Common Sentence Structure Problems and How to Fix Them for IELTS Writing Task 2

A typical band‑6 problem is a string of short and simple sentences that are correct but basic.

Band 6 example:

Many people move to cities. They want better jobs. They can earn higher salaries there. This creates problems for governments.

• This is clear, but it shows very limited range.

Band 7 revision:

Many people move to cities because they want better jobs and can earn higher salaries there, which creates serious challenges for governments.

• Keep some simple sentences, but combine others to show control of complex structures.

Upgrade routine:

• After writing a paragraph, underline three very short sentences.
• Combine at least two of them using words like “because,” “although,” “while,” “whereas,” “since,” “if,” “which,” “who.”

Also read:

Mastering Linking Words for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

What is Grammatical Range and Accuracy in IELTS Writing Task 2 and how to reach Band 7+?

Typical Grammatical Range and Accuracy Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

Another common Band-6 issue is that students try to sound advanced and write very long sentences, but lose control of grammar and punctuation.

Band 6 example:

Many people move to big cities because they want better jobs and higher salaries and this is causing a lot of serious problems such as traffic congestion and pollution which governments are trying to solve but they are not successful yet.

• Try to do too much in one sentence.

Band 7 revision:

Many people move to big cities because they want better jobs and higher salaries. However, this trend has led to serious problems, such as traffic congestion and pollution, which governments are still struggling to solve.

• Show control by splitting ideas and using clear linking.

Upgrade routine:

• If a sentence is more than three lines long, ask: “Can I divide this into two clear sentences: one for the main point, one for the result or example?”

Also read:

Common Punctuation Problems and How to Fix Them for IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Linking Words for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

What is Grammatical Range and Accuracy in IELTS Writing Task 2 and how to reach Band 7+?

Typical Grammatical Range and Accuracy Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

Band‑6 essays often contain half sentences that start complexly but never finish.

Band 6 example:

Although many people prefer to drive to work.

• This is not a complete sentence.

Band 7 revisions:

• Although many people prefer to drive to work, public transport can significantly reduce congestion and pollution.
• Because public transport is often overcrowded, some commuters still choose to drive.
  • Every dependent clause (starting with subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns like “although,” “because,” “if,” “when,” “while,” “since”) must have a full main clause.

Upgrade routine:

• In your final 2–3 minutes, quickly scan for sentences starting with these subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns and check: dependent clause + full main clause?

Also read:

What is Grammatical Range and Accuracy in IELTS Writing Task 2 and how to reach Band 7+?

Typical Grammatical Range and Accuracy Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

Band‑6 writing often joins two sentences with just a comma or no clear link.

Band 6 example:

Many people move to cities, they want better job opportunities.

• This is a comma splice, which means two complete sentences are joined only by a comma instead of a conjunction, semicolon, or period.

Band 7 revisions:

Many people move to cities because they want better job opportunities.

Many people move to cities. They want better job opportunities.

Many people move to cities, and they want better job opportunities.

Upgrade routine:

• Every time you see comma + subject + verb, check whether you need a full stop or a linking word.

Also read:

Common Punctuation Problems and How to Fix Them for IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Linking Words for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

What is Grammatical Range and Accuracy in IELTS Writing Task 2 and how to reach Band 7+?

Typical Grammatical Range and Accuracy Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

Band‑6 sentences are sometimes grammatically correct but the main idea is hidden inside a long chain of clauses.

Band 6 example:

People prefer to drive cars which is more convenient but the environment is damaged because of this which governments should solve.

• The main idea is not clear.

Band 7 revision:

Many people prefer to drive because it is more convenient. However, this behaviour damages the environment, so governments should take action to reduce car use.

• Put the main point in a clear, strong clause, then add support.

Upgrade routine:

• Ask for each long sentence: “What is my main message here?”
• Make that message one clear clause; put reasons or results in separate or clearly linked sentences.

Also read:

What is Grammatical Range and Accuracy in IELTS Writing Task 2 and how to reach Band 7+?

Typical Grammatical Range and Accuracy Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

At band 6, topic sentences are often too general or too vague, so the paragraph becomes a list of ideas.

Band 6 example:

There are many problems in cities.

• Too vague

Band 7 revision:

One major problem in many cities is severe traffic congestion during rush hours.

• A precise topic sentence gives a clear role to every sentence that follows: explain, exemplify, or link back.
• This reduces random sentence structures and helps you choose appropriate complex patterns.

Upgrade routine:

• Before writing each paragraph, write one sharp sentence that clearly states the main idea.
• After writing, check that every sentence in that paragraph supports that idea.

Also read:

Practical Topic Sentence Writing Skills for Better Coherence in IELTS Writing Task 2

What is Grammatical Range and Accuracy in IELTS Writing Task 2 and how to reach Band 7+?

Typical Grammatical Range and Accuracy Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

Band‑6 writing often repeats the same structure over and over, even if the sentences are correct.

Band 6 patterns:

• “There are…” at the start of many sentences.
• Only using “because” for cause.
• Always putting the main clause first, never starting with “Although/While/If…”

Band 7 patterns:

• Start some sentences with a dependent clause:
  • Although many people prefer private cars, public transport has several advantages.
  • If governments invest in public transport, fewer people will rely on cars.
• Vary “cause and result” language:
  • Cause: “because,” “as,” “since,” “due to,” “owing to.”
  • Result: “therefore,” “as a result,” “consequently,” “thus.”

• Show controlled variety.

Upgrade routine:

After writing a paragraph, check:

• Do I have at least 2 sentences that start in a different way (e.g., with “Although/If/When”)?

• Have I used more than one connector for cause/result/contrast?

Also read:

Mastering Linking Words for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Reference Words for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Substitution for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

What is Grammatical Range and Accuracy in IELTS Writing Task 2 and how to reach Band 7+?

Typical Grammatical Range and Accuracy Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

Band‑6 writers often try to include cause, effect, opinion, and solution all in one “super” sentence. This usually reduces clarity.

Band 6 example:

Governments should spend more money on cars because many people use private vehicles and this causes pollution and noise and if they do this people will use buses and trains more so cities will be better places to live.

• This sentence tries to do too much and becomes hard to follow.

Band 7 revision:

Governments should spend more money on public transport because many people currently rely on private cars. This heavy car use leads to high levels of pollution and noise. If governments improve buses and trains, more people are likely to use them, and cities will become more pleasant places to live.

• Give each sentence a clear job: cause, effect, or recommendation.

Upgrade routine:

• When a sentence contains “because/so/if/and” several times, consider breaking it into two or three shorter, clearer sentences.

Also read:

Mastering Linking Words for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

What is Grammatical Range and Accuracy in IELTS Writing Task 2 and how to reach Band 7+?

Typical Grammatical Range and Accuracy Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

Moving from band 6 to band 7 in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not about writing extremely long or complicated sentences; it is about using a variety of sentence types accurately and clearly. By consciously mixing simple and complex patterns, finishing every “although/because/if” sentence properly, separating ideas that don’t belong in the same sentence, and sharpening your topic sentences, you can make your writing look much more like band 7. With regular practice and careful editing using the routines mentioned in this article, your sentence structure will become clearer, more controlled, and more “examiner‑friendly”—and your Writing Task 2 score is far more likely to move up.

An Introduction to IELTS Academic Test

Everything You Need to Know about IELTS Academic Writing Test

An Overview of IELTS Writing Task 2

How IELTS Writing Task 2 is Assessed

What is Task Response in IELTS Writing Task 2 and how to reach Band 7+?

Typical Task Response Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

How to Generate Ideas for 5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types with WH- Questions

How to Stay on Topic in IELTS Writing Task 2

How to Develop Your Position in IELTS Writing Task 2

Writing Thesis Statements for IELTS Writing Task 2 Essays

What is Coherence and Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2 and how to reach Band 7+?

Typical Coherence and Cohesion Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

Upgrading Coherence in IELTS Writing Task 2

How to Apply 5 Introduction Approaches to 5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types

Paraphrasing in IELTS Writing Task 2 for Introduction

Practical Topic Sentence Writing Skills for Better Coherence in IELTS Writing Task 2

Practical Body Paragraph Writing Skills for Better Coherence in IELTS Writing Task 2

How to Apply 5 Conclusion Approaches to 5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types

Summarizing IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay in Conclusion

Upgrading Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Linking Words for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Reference Words for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Substitution for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Ellipsis for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

Mastering Lexical Cohesion for Cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2

What is Lexical Resource in IELTS Writing Task 2 and how to reach Band 7+?

Typical Lexical Resource Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

Vocabulary Strategies for IELTS Writing Task 2

Collocation Strategies for IELTS Writing Task 2

Spelling Strategies for IELTS Writing Task 2

Paraphrasing Strategies for IELTS Writing Task 2

What is Grammatical Range and Accuracy in IELTS Writing Task 2 and how to reach Band 7+?

Typical Grammatical Range and Accuracy Pitfalls in IELTS Writing Task 2

Common Grammar Problems and How to Fix them for IELTS Writing Task 2

Common Punctuation Problems and How to Fix Them for IELTS Writing Task 2

An Introduction to the 5 Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2

An Introduction to 14 Common Topics for IELTS Writing Task 2

General Test Skills for IELTS Writing Task 2

Time Management Skills for IELTS Writing Task 2

Proofreading Skills for IELTS Writing Task 2

Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Writing Task 2

An Overview of IELTS Writing Task 1

How IELTS Writing Task 1 is Assessed

What is Grammatical Range and Accuracy in IELTS Writing Task 1 and how to reach Band 7+?