Seven

This is from my 2018 facebook post, but still quite applicable to some IELTS centers and instructors.
A lot of IELTS teachers may promise you a high score in a short spell, but they are simply interested in your money... I guess it is time to remind them all that one should put months of tireless effort before achieving a satisfactory result. The table (taken from OLD but GOLD book "101 Helpful Hints for IELTS") shows that if you get 22-24 correct answers in either Listening or Reading sections, then you must do at least 6 to 9 months (24 -36 weeks) of intensive preparation before being confident about the IELTS test! #FoodforThought

Wine can help you get a Band 9 in IELTS Writing.

Years ago, I worked in the New Zealand wine industry. One of their top winemakers told me this:

'The difference between a $5 bottle and a $25 bottle is huge! The difference between a $25 bottle and a $125 bottle is tiny, and most drinkers won’t know the difference. The difference between a $125 and a $500 bottle is tiny, and a tinier % of drinkers will be able to tell the difference.'

The same applies to IELTS Writing.

The difference between a Band 6 and Band 7 essay is huge. It’s also the area where most students can improve.

The difference between 7 and 8 is tiny.

The difference between 8 and 9 is even smaller, and a tinier % will ever get there.

Focus on the small, simple changes that will get you to Band 7.

Focusing on 9 is a waste of time for 99.9% of you.