Achieving a Band 7.0 in Grammatical Range and Accuracy requires more than being error-free. Examiners expect candidates to actively demonstrate a range of complex structures such as conditionals, relative clauses, subordinating conjunctions, passive voice, and perfect tenses. Speaking only in short, simple sentences may reduce mistakes, but it limits grammatical range and caps the score at Band 6. To reach Band 7, candidates must use complex structures with reasonable flexibility and control while maintaining clarity. This guide outlines seven specific grammar structures aligned with official band descriptors and shows how to upgrade Band 6 sentences into Band 7 performance.
Many candidates try to avoid mistakes by speaking in short, basic sentences. While this may sound safe, it prevents you from demonstrating the grammatical range required for Band 7. The official descriptor clearly states that candidates must use a variety of complex structures. If you only use simple present or simple past sentences, your grammar score is mechanically capped at Band 6.
Band 6: I want to live abroad.
Band 7: If I had the opportunity, I would definitely live abroad for a few years.
Band 6: I have a teacher. She helps me.
Band 7: I have a teacher who constantly encourages me to improve.
Band 6: Technology is helpful. It causes problems.
Band 7: Although technology is extremely helpful, it can also create serious distractions.
Band 6: I study English for two years.
Band 7: I have been studying English for the past two years.
Band 6: People use social media every day.
Band 7: Social media is used daily by millions of people.
Band 6: I finished my exam. I felt relaxed.
Band 7: Having finished my exam, I felt significantly more relaxed.
Band 6: Maybe companies change their policies.
Band 7: Companies might change their policies in response to economic pressure.
Minor mistakes are allowed, but they must not be frequent or affect clarity in complex structures.
No. You need a range of complex structures used with reasonable control.
Yes. The Band 7 descriptor requires a variety of complex forms.
Overuse of simple sentences and repeated structural errors limit your grammatical range.
