Craft Your Clarity: Unlock Band 7+ Writing with a Clear, Developed Position
In the IELTS Writing Band Descriptors, the phrase “a clear and developed position is presented” typically refers to the Task Response criterion, particularly in Band 7 and above.
What It Means in Context
Meaning of Clear Position
You have a definite opinion or point of view on the question—for example, agree or disagree, advantages outweigh disadvantages, etc.—and this position is easy for the reader to understand.
Meaning of Developed Position
You explain and support your position logically and consistently throughout the essay with reasons, examples, and explanations.
Band-Level Context
🔹 Band 7: “presents a clear position throughout the response”
- Your opinion is clear from beginning to end.
- You don’t change your mind halfway through or confuse the reader.
🔹 Band 8: “presents a well-developed response to the question with relevant, extended and supported ideas”
- You not only give a clear opinion but also develop it fully with strong supporting arguments and examples.
Example of a Clear and Developed Position in the Introduction
Question: Some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age. Others believe they should start at least 7 years old. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Clear Position:
“While early education can be beneficial, I believe starting school at the age of seven allows for better emotional and social development.”
Building a Body Paragraph with TEER
Position Chosen:
“While early education can be beneficial, I believe starting school at the age of seven allows for better emotional and social development.”
Body Paragraph (Using TEER Method):
One key reason why starting formal education at age seven is more effective is that it provides children with time to develop essential emotional and social skills through play and informal interaction. At a younger age, especially before 7, in other words, they often lack the emotional maturity needed to adapt to structured learning environments, leading to stress and disengagement. In countries such as Finland, where formal schooling begins at the age of seven, to cite an example, numerous studies have shown that students not only achieve high academic results but also exhibit greater emotional well-being and social adjustment compared to their peers in countries with earlier school starting ages. This suggests that delayed formal education allows young learners to build confidence, creativity, and interpersonal abilities in their early years, which later contribute to academic success. Therefore, starting school later can support a more balanced and effective developmental process.
TEER Breakdown of the Paragraph
- Topic Sentence:
One key reason why starting formal education at age seven is more effective is that it provides children with time to develop essential emotional and social skills through play and informal interaction. - Explanation:
At a younger age, especially before 7, they often lack the emotional maturity needed to adapt to structured learning environments, leading to stress and disengagement. - Example:
For example, in countries such as Finland, where formal schooling begins at the age of seven, numerous studies have shown that students not only achieve high academic results but also exhibit greater emotional well-being and social adjustment compared to their peers in countries with earlier school starting ages. - Result:
This suggests that delayed formal education allows young learners to build confidence, creativity, and interpersonal abilities in their early years, which later contribute to academic success. Therefore, starting school later can support a more balanced and effective developmental process.
Final Thought
To achieve Band 7+ in IELTS Writing, it’s not enough to just state your opinion—it must be clear, consistent, and fully supported throughout your essay. The example paragraph and explanation above show exactly how a “clear and developed position” should be written.
✍️ Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments—We’d be happy to give you feedback!
