Myth 05 — Writing More Isn’t the Only Answer

People love to say “just write more and your band score will rise.” Reality: without fresh input you simply recycle the same ideas and vocabulary.

Why endless writing stalls out

• No ideas: skipping the reading/listening phase leaves your mind blank when it’s time to draft.
• No contextual vocabulary: if you rarely meet words in real examples, you can’t use them naturally in your own sentences.

A more effective writing routine

1. Collect input first. Read articles, watch videos, or listen to podcasts on the exact topic. Capture key arguments, phrases, and structures.
2. Reuse what you just studied. When you write, intentionally drop in those notes—this is how you “borrow” precise language.
3. Ask for feedback at the right moment. Once you’ve drafted with solid input, invite a teacher or study partner to critique word choice and flow.

Common mistakes

• Sitting down to write cold—no ideas, no vocabulary, just frustration.
• Forcing rare words you don’t own yet—after the essay, they still don’t stick.

Don’t squeeze sentences out of an empty brain. Study first, then write. You’ll feel lighter and improve faster.