7.5. The Jump to Band 6
Swap the habits that keep a Band 5 writer where they are.
The short version
Band 5 is usually a job half done, not weak ideas.
Answering the general topic instead of the question.
Paragraphs that hold more than one idea.
Ideas listed rather than developed.
Band 5 is a job half done
The script is under length, or part of the question is never touched, or the position changes halfway through. Paragraphs do not follow the ideas, and errors are frequent enough that the reader has to work out the meaning.
Band 6 is the same writer, leaks stopped
The main parts of the task are addressed. A relevant position is stated. The ideas have a clear overall progression, and sentences mix simple and complex forms.
Errors do not disappear
They still happen at Band 6. They just stop costing the reader the meaning.
Short. Part of the question missed. Position drifts. Errors in most sentences, some of which hide the meaning.
Full length. The main parts answered, some more fully than others. A relevant position. Some errors, but they rarely block the meaning.
| Criterion | Band 5 | Band 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Task Response | Main parts only partly addressed. A position, but not always clearly developed. Few ideas, some irrelevant. | Main parts addressed, some more fully than others. A relevant position, though conclusions may be unclear. |
| Coherence & Cohesion | Paragraphs do not follow the ideas. Linkers wrong, missing, or overused. | A clear overall progression, though paragraphing may not always be logical. Linkers used to some good effect, if mechanical. |
| Lexical Resource | Limited range. Errors that make the reader work. | Adequate range for the topic. Errors that rarely block the meaning. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | Mostly simple sentences. Complex ones attempted but faulty. Errors cause difficulty. | A mix of simple and complex forms. Errors that rarely reduce communication. |
The descriptors for Band 5 and Band 6, paraphrased. Four criteria, four separate fixes.
Compare the two paragraphs
Two body paragraphs on the same prompt: Some people think city centres should ban private cars on weekdays. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Read the Band 5 paragraph first. Decide where the position moves and which sentences make you re-read. Then do the two checks.
The Band 6 paragraph is the one the habits lesson criticised
You have seen the right-hand paragraph before, where it was the example of listing claims instead of developing them. Both readings are true. Against Band 5 it is a clear improvement: one position, sentences a reader can follow. Against Band 7 it is still a list.
Same prompt, one band apart
Cars is a big problem in the city. Many peoples use the car every day and it make traffic. I think ban the car is not good because people need to go to work. But also the ban is good for the environment and the air. In my city there is many cars and many bus. Government should make more road.
I think banning cars is good. It is better for people. Also it is useful for cities. In my country some cities do this. Therefore it should happen.
Quiz time2 questions
Find the drift
Look at the Band 5 paragraph above.
Which sentence directly contradicts the sentence before it?
One sentence still needs fixing
Three sentences from the Band 5 paragraph. Two have been corrected. Choose the one that still contains an error a reader would trip on.
Which sentence contains the error?
Recap
Answer the exact question, not the topic.
One idea per paragraph, developed with a because.
Stay above the word floor.
Next: the next step up, and then the habits for the day.