The gap between Band 5 and Band 7 is not as large as most candidates think — but it requires knowing what to add after your first sentence. Seeing the difference side by side is the fastest way to internalise what examiners are looking for.
Band 5 vs Band 7: same topic, different answer
Q: "Do you enjoy cooking?" — Both candidates answer yes. Only one gets Band 7. The difference is what comes after the yes.
The same question — two very different answers
Band 5
"Yes, I like cooking. I cook sometimes. It is good for health."
Band 7
"Absolutely — I find it genuinely therapeutic. I tend to cook a few times a week, usually experimenting with new recipes. Beyond the health benefits, it's a way for me to unwind after work."
What Band 7 does differently
- Extends answers with reasons, examples, and contrast
- Uses a variety of sentence structures (not just "I + verb")
- Chooses precise vocabulary over generic words
- Connects ideas with discourse markers: "beyond that", "whereas", "what I find is"
The PREP method for instant answer extension
Point → Reason → Example → Point again. Takes 20 seconds to apply and immediately adds depth.
"I enjoy cooking (Point) because it lets me be creative (Reason). Last week I tried making a Korean dish for the first time (Example). That kind of experimentation keeps it interesting for me (Point again)."
Band 5 candidates stop. Band 7 candidates link.
After answering the examiner's question, Band 7 candidates naturally add: "Though I should say...", "What's interesting is...", "That said...". These connectors signal coherence and keep the conversation flowing. They also demonstrate a wider vocabulary range.
Hear the difference in your own answers
Record yourself answering a question. Then check: did you extend with PREP? Did you use any discourse markers? VoiceMentor can score your answer against IELTS criteria automatically.