Mastering Grammatical Range and Accuracy for IELTS Band 7+ in 2025

When aiming for a Band 7 or higher in the IELTS Writing test, one criterion stands out as both a challenge and a ticket to success: Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Many candidates spend hours expanding vocabulary and brainstorming ideas but overlook how much grammar impacts their score. In 2025, as the IELTS exam remains competitive and standards become ever higher, understanding how to master this area is crucial for anyone hoping to achieve a top band.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through targeted strategies, common mistakes, model examples, and actionable tips to help you confidently demonstrate both grammatical range and precision in your IELTS essays-and ultimately, to reach your Band 7+ goal.

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Why Is Grammatical Range and Accuracy So Important for IELTS Band 7+?

The IELTS Writing Band Descriptors are clear: Grammatical Range and Accuracy makes up 25% of your writing score (see the official IELTS scoring criteria).

To achieve Band 7 or above, you must:

• Use a variety of sentence structures (not just short or simple ones)
• Minimize errors-they can occur, but errors must not reduce clarity or control
• Show you can use grammar flexibly, not just accurately

Falling short in this category-no matter how strong your ideas are-can limit your score to Band 6.5 or lower.

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What Does "Grammatical Range and Accuracy" Mean?

• Range: Demonstrating a variety of grammatical structures-simple, compound, and especially complex sentences, including clauses (relative, conditional, etc.), passive and active forms, and a mix of tenses.
• Accuracy: Using these forms correctly. Sentences should have few or no mistakes, especially none that cause confusion or make your meaning unclear.

Band 7 Descriptor: "Uses a variety of complex structures. Produces frequent error-free sentences. Makes only occasional errors or inappropriacies."

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What Sentences Structures Should You Use for Band 7+?

1. Simple Sentences

A single clause, with one subject and predicate.

Example:

Many people prefer to live in cities.

When to use: For emphasis or clarity; don't overuse.

2. Compound Sentences

Two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

Example:

Many people prefer to live in cities, but some still enjoy the peace of the countryside.

3. Complex Sentences

Contain an independent clause and one (or more) dependent clauses, using subordinators like although, because, which, while, if, unless, that, etc.

Examples:

• If more sports facilities are built, people may become healthier.
• The country will benefit in the long term, although the initial investment is large.

4. Compound-Complex Sentences

At least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.

Example:

While many people enjoy urban life, others seek tranquility, and they often choose to live in rural areas for this reason.

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Band 7+ Sentence Structure Example

Let's see how a high-band student combines different structures:

Although many people argue that technology has a negative impact on communication skills, it is undeniable that, with proper guidance, young people can use devices to enhance both their reading and writing abilities.

• Conjunction ("Although")
• Passive voice ("it is undeniable that...")
• Relative clause ("that...young people can use devices...")
• Infinitive of purpose ("to enhance...")

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Essential Grammar Points for High IELTS Bands

Grammatical range is not just about variety-it's about using that variety naturally and appropriately. Here are the key areas IELTS examiners want to see you master:

A. Subject-Verb Agreement-Even in Complex Sentences

Rule: The verb must agree in number and person with its subject, no matter how long or complex the sentence is.

Common problem:

"The number of students who attend the lectures vary every week."
Correction: "The number of students who attend the lectures varies every week."

"One of my friends have moved abroad."
Correction: "One of my friends has moved abroad."

B. Article Use (a, an, the) and Zero Article

Articles are notoriously challenging in English. Mistakes are common-and can prevent you from scoring Band 7 if repeated.

Countable vs. uncountable, specificity, or generality:

• "I have a car. The car is red." ([a]=any, [the]=specific.)
• "She likes music." (No article before uncountable or abstract nouns.)
• "He is an engineer." (Jobs use 'a' or 'an'.)
• "The government should invest more in education." (Use "the" when specific-'the government' of a known country.)

C. Countable and Uncountable Nouns

Be sure you know which nouns are countable and which are not. Pair them with the correct quantifiers:

• Much information (not "many information")
• A few problems (not "a little problems")
• Advice is important (not "Advices are important")

Uncountable noun mistake:

"Researches show..."
Correction: "Research shows..."

D. Tense Consistency and Appropriateness

Use the correct tense for your narrative and keep it consistent throughout a sentence or paragraph.

Example:

"Nowadays, people are depended by technology."
Correction: "Nowadays, people depend on technology."

"Since 2020, people learn online."
Correction: "Since 2020, people have learned online." (Present perfect)

E. Avoiding Run-On Sentences and Fragments

• Run-on: Combining two independent clauses without correct punctuation or conjunction.
• Fragment: A sentence without a main clause (missing subject, verb, or complete thought).

Run-on Example:

"People prefer social media it is convenient."
Correction: "People prefer social media because it is convenient." or "People prefer social media; it is convenient."

Fragment Example:

"Because technology has changed education."
Correction: "Education has changed because of technology."

F. Mix of Passive and Active Voice

Show you can choose the passive voice where appropriate.

Example:

• Active: "People consume a lot of information on the internet."
• Passive: "A lot of information is consumed on the internet."

G. Punctuation for Clarity

Incorrect or missing punctuation can turn a good idea into a confusing sentence. Remember, every sentence needs:

• A capital letter at the start
• An end mark (period, question mark, etc.)
• Commas where necessary for clauses and lists

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Advanced Grammar Features for Band 7+ (with Examples)

• Relative clauses
  "People who live in cities often face higher living costs."
• Conditional sentences
  "If the government increases funding, public health will improve."
• Modal verbs for hedging
  "The outcome might improve if schools adapt their curriculum."
• Accurate use of quantifiers and intensifiers
  "A significant number of people believe that..."
  "There has been a dramatic increase in smartphone usage."

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Common IELTS Grammar Mistakes-and How to Fix Them

Below are some classic errors that keep good IELTS candidates from Band 7+. Make sure you avoid these!

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How to Practice Grammatical Range and Accuracy Effectively

1. Integrate Grammar into Your Essay Planning

When planning your IELTS essay, make note of opportunities to use:

• Complex sentences (cause/effect, contrast, relative clauses)
• Conditional or hypothetical structures
• Passive constructions

2. Self-Editing: Your Secret Weapon

After finishing your essay, leave 3-5 minutes for a grammar and punctuation check:

• Underline verbs and check tense and agreement
• Scan for articles ("a", "an", "the")
• Circle subject-noun pairs and check for match
• Look for overlong or underdeveloped sentences
• Spot run-ons and fragments

3. Get Feedback and Revise Deliberately

You can't improve what you don't see. Let a teacher, peer, or a smart tool like Essay Tutor (study.essaytutor.app) review your work. Essay Tutor provides instant grammar checks, highlights errors, and even suggests stronger, more advanced phrasing-empowering you to see your recurring mistakes and learn how to fix them.

4. Rewrite Practice: Correct and Expand

Take your earlier practice essays or paragraphs. Rewrite them:

• Correct all errors
• Make some sentences more complex
• Add a passive construction or a conditional

5. Study High-Band Sample Essays

Analyze IELTS Band 7 or Band 8 sample essays and note:

• How sentences are structured
• The balance of simple and complex forms
• Grammar accuracy with articles and agreement

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Do's and Don'ts for Grammatical Range and Accuracy in IELTS Writing

DO:

• Use both straightforward and complex sentences naturally
• Review the most basic-but often forgotten-rules (articles, subject-verb agreement, punctuation)
• Edit for consistent tense usage within and across sentences
• Aim for variety but prioritize accuracy. If you're unsure how to use a structure correctly, use a simpler, error-free form.

DON'T:

• Don't sacrifice accuracy for range. Ten error-free "normal" complex sentences are better than five "ambitious" but error-prone sentences.
• Don't repeat grammar errors-repeating the same mistake through the essay will limit you to Band 6
• Don't cram too many ideas into one sentence (risking run-ons or confusion)
• Don't neglect punctuation or fragment sentences

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Model Paragraph: High Band Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Task: Some people believe that universities should focus on academic subjects, while others think they should teach practical skills. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Sample Band 7+ Paragraph:

Although many argue that universities ought to emphasize academic subjects, others contend that practical skills are equally important. It is undeniable that in-depth theoretical knowledge is essential for technological and scientific advancement; however, graduates who lack hands-on experience may struggle to adapt to real-world challenges. For instance, while an engineering student might excel at mathematical models, if he or she has never used specialized industry equipment, their value to employers could be limited. Therefore, in my opinion, universities should strive to balance rigorous academic training with opportunities for practical application.

Why does this work?

• Variety of structures: concessive clause (Although...), relative clauses, conditional (if...), modal verbs
• Tense consistency and proper use of singular/plural
• No article, agreement, or run-on errors

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Frequently Asked Questions About Grammatical Range and Accuracy for IELTS

"How many grammar mistakes are allowed in IELTS Band 7?"

Occasional, non-repetitive errors are permissible for Band 7, but your meaning must always be clear and most sentences must be error-free.

"Should I use very long sentences to show complex grammar?"

No! It's better to write medium-length, clear complex sentences than to create long, confusing ones. Examiners value clarity and variety over length.

"Is passive voice necessary for Band 7+?"

Not always, but passive sentences (when appropriate) show flexibility. Use them alongside active constructions.

"How can I check my grammar quickly?"

After practice, tools like Essay Tutor at study.essaytutor.app can instantly review your grammar, highlight errors, and offer improvements-even phrasing suggestions tailored to exam standards.

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2025 Test Trends: How Examiners Judge Grammar

IELTS marking for grammar remains consistent, but examiners in 2025 increasingly expect candidates to:

• Use a mix of forms without overdoing any one style
• Show control over basic features (subject-verb agreement, articles, tense)
• Demonstrate variety in sentence structures and clause types
• Avoid repeated, systematic errors, especially with articles, subject-verb agreement, and tenses

If you tend to make certain errors again and again, address those first-fixing "old patterns" is the shortest path to Band 7+.

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Final Tips: Master Grammatical Range and Accuracy for Band 7+ in IELTS

1. Master the Basics: Know articles, subject-verb agreement, and tense usage-they matter most.
2. Vary Your Sentences: Use a blend of simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences-for both range and readability.
3. Prioritize Accuracy: Don't use a grammar form unless you are sure it's correct; better a simple accurate sentence than a complex incorrect one.
4. Edit Carefully: Always leave time during the exam to check for grammar and punctuation mistakes.
5. Get Instant Feedback: Use a platform like Essay Tutor to identify and fix your grammar mistakes, get suggestions for more sophisticated phrasing, and track your improvement.

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Conclusion: You Can Master IELTS Grammar

Achieving Band 7+ grammar is not about speaking perfect English-it's about writing clearly, choosing the right structures, and minimizing errors. If you follow the tips above, avoid common traps, and get feedback on your essays, you'll soon see your writing become both more flexible and more accurate.

Ready to see immediate improvements? Try writing your next practice essay, then let Essay Tutor give you instant feedback and advanced suggestions. With regular practice and the right support, Band 7+ is within your reach!

Good luck, and keep writing!