Adverbs of Frequency and Degree for IELTS Band 6:
The Complete Guide for Speaking and Writing Success

(Source: LingExam Academy) – transformed into an interactive learning experience.

When preparing for the IELTS exam—whether for speaking or writing—one crucial area that helps candidates show clarity, fluency, and accuracy is the effective use of adverbs of frequency and adverbs of degree. These adverbs enable you to communicate how often something happens and to what extent an action or feeling occurs. For Band 6 candidates, demonstrating control of these adverbs shows the examiner you can discuss routines, habits, opinions, and experiences with both variety and precision.

In this in-depth lesson you will…
  • Deeply understand the use, rules, and common patterns of adverbs of frequency and degree for Band 6.
  • Learn why this grammar point is vital for your IELTS score.
  • See clear explanations, exceptions, and sample sentences tailored for real IELTS tasks.
  • Get practice tasks, error correction, model answers, and exam tips.
  • Finish with a self-assessment checklist, a step-by-step study plan, and an encouragement to continue your journey with LingExam Academy.

Table of Contents

  1. What Are Adverbs of Frequency and Degree?
  2. Why Are They Important for IELTS Band 6?
  3. Adverbs of Frequency: Full Explanation and Common Patterns
  4. Adverbs of Degree: Full Explanation and Common Patterns
  5. 20+ Real-life and IELTS-specific Usage Situations
  6. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
  7. Strategies and Practical Exercises for Mastery
  8. Advanced Practice Questions With Answers and Explanations
  9. Self-Assessment Checklist
  10. Study Plan for Improving Adverbs of Frequency and Degree
  11. Academic References and Further Reading
  12. Next Steps: Continue Your Success at LingExam Academy

What Are Adverbs of Frequency and Degree?

What Are Adverbs of Frequency?

Adverbs of frequency tell us how often an action happens. They answer questions such as “How often do you go to the gym?” or “How regularly do you watch TV?”

Common adverbs of frequency
  • always (100%)
  • usually / generally / normally (80–90%)
  • often / frequently (60–70%)
  • sometimes / occasionally (40–50%)
  • rarely / seldom (10–20%)
  • hardly ever / scarcely ever (5%)
  • never (0%)
What Are Adverbs of Degree?

Adverbs of degree describe to what extent or how much something happens or is true. They often answer “How much?” or “To what degree?”

Common adverbs of degree
  • absolutely, completely, totally, utterly (100% – very strong)
  • extremely, highly, very, really (80–90%)
  • quite, fairly, pretty, rather (50–60%)
  • slightly, a bit, somewhat (10–30%)
  • hardly, barely, scarcely (almost not at all)
Quick Check 1 – Frequency vs. Degree
Which option is an adverb of frequency?
Quick Check 2 – Identify the Degree
Select the adverb that BEST intensifies the adjective “interesting”.

Why Are They Important for IELTS Band 6?

IELTS Speaking

Band 6 candidates are expected to speak with some flexibility and use a range of structures and vocabulary. Adverbs of frequency and degree help you sound more natural, fluent, and specific when describing your habits, routines, and preferences. They are especially important in Part 1 (daily life, habits) and Parts 2 & 3 (discussing experiences, feelings, opinions).

IELTS Writing

Using these adverbs helps you add detail, variety, and clarity to your sentences, making your writing more engaging and precise. In Task 1 (especially when describing trends or data), adverbs of frequency show patterns and generalisations. In Task 2 (essays), adverbs of degree help you express your opinions and arguments more persuasively.

Quick Check 3 – IELTS Application
In which IELTS Speaking part do adverbs of frequency most naturally describe daily routines?

Adverbs of Frequency – Full Explanation & Common Patterns

1. Position in the Sentence

For simple tenses (Present Simple, Past Simple) the adverb of frequency usually sits before the main verb and after the subject:

Rule 1 – Simple Tenses

Subject + Adverb + Verb (+ object)

I usually drink coffee in the morning.

She rarely watched TV when she was a child.

Exception: To Be

When the main verb is be in any tense, the adverb comes after the verb:

Exception – Verb “to be”

He is always polite.

They were often late for class.

Mini-Quiz 4 – Choose the Correct Position
Which sentence is correct?
2. Adverbs of Frequency with Modal Verbs

With modal verbs (can, could, should, may, etc.) the pattern is:

Subject + Modal + Adverb + Base Verb

Rule 2 – Modal Verbs

You should never give up during the exam.

We can often improve a sentence by adding an adverb.

Mini-Quiz 5 – Modal Practice
Which option correctly completes the sentence?
“Candidates _______ forget to answer every part of the question.”
3. Frequency Adverbs for Habits vs. Facts

Lower-frequency adverbs (sometimes, occasionally) often describe habits, whereas high-frequency adverbs (always, constantly) can describe either irritating actions or facts about routines.

Band 6 Speaking Tip

When you want to sound more natural in IELTS Speaking Part 2, combine frequency adverbs with time expressions:

I often visit my grandparents on Sunday afternoons.

Mini-Quiz 6 – Spot the Habit
Which sentence describes an annoying habit?

Adverbs of Degree – Full Explanation & Common Patterns

1. Modifying Adjectives & Past Participles

Some adverbs of degree pair naturally with gradable adjectives (adjectives that can be intensified) whereas others pair with extreme adjectives (adjectives that are already at the limit). Mis-pairing them is a Band-lowering mistake.

Common Mistake

✖ Wrong: The film was very fantastic.

✔ Right: The film was absolutely fantastic.

“Fantastic” is an extreme adjective; therefore, use absolutely/completely/totally, not very.

Error Correction Exercise
Choose the best correction for the sentence:
“The results were very disastrous for the company.”
2. Using “Very” vs. “Really” vs. “So”

Very is neutral and common, but really adds emphasis in spoken English. So is more dramatic and must be followed by a cause/result clause (that…) or context.

Examples – Very / Really / So

The lecture was very boring.

The lecture was really boring.

The lecture was so boring that half the class fell asleep.

Scenario Practice – Choosing “So”
You want to emphasise the result of the heat:
“It was ______ hot that we cancelled the match.”
3. Mid-Sentence Placement with Verb Phrases

Adverbs such as completely, totally, utterly can come before a past participle or after a “to be” verb.

I was completely exhausted.

She totally misunderstood the instructions.

Sequencing – Building Natural Sentences
Arrange the words to make the best sentence.
[1] completely [2] was [3] I [4] confused

20+ Real-Life & IELTS-Specific Usage Situations

The chart below shows authentic scenarios where adverbs of frequency and degree are both natural and score-boosting. Use them to practice and to create your own IELTS answers.

Usage Table – Frequency & Degree in Context
Scenario Example Answer (Band 6) Adverbs Highlighted
IELTS Speaking Part 1 – Free time I often play badminton with friends after work because it’s really relaxing. often, really
IELTS Writing Task 2 – Technology Many people frequently check social media, which can be extremely distracting at work. frequently, extremely
Real-life – Health routine I rarely eat fast food now because I’m absolutely determined to stay fit. rarely, absolutely
Mini-Quiz 10 – Vocabulary-in-Context
Which adverb best completes the IELTS Task 2 sentence?
“The government should act ______ to tackle climate change.”
More Authentic Examples
Scenario Example Answer (Band 6) Adverbs Highlighted
IELTS Speaking Part 2 – A hobby you enjoy I usually paint landscapes because the process is incredibly relaxing. usually, incredibly
IELTS Writing Task 1 – Line graph Smartphone usage steadily increased and dramatically peaked in 2024. steadily, dramatically
Real-life – Workplace teamwork Our manager always encourages us to share ideas, which is extremely motivating. always, extremely
IELTS Speaking Part 3 – Society Elderly people rarely receive the support they truly deserve in large cities. rarely, truly
IELTS Writing Task 2 – Environment Governments must urgently address pollution because it is increasingly damaging to public health. urgently, increasingly
Real-life – Travel review I highly recommend visiting Kyoto; the temples are absolutely stunning. highly, absolutely
Real-life – Healthy lifestyle I hardly ever skip breakfast now, and I feel much more energetic. hardly ever, much
IELTS Speaking Part 1 – Weather In my city it frequently rains, so I’m quite used to carrying an umbrella. frequently, quite
IELTS Writing Task 2 – Education Online courses rapidly became popular because they are highly flexible. rapidly, highly
Real-life – Social habits We occasionally meet for brunch, which is so enjoyable. occasionally, so
Mini-Quiz 11 – Choose the Best Frequency Adverb
Complete the sentence:
“I ______ watch documentaries to improve my vocabulary.”

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1 – Overusing “Very” with Extreme Adjectives
Wrong vs. Right

✖ Wrong: The task was very impossible.

✔ Right: The task was absolutely impossible.

“Impossible” is already an extreme adjective, so intensify with absolutely/completely.

Mini-Quiz 12 – Spot the Error
Which sentence is correct?
Mistake 2 – Incorrect Word Order with Adverbs of Frequency
Rule Reminder

Subject + Auxiliary/Modal + Adverb + Main Verb

She has rarely missed a deadline.

Mini-Quiz 13 – Re-order the Sentence
Arrange the words:
[1] rarely [2] he [3] is [4] late
Mistake 3 – Using Two Adverbs of Degree Together
Avoid Double Intensifiers

✖ Wrong: It was really extremely cold.

✔ Right: It was extremely cold.

Choose one intensifier to keep your sentence clear and natural.

Mini-Quiz 14 – Choose ONE Intensifier
Which of these sentences is best?
Mistake 4 – Mis-placing Adverbs in Continuous Tenses
Common Error

✖ Wrong: I am quickly studying before the test.

✔ Right: I am studying quickly before the test.

In continuous (-ing) forms, place the adverb after the auxiliary verb + main verb phrase only if it describes manner. Adverbs of frequency generally come before the auxiliary.

Mini-Quiz 15 – Continuous Tense Order
Choose the best option:
“She _______ working on the report this evening.”
Mistake 5 – Ignoring Adverbs When Describing Past Habits
Band-Lowering Issue

When explaining childhood routines in IELTS Speaking Part 2, candidates often forget to include adverbs of frequency, making the story sound vague.

Better: “When I was ten, I usually rode my bike to school.”

Mini-Quiz 16 – Childhood Routine
Select the most natural sentence.

Strategies & Practical Exercises for Mastery

Strategy 1 – The Three-Layer Method
How It Works
  1. Layer 1 – Frequency: State how often the action happens.
  2. Layer 2 – Degree: Add how strongly or to what extent you feel about it.
  3. Layer 3 – Reason: Give a short cause, effect, or example.

I usually listen to podcasts because they are extremely informative.

Mini-Quiz 17 – Apply the Three-Layer Method
Which answer follows all three layers?
Strategy 2 – Recording & Shadowing

Record yourself answering IELTS Speaking questions. Then, shadow native-speaker audio or sample Band 9 answers, replacing plain adjectives with richer adverbs.

Study Tip

While shadowing, pause the audio, repeat the sentence, and add an adverb of degree (really, absolutely) or frequency (often, occasionally). Compare the fluency and intonation.

Mini-Quiz 18 – Shadowing Scenario
You hear: “I go jogging in the park.”
Choose the best improved version with an adverb.
Strategy 3 – The Frequency Ladder Chart

Create a personal chart ranking your weekly activities from never 0 % to always 100 %. Then add a second column describing degree of enjoyment or importance. Review and speak about it.

Action Steps
  • List 10 weekly activities.
  • Assign a frequency adverb to each.
  • Add an adverb of degree for feeling.
  • Practise describing the chart aloud.
Mini-Quiz 19 – Ladder Description
Which sentence could describe an activity at 20 % frequency and moderate enjoyment?

Advanced Practice Questions with Answers & Explanations

This section contains exam-level questions that combine frequency and degree adverbs in realistic IELTS contexts. Each mini-quiz gives you instant feedback to strengthen both accuracy and fluency.

Mini-Quiz 20 – Line-Graph Language
In IELTS Writing Task 1, which adverb best completes the sentence?
“Between 2010 and 2015, smartphone sales grew ______ before peaking in 2016.”
Mini-Quiz 21 – Extreme Adjective Pairing
Choose the best adverb to intensify the adjective “thrilled”.
Mini-Quiz 22 – Correct the Childhood Habit
Select the corrected sentence.
Mini-Quiz 23 – Make It Formal
Transform the informal sentence into a formal academic style by choosing the best option.
Informal: “A lot of people are really worried about air quality.”
Mini-Quiz 24 – IELTS Speaking Scenario
Context: IELTS Speaking Part 3
Examiner: “How often do you read books online?”
Choose the answer that BEST meets Band 6 criteria.

Self-Assessment Checklist

How Well Do You Know This?

Tick each statement you can honestly say “Yes” to. Reach at least 80 % for mastery.

Actionable Study Plan & Motivation

7-Step Study Plan
  1. Review simple tense adverb positions for 10 minutes daily.
  2. Create a Frequency Ladder Chart for your weekly activities.
  3. Shadow a Band 9 sample and insert one new adverb each sentence.
  4. Write a 150-word Task 1 trend description using at least three degree adverbs.
  5. Record yourself answering three Part 1 questions with accurate adverb use; analyse and repeat.
  6. Complete the comprehensive quiz at the end of this module until you score 8 / 10 or higher.
  7. Teach a friend one rule and one mistake to reinforce your knowledge.
You’re Doing Great!

Keep up the fantastic work! Remember, every small improvement adds up to a massive leap in fluency. Mistakes are simply stepping-stones to success—embrace them, learn, and move forward with confidence.

Academic References & Further Reading

Recommended Resources
  • Cambridge University Press. English Grammar in Use. 5th ed., 2020.
  • Hall, K. & Foley, M. MyGrammarLab Advanced C1–C2. Pearson, 2015.
  • British Council. “Adverbs of Frequency.” learnenglish.britishcouncil.org
  • Cambridge Assessment. IELTS Band Descriptors (Public Version), 2023.
  • Oshima, A. & Hogue, A. Writing Academic English. Pearson, 2018.
  • LingExam Academy. “Mastering Gradable & Extreme Adjectives.” 2024.

Comprehensive End-of-Module Quiz

This 10-question quiz is randomly generated from a 30-question bank. Aim for 8 / 10 or higher to demonstrate mastery.

Final Quiz

Join Our Community for More Learning!

Stay Connected with LingExam Academy

Follow us for daily tips, video lessons, and fresh quizzes that will boost your IELTS score and keep you motivated.

The quiz is provided by www.lingexam.com