One of the clearest Band 4 markers is word repetition. When a student writes "education" seven times in one essay, the examiner sees a limited vocabulary range.
Two strategies to avoid repetition:
1. Synonyms — replace the word with one of similar meaning:
- education → schooling, learning, academic development, the educational system
- children → young people, minors, the younger generation, adolescents, youngsters
- important → crucial, vital, significant, essential, paramount
2. Pronoun reference — replace the word with a pronoun:
- "Education is vital. It shapes the future of society."
- "Young people face many challenges. These include unemployment and mental health issues."
Warning: Do not use a synonym if you are not sure it is accurate. Using "paramount" when you mean "important" is fine; using "notorious" when you mean "famous" is a mistake that lowers your score.
Band 4 repetition
Education is very important. Education helps children learn. Education also helps children get jobs. Education is important for the economy.
Why this works: 'Education' used 4 times. 'Important' used twice. 'Children' used twice. Very limited range.
Band 6 varied vocabulary
Education plays a pivotal role in shaping individuals and societies alike. Schooling equips young people with the knowledge and skills needed to enter the workforce, while also fostering critical thinking and civic responsibility. These benefits extend beyond the individual, contributing to broader economic development and social cohesion.
Why this works: Education → Schooling. Children → young people. Important → pivotal. Repetition avoided through synonyms and pronoun reference (These).
pivotal
of central importance
Example: This played a pivotal role in the outcome.
foster
to encourage the development of
Example: Schools should foster creativity.
equip
to provide with what is needed
Example: Training equips workers with new skills.
cohesion
the quality of forming a united whole
Example: Social cohesion is essential for stability.
Using a gerund (verb + -ing) as the subject of a sentence adds variety and avoids repeating a noun.
- →Investing in education yields long-term economic benefits.
- →Reducing carbon emissions requires international cooperation.
- →Providing affordable housing remains a major challenge for governments.
- Never use the same content word more than twice in one essay.
- Learn 3–4 synonyms for the key words in the question before you start writing.
- Use pronouns (it, they, this, these) to refer back to previously mentioned ideas.
- Only use a synonym if you are confident it is accurate in context.
Many parents today allow their children to use tablets and smartphones from a very young age. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this? Write at least 250 words.