What most students are taught — and why it’s lowering your score.
The False Promise of Templates
You were told to memorize a few Band 7 templates.
You followed them.
But your score didn’t move.
That’s not your fault.
It’s the system.
Templates are not thinking.
Templates are signals of low skill.
In this guide, you’ll learn why template sentences don’t work — and what powerful IELTS writing actually looks like.
comparing templates with real writing
Body paragraph 1
Analyzing the statement and explaining further, the first and the foremost reason behind this is that________________. Another striking benefit in this regard is that________________. Categorically discussing, it cannot be ignored that the main reason behind this is that___________.
Let me show you what an examiner thinks when he/she reads this.
“Analyzing the statement and explaining further,” the examiner thinks “yes, just do it. You have said nothing. You are wasting words. These words don’t get any marks in any of the four band descriptors.
the first and the foremost reason behind this is that________________.” Same thing, wasted words. Now, compare it to a real sentence.
Safety is the key reason behind the rules.
Now, if you want a pattern, that’s different.
__________ is the main/key/most important reason behind _____________.
For a full lesson on patterns, click here. PATTERNS
The Problem with Templates
Most students believe:
- “Templates make writing easier.”
- “I just need a good introduction template.”
- “Everyone uses templates, it must work.”
The truth?
Templates are like training wheels that never come off. You think you’re improving, but you’re not learning how to think like a writer.
Example of a weak template:
“It is widely believed that education plays an important role in society.”
This says nothing.
No clear opinion. No direction. No impact.
How the Examiner Sees It
What examiners want:
- Specific ideas
- Real logic
- Flexible vocabulary
- Clear position
What templates show:
- Memorization
- Flat, generic tone
- No original thinking
- Band 5–6 level control
You can’t “cheat” your way to Band 7. They’ve seen thousands of essays — and they know when your sentences are pre-learned.
The Chain Reaction of Failure
[Insert Image: “Why Templates Fail in IELTS Writing”]
Let’s break it down:
- Template Sentences
- → Generic Language
- → No Personal Voice
- → Weak Argument
- → Examiner Disconnects
- → Low Score
Every Band 7 student eventually realizes this.
The question is: will you realize it now, or after months of frustration?
What to Do Instead
Here’s how to build a real Band 7+ writing system:
Start with a clear topic sentence
Build logic step-by-step
Add real-world examples
Use vocabulary with precision and tone
Show your thinking process, not memorization
That’s what we teach in Lesson 1 of our writing course.
Templates vs Power Writing
| Template Writing | Power Writing | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Memorized | Logical & flexible |
| Vocabulary | Generic | Purposeful |
| Voice | Absent | Present and confident |
| Score Impact | Negative | Positive |
Summary: Why Templates Fail
- ❌ They hide your thinking
- ❌ They flatten your voice
- ❌ They trigger examiner skepticism
- ❌ They often waste your most important sentences
- ❌ They block Band 7+