "equally important" more than once per essay, and vary your sentence openings to maintain reader engagement.
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Mastering this function allows you to present balanced arguments and demonstrate nuanced thinking, which examiners reward with higher coherence and lexical range scores.
• Both X and Y are true
• Equally important is the fact that
• X is true; at the same time, Y is also true
• While X holds true, it is equally the case that Y more formal
• Not only is X valid, but Y is equally so
In an essay:
While increased automation boosts productivity, it is equally the case that job displacement remains a significant social concern that governments must address.
Tip: Alternate between these phrases and use slightly different structures — avoid repeating "equally important" more than once per essay, and vary your sentence openings to maintain reader engagement.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Essay Template
Task 1 General Training — closing paragraph for a formal letter
Use this structure to professionally conclude your letter while signalling politeness, forward action, and gratitude—all markers of formal register that examiners reward.
Structure:
[I would appreciate / I would be grateful if] you could [specific action: consider/review/provide].
[If applicable: I am available / Please feel free to contact me] [at your convenience / if you require further information].
[Thank you / I appreciate your time and consideration] regarding this matter.
[I look forward to / I anticipate] [specific outcome: your response/resolving this matter/hearing from you] at your earliest convenience.
[Yours sincerely / Yours faithfully],
[Your name]
Example:
Why it works: This structure combines formal politeness markers, clear call-to-action, and professional sign-off conventions that demonstrate control of register and meet the high coherence standards IELTS examiners expect in formal correspondence.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Task 1 General Training — closing paragraph for a formal letter
Use this structure to professionally conclude your letter while signalling politeness, forward action, and gratitude—all markers of formal register that examiners reward.
Structure:
[I would appreciate / I would be grateful if] you could [specific action: consider/review/provide].
[If applicable: I am available / Please feel free to contact me] [at your convenience / if you require further information].
[Thank you / I appreciate your time and consideration] regarding this matter.
[I look forward to / I anticipate] [specific outcome: your response/resolving this matter/hearing from you] at your earliest convenience.
[Yours sincerely / Yours faithfully],
[Your name]
Example:
I would appreciate it if you could review my application and provide feedback on the areas requiring improvement. I am available to discuss this further if you require any additional information. Thank you for your time and consideration regarding this request. I look forward to receiving your response at your earliest convenience.
Yours sincerely,
James Mitchell
Why it works: This structure combines formal politeness markers, clear call-to-action, and professional sign-off conventions that demonstrate control of register and meet the high coherence standards IELTS examiners expect in formal correspondence.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Common Mistake
Ending an essay abruptly without a conclusion paragraph
What students write:
Why it loses marks: A missing conclusion signals incomplete task achievement and weak organisation, both key IELTS criteria. Examiners expect a final paragraph that synthesises your main points and restates your position clearly.
The fix:
Rule to remember: Always end with a conclusion paragraph that summarises your argument and provides closure to your essay.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Ending an essay abruptly without a conclusion paragraph
What students write:
Social media has both positive and negative effects on teenagers. It helps them stay connected with friends, but it also causes anxiety and addiction. Therefore, we must be careful about how we use it.
Why it loses marks: A missing conclusion signals incomplete task achievement and weak organisation, both key IELTS criteria. Examiners expect a final paragraph that synthesises your main points and restates your position clearly.
The fix:
Social media has both positive and negative effects on teenagers. It helps them stay connected with friends, but it also causes anxiety and addiction. In conclusion, while the benefits of staying connected are valuable, the mental health risks outweigh them. Governments and parents should implement stricter guidelines to protect young users from these harms.
Rule to remember: Always end with a conclusion paragraph that summarises your argument and provides closure to your essay.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Band 7+ Strategy
Ensuring the conclusion does not introduce new information
Examiners penalise conclusions that present new arguments, examples, or claims not discussed in the body. Your conclusion must synthesise existing ideas, not expand them. This disciplined approach demonstrates control of essay structure and signals maturity in academic writing.
Band 6 response:
Band 7+ response:
Apply it today: Before submitting your next essay, read only your conclusion paragraph. Highlight any claim, example, or topic that does not appear in your body paragraphs. Delete it or move it into the main essay. Your conclusion should feel like a natural endpoint, not a new introduction.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Ensuring the conclusion does not introduce new information
Examiners penalise conclusions that present new arguments, examples, or claims not discussed in the body. Your conclusion must synthesise existing ideas, not expand them. This disciplined approach demonstrates control of essay structure and signals maturity in academic writing.
Band 6 response:
In conclusion, social media has both positive and negative effects. Additionally, governments should implement stricter regulations on data privacy, which is a crucial issue that affects millions worldwide.
Band 7+ response:
In conclusion, while social media offers genuine connectivity benefits, its drawbacks—particularly regarding mental health and misinformation—outweigh these advantages. Regulation remains essential to address these concerns discussed above.
Apply it today: Before submitting your next essay, read only your conclusion paragraph. Highlight any claim, example, or topic that does not appear in your body paragraphs. Delete it or move it into the main essay. Your conclusion should feel like a natural endpoint, not a new introduction.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
The thesaurus trap is costing you band points.
Most IELTS prep teaches you to sound like a dictionary. Examiners see this constantly, and it backfires the moment you're under pressure and can't recall that obscure synonym. Band 7+ doesn't mean rare words. It means the precise word, used naturally, that a competent writer would actually choose.
Every suggestion in IELTS Memo trains you to write like someone who knows English well enough to be simple when simple works, and specific when specificity matters.
ieltsmemo.com
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Most IELTS prep teaches you to sound like a dictionary. Examiners see this constantly, and it backfires the moment you're under pressure and can't recall that obscure synonym. Band 7+ doesn't mean rare words. It means the precise word, used naturally, that a competent writer would actually choose.
The goal isn't to impress with vocabulary. It's to communicate with control.
Every suggestion in IELTS Memo trains you to write like someone who knows English well enough to be simple when simple works, and specific when specificity matters.
ieltsmemo.com
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Word of the Day
heterogeneous · adjective
Composed of different kinds or elements; diverse in nature or character.
IELTS example:
Word forms: heterogeneous (adjective) · heterogeneity (noun) · heterogeneously (adverb)
Key collocation: heterogeneous group/population/mixture
Tip: Use this word in Task 2 essays when discussing diversity in society, education, or samples in research contexts. It sounds academic and precisely conveys "mixed" or "varied" — stronger than simply saying "different." Common in essays on multiculturalism, immigration, or scientific methodology.
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heterogeneous · adjective
Composed of different kinds or elements; diverse in nature or character.
IELTS example:
Modern cities contain heterogeneous populations from various cultural backgrounds, which enriches society but also presents challenges for social cohesion.
Word forms: heterogeneous (adjective) · heterogeneity (noun) · heterogeneously (adverb)
Key collocation: heterogeneous group/population/mixture
Tip: Use this word in Task 2 essays when discussing diversity in society, education, or samples in research contexts. It sounds academic and precisely conveys "mixed" or "varied" — stronger than simply saying "different." Common in essays on multiculturalism, immigration, or scientific methodology.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Grammar Tip
Fronted adverbials and their effect on sentence rhythm
A fronted adverbial is an adverbial phrase placed at the beginning of a sentence before the main clause. This technique breaks up monotonous subject-verb patterns and creates a more sophisticated, engaging rhythm. Strategic use of fronted adverbials signals control over sentence structure, essential for achieving higher IELTS bands.
Weak — avoid this:
Strong — use this instead:
Why it matters: Examiners assess Grammatical Range and Accuracy — fronted adverbials demonstrate your ability to manipulate sentence structure flexibly and vary rhythm, pushing you toward Band 7+ performance.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Fronted adverbials and their effect on sentence rhythm
A fronted adverbial is an adverbial phrase placed at the beginning of a sentence before the main clause. This technique breaks up monotonous subject-verb patterns and creates a more sophisticated, engaging rhythm. Strategic use of fronted adverbials signals control over sentence structure, essential for achieving higher IELTS bands.
Weak — avoid this:
The government introduced new policies. It wanted to reduce pollution. Many cities saw improvements in air quality.
Strong — use this instead:
In response to rising pollution levels, the government introduced comprehensive policies. Subsequently, many cities witnessed marked improvements in air quality.
Why it matters: Examiners assess Grammatical Range and Accuracy — fronted adverbials demonstrate your ability to manipulate sentence structure flexibly and vary rhythm, pushing you toward Band 7+ performance.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Phrase Bank — Qualifying a strong statement
Softening absolute claims makes your argument more credible and persuasive—examiners reward nuance and balanced reasoning.
• To a large extent
• In most cases useful for acknowledging exceptions
• It could be argued that creates distance; more academic
• While it is true that... concedes before pivoting
• Generally speaking signals you're aware of edge cases
In an essay:
Tip:
Rotate these across paragraphs and vary your sentence structure—pair qualifiers with different clause patterns (fronted, embedded, final position) to maintain flow and avoid repetition.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Softening absolute claims makes your argument more credible and persuasive—examiners reward nuance and balanced reasoning.
• To a large extent
• In most cases useful for acknowledging exceptions
• It could be argued that creates distance; more academic
• While it is true that... concedes before pivoting
• Generally speaking signals you're aware of edge cases
In an essay:
While it is true that social media connects people globally, in most cases the mental health benefits are outweighed by increased anxiety and social comparison.
Tip:
Rotate these across paragraphs and vary your sentence structure—pair qualifiers with different clause patterns (fronted, embedded, final position) to maintain flow and avoid repetition.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Essay Template
Task 2 — body paragraph using a real-world country or policy example
Use this structure when the question asks you to discuss advantages, disadvantages, or effectiveness of a policy or practice—concrete examples boost Task Achievement and Lexical Range.
Structure:
[Topic sentence stating your main argument about the policy/country]
[Name the specific country, policy, or initiative as evidence]
[Explain how this example demonstrates your argument with 1-2 concrete details]
[Connect the example back to your topic sentence with analysis]
[Optional: broader implication or link to next paragraph]
Example:
Why it works:
This approach combines specific geographical/policy reference with data-driven analysis, satisfying examiners' expectations for concrete evidence, logical development, and Band 7+ coherence.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Task 2 — body paragraph using a real-world country or policy example
Use this structure when the question asks you to discuss advantages, disadvantages, or effectiveness of a policy or practice—concrete examples boost Task Achievement and Lexical Range.
Structure:
[Topic sentence stating your main argument about the policy/country]
[Name the specific country, policy, or initiative as evidence]
[Explain how this example demonstrates your argument with 1-2 concrete details]
[Connect the example back to your topic sentence with analysis]
[Optional: broader implication or link to next paragraph]
Example:
Remote work policies effectively address work-life balance concerns in modern economies. Sweden's introduction of flexible working arrangements through legislation has shown measurable results. Companies adopting these policies report a 23 percent decrease in employee burnout and higher retention rates, particularly among parents balancing childcare responsibilities. This demonstrates that when governments and employers implement structured flexibility, workers can maintain productivity while meeting personal commitments. Such models are increasingly relevant as other nations seek to reduce workplace stress and improve employee wellbeing.
Why it works:
This approach combines specific geographical/policy reference with data-driven analysis, satisfying examiners' expectations for concrete evidence, logical development, and Band 7+ coherence.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Common Mistake
Using brackets and abbreviations informally (e.g. in body text)
What students write:
Why it loses marks: Informal brackets and abbreviations damage your Lexical Range and Grammatical Accuracy scores. IELTS examiners expect formal academic writing where ideas are fully developed with proper punctuation, not condensed with shorthand notation.
The fix:
Rule to remember: Save brackets and abbreviations for notes—in formal IELTS writing, spell everything out and use proper transitions instead.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Using brackets and abbreviations informally (e.g. in body text)
What students write:
The government should invest more in public transport (buses, trains, etc.) because it reduces pollution and saves money (approx. 30% per year) for citizens.
Why it loses marks: Informal brackets and abbreviations damage your Lexical Range and Grammatical Accuracy scores. IELTS examiners expect formal academic writing where ideas are fully developed with proper punctuation, not condensed with shorthand notation.
The fix:
The government should invest more in public transport such as buses and trains because it reduces pollution and saves money, approximately 30% annually, for citizens.
Rule to remember: Save brackets and abbreviations for notes—in formal IELTS writing, spell everything out and use proper transitions instead.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Band 7+ Strategy
Practising paraphrasing the question without looking at it
Examiners award higher scores when you reframe the question in your own words at the start of your response. By practising paraphrasing without looking at the original prompt, you force yourself to truly understand the question rather than copying keywords mechanically. This develops the lexical range and sentence variety that distinguishes Band 7+ from Band 6.
Band 6 response:
Band 7+ response:
Apply it today: Read an IELTS Writing Task 2 question once, then close your eyes or look away. Rewrite the prompt in 2–3 sentences using different vocabulary and structure. Only then look back at the original to check you captured the core idea. Repeat this exercise with 5 questions this week.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Practising paraphrasing the question without looking at it
Examiners award higher scores when you reframe the question in your own words at the start of your response. By practising paraphrasing without looking at the original prompt, you force yourself to truly understand the question rather than copying keywords mechanically. This develops the lexical range and sentence variety that distinguishes Band 7+ from Band 6.
Band 6 response:
Some people think that technology is making society more isolated. I agree with this opinion because people spend too much time on their phones.
Band 7+ response:
It is frequently argued that technological advancement has led to increased social disconnection among individuals. While this concern has merit, the relationship between digital tools and human isolation is more nuanced than it initially appears.
Apply it today: Read an IELTS Writing Task 2 question once, then close your eyes or look away. Rewrite the prompt in 2–3 sentences using different vocabulary and structure. Only then look back at the original to check you captured the core idea. Repeat this exercise with 5 questions this week.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
1,000+ essays analyzed. 30+ error types caught automatically.
IELTS Memo has processed over a thousand student essays, spotting errors that would take hours to identify manually. Every essay gets scored across 4 criteria and analyzed in under 60 seconds. But the real advantage is error tracking. Watch your mistakes shrink across your full writing history, not just one essay at a time.
Free to start at ieltsmemo.com
─────────────────
ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
IELTS Memo has processed over a thousand student essays, spotting errors that would take hours to identify manually. Every essay gets scored across 4 criteria and analyzed in under 60 seconds. But the real advantage is error tracking. Watch your mistakes shrink across your full writing history, not just one essay at a time.
This is what happens when you stop guessing about your writing and start seeing patterns. Real feedback. Real progress. Real speed.
Free to start at ieltsmemo.com
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Word of the Day
disproportionate · adjective
Too large or too small compared to something else; not in correct or fair proportion.
IELTS example:
Word forms: disproportionate (adjective) · disproportionately (adverb) · disproportion (noun)
Key collocation: disproportionate impact / effect / amount / share
Tip: Use this word in Task 2 essays when discussing inequality, unfair distribution, or imbalanced consequences. It strengthens arguments about social issues, environmental problems, or policy criticism by precisely naming the problem of unequal proportions.
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disproportionate · adjective
Too large or too small compared to something else; not in correct or fair proportion.
IELTS example:
Wealthy nations consume a disproportionate amount of the world's resources despite having smaller populations than developing countries.
Word forms: disproportionate (adjective) · disproportionately (adverb) · disproportion (noun)
Key collocation: disproportionate impact / effect / amount / share
Tip: Use this word in Task 2 essays when discussing inequality, unfair distribution, or imbalanced consequences. It strengthens arguments about social issues, environmental problems, or policy criticism by precisely naming the problem of unequal proportions.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Grammar Tip
Inversion after negative adverbials (Not only... / Rarely...)
When a sentence begins with a negative or restrictive adverbial (not only, rarely, seldom, never, hardly), English requires subject-verb inversion in the main clause. This creates emphasis and is characteristic of advanced writing. The pattern is: Negative adverbial + auxiliary verb + subject + main verb.
Weak — avoid this:
Strong — use this instead:
Why it matters: Correct inversion demonstrates grammatical range and accuracy, directly affecting your Lexical Range and Accuracy band score on IELTS Writing.
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Inversion after negative adverbials (Not only... / Rarely...)
When a sentence begins with a negative or restrictive adverbial (not only, rarely, seldom, never, hardly), English requires subject-verb inversion in the main clause. This creates emphasis and is characteristic of advanced writing. The pattern is: Negative adverbial + auxiliary verb + subject + main verb.
Weak — avoid this:
Not only the government is responsible for climate change, but also corporations. Rarely people consider the long-term consequences of their choices.
Strong — use this instead:
Not only is the government responsible for climate change, but so are corporations. Rarely do people consider the long-term consequences of their choices.
Why it matters: Correct inversion demonstrates grammatical range and accuracy, directly affecting your Lexical Range and Accuracy band score on IELTS Writing.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Phrase Bank — Framing both sides before taking a position
Mastering this function shows examiners you can weigh evidence fairly before arguing your point, significantly boosting coherence and Task Achievement scores.
• It is true that... however, the reality is that...
• While some argue that..., the evidence suggests that... use for counterargument
• Admittedly, there are those who believe..., yet it would be equally valid to say that...
• One could contend that..., but a more compelling case can be made for...
• Although it is often claimed that..., a closer examination reveals that...
In an essay:
Tip: Rotate your opening clause order — sometimes start with your position, then acknowledge the opposing view, to avoid repetitive essay structure and maintain reader engagement.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Mastering this function shows examiners you can weigh evidence fairly before arguing your point, significantly boosting coherence and Task Achievement scores.
• It is true that... however, the reality is that...
• While some argue that..., the evidence suggests that... use for counterargument
• Admittedly, there are those who believe..., yet it would be equally valid to say that...
• One could contend that..., but a more compelling case can be made for...
• Although it is often claimed that..., a closer examination reveals that...
In an essay:
While some contend that remote work reduces productivity, the evidence suggests that employees who work flexibly demonstrate greater output and job satisfaction.
Tip: Rotate your opening clause order — sometimes start with your position, then acknowledge the opposing view, to avoid repetitive essay structure and maintain reader engagement.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Essay Template
Task 2 — body paragraph built around a cause-effect-solution chain
Use this structure when a prompt asks you to discuss problems and solutions, or when you need to explain how one issue leads to consequences that require action. It demonstrates logical reasoning and task achievement.
Structure:
[Topic sentence naming the cause/problem clearly]
The primary reason for this issue is [SPECIFIC CAUSE].
This situation has led to [SPECIFIC NEGATIVE EFFECT OR CONSEQUENCE].
For instance, [CONCRETE EXAMPLE].
To address this problem, [SOLUTION 1] would be effective because [REASON].
Additionally, [SOLUTION 2] could [BENEFIT].
Example:
Why it works:
This template directly answers cause-effect-solution questions while maintaining coherent paragraph development, strong lexical range (consequence, tackle, subsidize), and clear logical progression that examiners expect for Band 7+.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Task 2 — body paragraph built around a cause-effect-solution chain
Use this structure when a prompt asks you to discuss problems and solutions, or when you need to explain how one issue leads to consequences that require action. It demonstrates logical reasoning and task achievement.
Structure:
[Topic sentence naming the cause/problem clearly]
The primary reason for this issue is [SPECIFIC CAUSE].
This situation has led to [SPECIFIC NEGATIVE EFFECT OR CONSEQUENCE].
For instance, [CONCRETE EXAMPLE].
To address this problem, [SOLUTION 1] would be effective because [REASON].
Additionally, [SOLUTION 2] could [BENEFIT].
Example:
Rising obesity rates among children stem largely from increased consumption of processed foods. This trend has resulted in serious health complications and higher medical costs for families and governments. For example, type 2 diabetes in children has increased by 40 percent in developed nations over the past decade. To tackle this issue, schools should implement mandatory nutrition education combined with stricter regulations on sugary beverages in canteens. Furthermore, governments could subsidize fresh produce to make healthy options more affordable for low-income families, thereby reducing the financial barrier to better eating habits.
Why it works:
This template directly answers cause-effect-solution questions while maintaining coherent paragraph development, strong lexical range (consequence, tackle, subsidize), and clear logical progression that examiners expect for Band 7+.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Common Mistake
Using 'must' instead of 'should' when making a recommendation
What students write:
Why it loses marks: 'Must' sounds forceful and absolute, making recommendations seem like demands rather than reasoned suggestions. This affects Lexical Range by showing limited awareness of modal verb nuances and weakens Task Achievement by presenting arguments less persuasively.
The fix:
Rule to remember: Use 'should' for recommendations and advice; reserve 'must' for obligations and logical necessity only.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach
Using 'must' instead of 'should' when making a recommendation
What students write:
Governments must invest more in public transport to reduce pollution.
Why it loses marks: 'Must' sounds forceful and absolute, making recommendations seem like demands rather than reasoned suggestions. This affects Lexical Range by showing limited awareness of modal verb nuances and weakens Task Achievement by presenting arguments less persuasively.
The fix:
Governments should invest more in public transport to reduce pollution.
Rule to remember: Use 'should' for recommendations and advice; reserve 'must' for obligations and logical necessity only.
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ieltsmemo.com — AI IELTS writing coach