The world’s best universities often require IELTS 7.0 or even 7.5 to enter, which is quite a challenge for speakers of English as a second language. This is what you need to do to get a band 7 score in the academic version of IELTS.

IELTS Listening

• Get 30 out of 40 answers correct

IELTS Reading (Academic Module)

• Get 30 out of 40 answers correct

IELTS Writing (Academic Module)

• Answer both questions fully
• Write in clear paragraphs, each with a main idea and supporting sentences
• Use higher-level vocabulary with an awareness of collocation
• Provide an overview with detailed comparisons in Task 1
• Indicate a clear position and stick to it consistently in Task 2
• Produce generally error-free sentences

IELTS Speaking

• Speak fluently and at length on any given topic
• Use a range of linking words accurately to connect ideas
• Use less common and idiomatic vocabulary
• Produce generally error-free sentences
• Show good control of pronunciation and intonation

Follow the advice above to meet the IELTS criteria for Band 7 in all four modules. A Band 7 score in IELTS is good enough for almost all university undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.