To score a Band 7 or higher in IELTS General Writing, you need to demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary and precise functional language. Generic phrases will not get you there. You need expressions that match the register, purpose, and tone of each task – and you need to use them naturally.
Below are 40 high-impact phrases categorized by their use in Task 1 (Letters) and Task 2 (Essays). Each one includes context so you know exactly when and how to deploy it.
Task 1: The Letter (Formal and Informal)
In General Training, your tone must be consistent from the first sentence to the last. Mixing registers – starting formally and ending casually, or vice versa – is one of the fastest ways to lose marks. These phrases help you open, explain, and close your letter professionally or personally. If you need a refresher on which tone fits which letter type, our guide to formal vs informal letter endings breaks it down.
Opening and Stating Purpose
- I am writing with regard to… (Formal: Use to start a letter about a specific topic.)
- I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with… (Formal: For complaint letters.)
- I would like to bring to your attention… (Formal: To highlight a problem.)
- I am writing to inquire about… (Formal: To ask for information.)
- It was a pleasure to hear from you. (Informal: To reply to a friend.)
- I’m just writing to let you know that… (Informal: To share news.)
- I was wondering if you could help me with… (Semi-formal: To ask for a favor.)
- Please accept my sincere apologies for… (Formal: To say sorry.)
Requests and Action
- I would be grateful if you could… (Formal: Making a polite request.)
- I would appreciate it if you would… (Formal: Asking for specific action.)
- Could you please let me know… (Semi-formal: Asking for details.)
- I would like to request a refund for… (Formal: Financial complaints.)
- Give my best to the family. (Informal: Closing a friendly letter.)
- Let me know if you can make it. (Informal: Inviting someone.)
- If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. (Formal closing.)
- I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. (Formal: Prompting a reply.)
Notice that phrases 1–12 cover purpose and requests, while 13–16 handle closings. Choosing the right closing is just as important as the right opening – get both right and your Task Achievement score benefits immediately.
Task 2: The Essay
These phrases improve your Coherence and Cohesion and Lexical Resource scores – two of the four criteria that determine your band. The key is not memorizing all of them; it is knowing which ones fit each paragraph function.
Introductions and Opinions
- It is often argued that… (Neutral opening for a balanced argument.)
- There is no denying that… (To state a widely accepted fact.)
- From my perspective, (Stating a personal opinion.)
- This essay will examine both sides of the issue. (Thesis statement.)
- I am of the opinion that… (A stronger way to say “I think”.)
- It is widely believed that… (Referring to public opinion.)
- One of the main advantages of… is… (Starting a body paragraph.)
A strong introduction sets up your entire essay. If you are working toward a Band 7, pair these opening phrases with the PEEL paragraph method covered in our 5 tricks to jump from 6.0 to 7.5+.
Linking and Developing Ideas
- First and foremost, (Introducing your first major point.)
- Furthermore, (Adding more information to the same point.)
- In addition to this, (Adding a new related point.)
- Conversely, (Introducing a direct opposite view.)
- On the contrary, (Correcting a misconception.)
- Nevertheless, (Showing a contrast despite previous points.)
- Consequently, (Showing the result of a situation.)
- For instance, (Introducing a brief example.)
- To illustrate this point, (Introducing a detailed example.)
- Take, for example, the case of… (Using a specific scenario as evidence.)
Linking words are the backbone of a well-organized essay. Without them, your ideas sit in isolation and the examiner has to do the connecting for you – which costs you marks in Coherence and Cohesion.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
- This leads to the conclusion that… (Summarizing an argument.)
- Taking everything into consideration, (Starting your summary.)
- To sum up, (A concise way to begin the final paragraph.)
- In conclusion, while there are some drawbacks, (A balanced concluding start.)
- It is vital that we consider… (Making a final recommendation.)
- The benefits clearly outweigh the disadvantages. (Final verdict.)
- Unless action is taken, the situation will… (Predicting a future outcome.)
Quick Cheat Sheet: The Grammar Context
| Goal | Phrase to Use |
|---|---|
| Adding Info | Moreover / Additionally |
| Giving Examples | A clear example of this is… |
| Comparing | In the same way / Similarly |
| Concluding | All things considered |
How to Use These Phrases Effectively
Do not use all of these in one essay. Choose 3–5 that fit your specific prompt naturally. Overusing “memorized” phrases can actually lower your score if they do not fit the context. The examiner is trained to spot formulaic language that has been shoehorned in, and it will hurt your Lexical Resource score rather than help it.
The goal is not to impress with quantity. It is to show the examiner that you can select the right expression for the right situation – which is exactly what Band 7+ candidates do consistently.
If you are still building toward Band 6 and want a step-by-step plan before working on phrase variety, start with our Band 6 action plan for General Training writing.