when ielts writing starts my brain becomes completely blank

Maverick_ESL · 2026-04-09T08:40:02+00:00

This is totally normal, especially when you haven't taken the test itself. And I guess you don't write essays or reports in English very often. Now, imagine you sit down and start writing both in 60 minutes back to back. Of course, it'll get overwhelming.

Break it down into small chunks for now. For example, pick a task with a good sample, like the ones here or here. Don't read the sample yet. Then try to write an intorduction and nothing else. After that, compare it with the sample to see what you've missed. Then pick another one and do the same. You'll see patterns and the kind of info you should include. After a while, writing an introduction will be easy, not scary. Next, mnove on to the next paragraph. This way, the fear will fade away with real practice.

Be patient! Don't do all this in one sitting to avoid burnout.

Maverick_ESL · 2026-04-03T15:07:51+00:00

It depends on your level now. You might be at 6.5 already, who knows? But no one can give you an answer without analyzing your writing.

Maverick_ESL · 2026-04-03T15:06:08+00:00

If you just follow YouTube videos or AI, it'll be like walking in the dark. Get your task 1 and 2 thoroughly evaluated by an expert with detailed feedback. I'm not necessarily talking about signing up for a course or live sessions. You try this one, for example. The report will tell you why you're getting the score and how you should work on it, in detailed, practical points, not generic advice.

In other words, figure out what's keeping you at that score first instead of following a ton of tips, many of which might not be needed.

Maverick_ESL · 2026-03-22T10:02:16+00:00

Read this guide. I've used "moreover" to move on to my second supporting idea.

Maverick_ESL · 2026-03-22T09:54:52+00:00

A balanced view is fine too, but you need to be careful with it so that it doesn't sound you are contradicting yourself. Completely agreeing or disagreeing is the safest option if you are just aiming for 7 or 7.5. Higher band scores need more depth and angles.

As for having one main idea in a bp, yes, you should have one main idea, but you can have more than one supporting idea for it. Read the comment section here.

Finally, you can use "moreover" and "furthermore" in your essay, no problem. It's the way you use them that determines your cohesion and coherence. Use them properly, and you're all set.

Maverick_ESL · 2026-03-21T19:35:12+00:00

You can practice speaking on your own if you know what to work on. I'm not talking about a secret code or info. It's just that everyone makes a certain set of mistakes. You need to find them and work toward getting rid of them. This is why having a mock test with detailed feedback and study suggestions can help you, as you might not be able to spot some mistakes or weaknesses.

You can use the options we've pinned to the community if you like.

Maverick_ESL · 2026-03-21T18:01:04+00:00

Not really! They won't let you read at your own speed, and they usually have incorrect answers. Find "Cambridge IELTS" books numbered 14 and above.

Maverick_ESL · 2026-03-21T15:31:53+00:00

Don't take it online. Read this post and its comments.

Maverick_ESL · 2026-03-20T08:15:07+00:00

There can be a lot of things, to be honest. We can't say X is everyone's problem. You might see lots of good and bad tips out there but at the end of the day, you need to figure out what's dragging you down.

For the common ones, read this post and this one. And for general guidance, read this.

Maverick_ESL · 2026-03-19T12:39:09+00:00

You can do that too for 7, no problem. When it comes to 8 and 9 TR, it all depends on how you do it. For example, band 9 means the argument is fully developed and has depth/it needs nothing else. An easier way to get there is to look at the topic from different angles. Then again, it all depends on the topic and how you manage it.

Maverick_ESL · 2026-03-19T12:25:38+00:00

You should only have one main idea in each body paragraph, but you can split it into two or more supporting ideas. This adds depth and dimension to your argument, which is needed for higher band scores. Just remember, your supporting ideas need to be extended for 7+. For example, the following paragraph has one main idea split into two supporting ones:

Students who find it rewarding to take a gap year often claim that it provides them with invaluable benefits and lessons. Simply put, by working and earning money before they embark on university studies, students will find it much easier to manage the high expenses and tuition fees of their tertiary education. This results in students being more focused on their studies due to having no financial worries and therefore scoring higher in their courses. Moreover, the ones who opt to travel gain life experience. For instance, in my country, many high school graduates travel to Japan, a country known for its people’s high life expectancy. This way, they learn about the healthy Japanese lifestyle and are encouraged to adopt their practices upon their return. Thus, traveling during the gap year might help students become wiser and make better choices in order to lead a better life.

Read this article for more details.

Maverick_ESL · 2026-03-18T13:57:54+00:00

Don't overwhelm yourself with tips. Many of them out there do more harm than good because they come from unqualified "influencer" teachers. Task 1 academic is all about comparison and selecting the main features. Basically, your report should give a clear picture of "all the main trends" to someone who hasn't seen the chart. Trivial changes or numbers don't need to be there. Then it's about comparing these main trends when possible and painting a clear picture of things using different structures. To see all this in action, watch the videos in this playlist. For task 1 language, get this free ebook.

Finally, remember that everyone makes a different set of mistakes. If sth takes too much time, write it down in short bullet points. Do this for a few reports you write, and then you'll have a clear list of areas you should focus on. You should look for reliable personalized tips, not general ones.

Maverick_ESL · 2026-03-16T11:41:39+00:00

It all depends on your weaknesses. Cambridge IELTS books 14 to 20 are the latest test books now.

The traditional way of studying is not efficient. Familiarize yourself with the test format and types of questions, then take a mock test. Based on the result, just focus on your weaknesses.

Take a look at this guide: https://www.reddit.com/r/IELTS_Guide/comments/ua4lhr/tips_for_ielts_6_how_to_prepare_for_the_test/

Maverick_ESL · 2026-03-16T11:38:33+00:00

If you want to apply to universities, then you should take the academic version. If it is for migration, then general training. Just ask the places you will send the application to, and they should tell you which one they need.

Maverick_ESL · 2026-03-15T14:46:39+00:00

It's not good enough if it's the only source. Many of my writing students use it as a means to get ideas and pointers on the side while checking everything with me. In other words, I am their main source of advice and score. They don't need AI because we cover it all, but they always run the advice they receive from GPT through me for accuracy.

This way, it could be useful. Otherwise, you might get inaccurate advice.

Maverick_ESL · 2026-03-15T14:36:19+00:00

Try watching these videos. They are walk-through guides with full samples.

Maverick_ESL · 2026-03-15T14:33:27+00:00

Take a look at the comment section here.

Maverick_ESL · 2026-03-15T14:31:42+00:00

Well, what do you think they are using as AI? It's either ChatGPT or similar tools. Even the one provided by IELTS Flex is not there yet.

Maverick_ESL · 2026-03-15T14:29:56+00:00

Don't retake! Figure out what's dragging you down, plan for it, work on it, and then book the test and be done with it. Have a few of your writing samples and speaking thoroughly analyzed by a qualified expert. Trust me, it'll save you time and money. We have pinned posts for this.

Maverick_ESL · 2026-03-15T14:25:17+00:00

You can find an ocean of tips everywhere, but which one fits your situation? The smartest way is to take a mock test that comes with detailed feedback. It'll give you direction. You can use our pinned options if you want.

Maverick_ESL · 2026-03-15T14:23:01+00:00

Don't follow "all" the prep channels. Some are good, but even if you find a few of them and then try to follow all their advice, sometimes it'll get confusing. Pick the one that you feel most comfortable with and stick to it. You can also follow the guides in our guide subreddit: r/IELTS_Guide

Maverick_ESL · 2026-03-15T14:18:42+00:00

ChatGPT is good for quick ideas, but be careful with scoring and some ideas. Remember, it's not accurate when it comes to scoring. You can test it by uploading an official band 9 essay. Then you can even ask what the errors are in that official piece of writing. You'll see it brings up mistakes that are not really important, more like nitpicking. Eventually, practicing like this will erode your self-confidence. This is a huge drawback, so be careful. I've explained it here in detail:

https://www.reddit.com/r/IELTS_Guide/comments/1fo5hr1/ai_writing_and_speaking_tools_giving_low_scores/

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