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IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays

Updated On Aug 22, 2024

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The essay writing section of the IELTS Writing Task 2 module can be a difficult task for many IELTS aspirants. Thus, it is vital that you polish your essay writing skills before attempting the IELTS by practicing various model essay topics.

A well-organized essay will help you score a desirable band on the writing test. A lot of the candidates who take the writing test will need at least 5-10 minutes to prepare for the essay once they get the topic. If you consider certain points while writing the essay, it’ll get a bit easier to get a high IELTS band score .

You’ll find:

• Opinion Essays: Get clear examples on how to present and justify your viewpoint.
• Agree/Disagree Essays: Learn how to argue for or against a statement effectively.
• Discussion Essays: Discover how to discuss multiple perspectives thoroughly.
• Problem-Solution Essays: Find strategies to identify issues and propose solid solutions.
• Advantage-Disadvantage Essays: Understand how to weigh pros and cons convincingly.
• Two-Part Essays: Explore how to answer two-part questions efficiently.

Each IELTS writing essay topic comes with helpful analysis and links to full-length essays, giving you all the tools you need to improve your writing skills.

How to approach these essays:

• Understand the question: Make sure you know what’s being asked before you start writing.
• Plan your response: Take a few minutes to organize your thoughts and structure your essay.
• Write clearly and coherently: Ensure your essay flows logically from one point to the next.
• Support your arguments: Use relevant examples to back up your points.

Know How To Write With These

9 Tips for IELTS Writing Task 2 (Target BAND 8+)

Opinion Essay

The IELTS Writing Task 2 opinion essay requires you to present and justify your viewpoint on a given topic, often including discussing contrasting opinions. To score well, you must structure your essay coherently, provide clear arguments, and support them with relevant examples. Below are links to IELTS essay questions:

Agree and Disagree Essay

In this category, one opinion of the particular thing is given and you’ll be asked to discuss whether you agree or disagree with that particular opinion. Below are links to IELTS essay questions:

Discussion Essay

In the Discussion essay , there will be two opinions given, you are asked to understand both opinions as you discuss them and give your point of view based on that. Below are links to IELTS essay questions:

Problem and Solution Essay

In this type of question, you have to discuss the problems related to society and plan accordingly to create a solution for these particular issues. Below are links to IELTS essay questions:

Advantage and Disadvantage Essay

In this type of question, you have to give opinions relating to the positive and negative sides of a particular topic. Below are links to sample IELTS essays:

Two Part Essay

The IELTS Writing Task 2 two-part essay requires you to answer two distinct questions based on a given topic, often combining a statement with a related inquiry. To succeed, ensure each part is addressed comprehensively, providing clear explanations and relevant examples for both questions. Below are links to sample IELTS essays:

There are certain mistakes that can cause in IELTS writing essay topics that you need to fix. The common mistakes are listed below:

• Misinterpreting the Question: Not fully understanding what the essay prompt is asking can lead to off-topic responses.
• Lack of Structure: Failing to organize the essay with clear paragraphs and logical progression.
• Insufficient Examples: Not providing enough relevant examples to support your arguments.
• Repetition: Repeating the same points or vocabulary, can make the essay monotonous.
• Grammar and Spelling Errors: Frequent grammatical mistakes and spelling errors can significantly lower your band score.

Learn more about IELTS Writing Task 2 Essays With Our Book!

We hope this guide to IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays has provided you with the tools and insights needed to improve your essay writing. By examining a variety of essay types and learning from detailed samples, you can develop a stronger understanding of what the examiners are looking for. Avoid common pitfalls, practice regularly, and utilize the tips and strategies shared in this blog. With dedication and the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your desired band score.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is writing task 2 same for Academic and general module of IELTS?

What is the marking criteria for essay writing?

I’m confused about opinion essays. Eg.1: Even in agree/disagree essays they ask for your opinion like “To what extent you agree”. Eg.2: Even in advantage/disadvantage essays they ask for your opinion like “Do you think the advantages outweigh disadvantages”. Eg.3: There are essays which specifically ask for your opinion.

Can I write an essay which is more than 250 words? Will it improve my scores?

I have memorised some standard phrases to begin and end my essay? Will it improve my scores?

Practice IELTS Writing Task 2 based on Essay types

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Raajdeep Saha, an MBA graduate in Marketing from IMT Ghaziabad and holder of a BCA degree from The Heritage Academy, boasts three years of experience as a Senior Content Marketing Specialist. His focus lies in crafting persuasive content for IELTS, CELPIP, and TOEFL. Simultaneously, he's an accomplished author and poet, with his published work, "OUSHQ," showcasing his literary prowess. He seamlessly marries his marketing acumen with creative storytelling, making him a versatile professional of both corporate and artistic distinction.

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IELTS Writing Samples Task 2

The IELTS essays below will give you a better idea of how to turn your essay into a well-structured, complete-length essay.

Some pepole say that teenagers should work part-time and earn money. This way they will learn basic lessons about work and becom disciplined. Others argue that teenagers should not sacrifice their rest and after-school activities to work . Discusee both views and give your opinion.

Many manufactured food and drink products contain high level of sugar, which causes many health problem. sugary products should be made more people to encourage people to consume less sugar to extent more, do you agree or disagree with the statement., in mordern times, children are spending less time with their families and more time with their friends. 1. why has this change occured 2. do you think parents should force their children to spend more time at home, in their advertising business nowadays usually emphasise that their products are new in some way. why is this do you think it is a positive or negative devlopment write at least 250 words., in schools and universities, girls tend to choose arts, while boys like science. what are the reasons for this trend and do you think this tendency should be changed, it's generally believed that some people are born with certain talents, for instance for music and sport, and others are not. however, it's sometimes claimed that any child can be taught to become a good sports person or musician. discuss both ideas by giving your opinion. give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. write at least 250 words., somefamilies people believe that children who are brought up in which don't have large amounts of money are better prepared to deal with the problems of adult life than children brought up in wealthier families. to what extent do you agree or disagree., it's generally believed that some people are born with certain talents, for instance for music and sport, and others are not. however, it's sometimes claimed that any child can be taught to become a good sports person or musician. discuss both ideas by giving your opinion. give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience., these days internet-based courses have become a popular alternative to university-based courses. some students prefer this type of learning because they do not need to attend lectures. others argue that it is important to study at university. discuss both sides of the views and give your opinion., fresh water has become a global problem for the world. what are the reasons of it what measures government and individuals should take to resolve this, in many countries, people now wear western clothes (suits, jeans) rather than the traditional clothing. why (reasons and relevant examples) is this a positive or negative development, in many countries nowadays,consumers can go to a supermarket and buy food produced all over the world. do you think this is a positive or negative development, employers sometimes ask people applying for jobs for personal information, such as their hobbies and interests, and whether they are married or single. some people say that this information may be relevant and useful. others disagreee. discuss both these views and give your own opinion., some people soy thol industrial growth is necessory to solve poverty, but some other people orgue that industrial growth is causing environmental problems and it should be stopped. discuss both views and give your opinion, improvement in health, education and trade are essential for the development of poorer nations. however, the governments of richer nations should take more responsibility for helping the poorer nation in such area. to what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion, your apartment manager is asking your opinion about the swimming pool in your building. currently, your building has a swimming pool, but it is really old and needs to be renovated. some tenants prefer to have a small gym instead of a pool. the apartment manager has asked you to complete an opinion survey. choose the option that you prefer. why do you prefer your choice explain the reasons for your choice., environmental issues have always been an international problem because governments are not imposing harsh punishments againts offenders to what extent do you agree or disagree support your answer with specific reasons and examples, in the last decade, there has been a great increase in global air travel. what do you think are the reasons for this and do you think it is a good thing, it is believed that students at schools and universities can learn better via technology rather than with teachers. to what extent do you agree or disagree, scientists believe that computers will become more intelligent than human beings. some say it is a positive development while others say it is a negative development. discuss both views and give your own opinion., some people think that competition at work, at school and in in daily life is a good thing. others believe that we should try to cooperate more, rather than competing against each other., scientists believe that computers will become more intelligent than human beings . some say it is a positive development while others say it is a negative development. discuss both views and give your own opinion., in some areas of the us, a 'curfew' is imposed, in which teenagers are not allowed to be out of doors after a particular time at night unless they are accompanied by an adult. what is your opinion about this, in the future , more people will choose to go on holiday in their own country and not to travel abroad on holiday. do you agree or disagree , in many countries today, if people want to find work, they have to move away from their friends and their families. do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from own knowledge or experience., euthanasia, or mercy killing, has been in the news more and more recently. many people are strongly against such a practice, but there is a growing demand to have it legalized. how far do you agree with euthanasia being legal write an essay on it, some people believe that success means earning a lot of money. others believe that success is defined by personal happiness. discuss both these views and give your own opinion, nowadays children are experiencing increased educational, social and commercial pressure. what are the reasons for this what can be a solution to reduce the pressure, many museums charge for admissions while others are free. do you think the advantages of charging people for admission to museums outweigh the disadvantages, all over the world, societies are facing a growing problem with obesity. this problem affects both children and adults. what are the reasons for this rise in obesity, how could it be tackled, many people aim to achieve a balance between work and other parts of lives, but few people achieve it. what are the causes of the problem how to overcome it, nowadays, young people admire sports stars though they often do not set a good example. do you think this is a positive or negative development, it is generally believed that some people are born with certain talents, for instance for sport or music, and others are not. however, it is sometimes claimed that any child can be taught to become a good sports person or musician., organized tour to remote areas and community is increasingly popular. is it a positive or negative development for the local people and the environment, some people think that the government should provide assistance to all kinds of artists including painters, musicians, poets. however, other people think that is a waste of money for providing this assistance. discuss both these views and give your own opinion., some people think it w more effective for students to study in grou while others believe that it is better for them to study alone.discuss both views and give your opinion, people who were born in rural areas often move to big cities when they become adults. what are the reasons for this is it a positive or negative trend, some people say that music is a good way of bringing people of different cultures and ages together. to what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion, some people say that advertising is extremely successful at persuading us to buy things. other people think that advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it. discuss both these views and give your own opinion. give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.b write at least 250 words., in many countries , the number of animals and plants is declining . why do you think this is happening how can this issue be solved , improvements in health, education and trade are essential for the development of poorer nations. however, the governments of richer nations should take more responsibility for helping the poorer nations in such areas. to what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement, some people think that children should be taught at school to recycle material and avoid waste. other believe that should be taught at home. discuss both views and give your own opinion., some people believe more actions can be taken to prevent crime, while others think that little can be done., in some countries, more and more people are hiring a personal fitness trainer, rather than playing sports or doing exercise classes. what are the reasons for this is this a positive or a negative development, walking is known to be beneficial for health and yet fewer and fewer people are walking these days. what are the reasons for this what can be done to tackle this problem, some people think that housing facilities should be built in the vacant areas of cities and towns, while others believe that parks should be set instead. planting trees is very important for the environment. do you agree or disagree give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience., nowadays many people believe that children should be taught history in school, however, others ague that children should learn subjects that are more helpful for modern everyday life. discuss both view and give your opinion., in some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough. what are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message., countries around the world will be facing significant challenges relating not only to the environment but population and education as well. what problems will your country face in the next ten years how can these problems be overcome, some people think that employers should not care about the way their employees dress because what matters is the quality of their work. to what extent do you agree or disagree, some people think it is better for one single legal system throughout the world. others say countries should have their own law. discuss both view and give your opinion, some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. others say that there are more important environmental problems. discuss both these views and give your own opinion, some people think it is better for one single legal system throughout the world. others say countries should have their own law. discuss both view and give your opinion ., wealthy countries should accept more refugees and provide them with basic assistance such as food and housing. to what extent do you agree or disagree, many people believe that it is easier to have a healthy lifestyle in the countryside. others believe that there are health benefits of living in cities. discuss both views and give your opinion., some people believe it is important to spend a lot on family celebration while others think it is a waste of money. discuss both views and give your opinion., some people believe it is important to spend a lot on family celebration while others think it is a waste of money. discuss both views and give your opinion, some believe that role of the parents is more important than school when teaching their children to recycle waste to preserve the earth’s natural resources. to what extend do you agree or disagree, most agree that we should be training children to recycle wastes to preserve the earth’s natural resources. however, some believe that parents should teach their children to recycle waste while others feel schools are more responsible. to what extend do you agree or disagree, in some countries, it is common for women to participate in the workforce when their children are young. what are the advantages and disadvantages of this, aircraft have been increasingly used to transport fruits and vegetables to some countries where such plants hardly grow or are out of season. some people consider it a good trend, but some people oppose it. discuss both the views and give your opinion., it is shown that many criminals have a low level of education. some people argue that the best way to reduce crime is to educate criminals in prison to help them find jobs when they leave prison. do you agree or disagree, some people believe that nowadays we have too many choices. to what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement, some people believe that this is good to share as much information as possible in scientific research, business and academic world. others believe that some information is too important or too valuable to be shared freely. discuss both of view and give your opinion, government investment in the visual arts, the kind you commonly see in art galleries, is a waste of money. governments must invest this money in public services instead. to what extent do you agree with this statement, some people think that the government should use extra money to fund programs to improve the environment. others think that it is better for the government to spend money to support artistic programs. which option do you prefer use specific reasons and examples to support your answer., you should spend about 40 minutes on this task. write about the following topic: in many countries, very few young people read newspapers or follow the news on tv. what do you think are the causes of this what solutions can you suggest give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. you should write at least 250 words., in the past, when students did a university degree, they tended to study in their own country. nowadays, they have more opportunity to study abroad. what are the advantages and disadvantages of this development you should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence., people are working for long hours than before, this leads to a stressful life ahead. what are the reasons for it what employers can do to handle the situation, scientists believe that computers, not humans, will control cars in the near future. what are the reasons for that would this be a positive or a negative development, in some countries police officers do not carry guns. how does this affect the manner they implement law and order discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having a gun. provide specific reasons and examples to support your opinion., some people believe, more actions can be taken to prevent crime, while others think that little can be done., many researchers believe that we can now study the behaviour of children to see if they will grow up to be criminals, while others disagree. to what extent do you think crime is determined by genetics is it possible to stop children from growing up to be criminals, some people think that it is an individual responsibilty to take care of an environment but others think it is government's job to do so. discuss both opinions and give your own opinion., some people think it is better to educate boys and girls in separate schools. others, however, believe that boys and girls benefit more from attending mixed schools. discuss both these views and give your own opinion, nowadays, people believe that governments should invest tax-payer's money in healthcare, other believe that money should be used in other areas. discuss both points of view and give your opinion, in some countries, owning a home rather than renting one is very important for community. why might be this is the case do you think this is a positive or negative situation, nowadays, people believe that governments should invest tax-payer's money in healthcare, other believe that money should be used in other areas. discuss both points of view and give your opinion ., in order to learn about the way other people in the world live, it is better to look at film or video records than written documents. to what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea, you should spend about 40 minutes on this task write about the following topic: fast food is now universal in most countries and is becoming increasingly popular. some feel that this is a positive trend, while others do not. what are your opinions on this, in order to learn about the way other people in the world live, it is better to look at film or video records than written documents. to what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea, some people believe that technology has made our lives simpler and more convenient. others argue that it has made us more isolated and dependent. discuss both views and give your own opinion., the crime rare nowadays is decreasing compared to the past due to advanced technology which can prevent and solve crime. do you agree or disagree, some people think it is better to educate boys and girls in separate schools. others, however, believe that boys and girls benefit more from attending mixed schools. discuss both these views and give your own opinion., it is generally believed that some people are born with certain talents, for instance for sport or music, and others are not. however, it is sometimes claimed that any child can be taught to become a good sports person or musician. discuss both these views and give your own opinion., most people could not go to work in quarantine period and stayed at home due to the covid-19 pandemic. what problems lockdown may arise, and how can these problems be tackled., some people argue the government should support the funds for arts, while others suggest the money should be used for public health and education. discuss both these views and give your own opinion., in many developing countries, there is an increasing movement of workers from rural areas into the cities. why do you think this happens what problems can this cause, you are a college student. your school is offering $2,000 to one student: this money will be used to pay college fees. the school is inviting all students to explain why they should get this award. write an email of about 150–200 words to the college. your email must include the following points: a description of what you are studying at college why you are interested in your studies a statement of how well you are doing at college your future plans, some people believe that children should be made disciplined by making them obey rules and do what their parents and teachers want them to do. others, however, believe that those children who are controlled are not well-prepared to tackle the challenges life brings to them. discuss both views and give your opinion. give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience., you are a college student. your school is offering $2,000 to one student: this money will be used to pay college fees. the school is inviting all students to explain why they should get this award. write an email of about 150–200 words to the college. your email must include the following points: a description of what you are studying at college, why you are interested in your studies, a statement of how well you are doing at college your future plans, some people think that it is beneficial for students to go to private secondary schools, but others think that it has negative effects. discuss both points of view and give your own opinion., due to the development and rapid expansion of supermarkets in some countries, many small. local business are unable to compete. some people think that the closure of local business will bring death of the local communities. to what extent do you agree or disagree, "some people think that competition between young people should be encouraged while others believe cooperation should be encouraged. discuss both points of view and then give your own opinion.".

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Writing Task 2 Sample

IELTS Writing Task 2 ( also known as IELTS Essay Writing ) is the second task of your IELTS Writing test. Here, you will be presented with an essay topic and you will be scored based on your ability to respond to the topic.

You need to write at least 250 words and justify your opinion with arguments, discussion, examples, problem outlining, proposing possible solutions and supporting your position. You will have approximately 40 minutes to finish your Essay Writing. IELTS Writing Task 2 carries more weights than Writing Task 1.

Are you planning to take your IELTS Exam soon? Take an online course and achieve your dream score on your IELTS test.

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100 IELTS Essay Questions

Below are practice IELTS essay questions and topics for writing task 2. The 100 essay questions have been used many times over the years. The questions are organised under common topics and essay types. IELTS often use the similar topics for their essays but change the wording of the essay question.

In order to prepare well for writing task 2, you should prepare ideas for common topics and then practise applying them to the tasks given (to the essay questions). Also see model essays and tips  for writing task 2.

Below you will find:

• Essay Questions By Topic
• Essay Questions by Essay Type (for example Opinion, Discussion etc)

Please also note that my new Grammar E-book is now available in my store along with my Ideas for Essay Topics E-book and Advanced Writing Lessons. To visit store, click here: IELTS LIZ STORE

1) Common IELTS Essay Questions

IELTS practice essay questions divided by topic. These topics have been reported by IELTS students in their tests. Essay questions have been recreated as accurately as possible.

• Art   (5 essay questions)
• Business & Money   (17 essay questions)
• Communication & Personality   (20 essay questions)
• Crime & Punishment   (12 essay questions)
• Education   (17 essay questions)
• Environment   (12 essay questions)
• Family & Children   (8 essay questions)
• Food & Diet (13 essay questions)
• Government (6 essay questions)
• Health   (9 essay questions)
• Housing, Buildings & Urban Planning (8 essay questions)
• Language (6 essay questions)
• Leisure (1 essay question)
• Media & Advertising   (12 essay questions)
• Reading  (5 essay questions)
• Society   (10 essay questions)
• Space Exploration (3 questions)
• Sport & Exercise   (6 essay questions)
• Technology  (6 essay questions)
• Tourism and Travel   (11 essay questions)
• Transport  (7 essay questions)
• Work (17 essay questions)

2) IELTS Essay Questions by Essay Type 

There are 5 main types of essay questions in IELTS writing task 2 (opinion essays, discussion essay, advantage/disadvantage essays, solution essay and direct question essays). Click on the links below to see some sample essay questions for you to practice with at home.

• Opinion Essay Model Answer with Useful Tips
• Discussion Essay Model Answer with Useful Tips
• Solution Essay Model Answer with Useful Tips
• Direct Questions Model Essay 
• Adv/Disadv Model Essay with Useful Tips

3) Recent Essay Topics

You can also track recent essay topics on this page: IELTS ESSAY TOPICS 2024

Note: you must also prepare all other topics on the page above because questions are recycled each year.

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IELTS Band 9 sample essay

Band 9 Sample answers are useful as study guides for IELTS preparation for the IELTS Writing Task 2 essay – especially for a band 9 IELTS essay. Having access to previously completed work that you can have confidence in will show you what you are missing!

Take a look at these sample task 2 essay questions to help you prepare for your exam.

Use the following IELTS sample essay and its explanations to see how close you are to a band 9 in your IELTS writing essay!

Evaluation Criteria

Get your IELTS essay evaluated online (free)

Examples of Band 9 Essays

IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Sample Question and Answer(1)

Why is this IELTS Essay a Band 9?

5 Tips for a Band 9 IELTS Essay

Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 Question and Answer(2)

Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 Question and Answer (3)

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IELTS essay task 2: evaluation criteria

IELTS writing tests are evaluated across 4 areas when your band score is calculated:

• Task achievement  – To what extent does the examinee address all parts of the task with a fully developed position, inclusive of fully extended and well supported ideas?
• Coherence and cohesion  – Does the candidate logically organise the information and ideas? Is the entire essay cohesive with a logical progression of ideas?
• Lexical resource  – To what extent does the examinee use a wide range of vocabulary with accuracy? Do they demonstrate sophistication regarding the use of lexical items?
• Grammatical range and accuracy  – Does the examinee use a range of grammatical structures accurately? Examples of these can be the use of complex sentences with sophisticated clauses instead of simple sentences with a repetitive structure:

Example : Students cannot use phones. They affect development > students are not allowed to use mobile phones in class due to possible distractions.

The British Council (the administrator of the IELTS) outlines 9 different bands of performance for each of the above dimensions here. Your scores in each of these dimensions are averaged to determine your overall band for your essay.

Let's take a look at an example essay that scored as band 9 and then we'll dig into each of these four areas to see why it received that score. It's very important to understand what the IELTS examiner is looking for.

These four criteria are used in our new online essay checker that gives you an estimated band score (free).

IELTS essay sample question (1)

Doing an enjoyable activity with a child can develop better skills and more creativity than reading. To what extent do you agree? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your answer.

IELTS sample essay answer (1)

Parents throughout the world place spend time reading with their offspring to prepare them for school where their literacy skills are further developed; however, recent research suggests that focusing on reading at an early age can be detrimental, and participating in fun activities would be far more beneficial. I am a strong advocate of this approach, and the benefits of it will be covered in this essay.

A fundamental reason for this is that there is no biological age for reading, and pushing infants to acquire this skill before they are ready could have repercussions. For example, in the UK, many boys are reluctant readers, possibly because of being forced to read, and this turned them off reading. By focusing on other activities and developing other skills such as creativity and imagination, when they are ready to read, they usually acquire this skill rapidly.

In addition, the importance of encouraging creativity and developing a child's imagination must be acknowledged. Through play, youngsters develop social and cognitive skills, for example, they are more likely to learn vocabulary through context rather than learning it from a book.

Furthermore, play allows youngsters to mature emotionally, and gain self-confidence. There is no scientific research which suggests reading at a young age is essential for a child's development, moreover, evidence suggests the reverse is true. In Finland, early years' education focuses on playing.

Reading is only encouraged if a child shows an interest in developing this skill. This self-directed approach certainly does not result in Finnish school leavers falling behind their foreign counterparts. In fact, Finland was ranked the sixth-best in the world in terms of reading.

Despite being a supporter of this non-reading approach, I strongly recommend incorporating bedtime stories into a child's daily routine. However, reading as a regular daytime activity should be swapped for something which allows the child to develop other skills.

Why is this essay a band 9?

Task achievement.

According to the IELTS Writing Band Descriptors, an essay is Band 9 for Task Achievement if it:

• Fully addresses  all parts of the task
• Presents a  fully developed  position in answer to the question with relevant, fully extended and well supported ideas.

In order to score well on Task Achievement, the most important thing is  to make sure you respond to what is being asked of you . Is the prompt asking for an opinion, a discussion of a problem, a solution to a problem, or some combination of these? If you provide an opinion and not a solution when you're being asked for a solution, you're not going to score well in this area. Read the question carefully!

The prompt for this essay asks:  “To what extent do you agree [with the previous statement]? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your answer.”  It wants an opinion – with support!

This essay addresses all parts of this task. The opinion is included in the introduction to make the writer's position clear, and then the following paragraphs support the writer's position with examples and justifications. Overall, the response is full and relevant and each of the points is detailed and connected to the thesis.

Coherence and cohesion

Think of this as “How well does the essay flow? Is it easy to follow and does it all tie together?” The exact characteristics for a Band 9 C&C score are that an essay:

• Uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention
• Skilfully manages paragraphing

Note the specific wording “it attracts no attention.” The goal here is for things to sound natural and not forced. How do you connect your ideas (ensure cohesion) without it sounding forced? I think there are 2 possible ways:

• Explain your ideas in a logical order so that you don't need many linking words . This is probably what you do when writing in your own language.
• Use easy linking words like and, but, also, firstly, secondly, finally, for example. These are so common that they attract almost no attention.

This IELTS Sample essay does a good job of this – you'll notice that each paragraph naturally (logically) follows the one prior, providing additional support for the original opinion, and some simple linking words –  in addition, furthermore  (both paragraph 2) and  moreover  (paragraph 3) – are used throughout. These are all good discourse markers that show what is coming next adds to the argument and are slightly more sophisticated than firstly, secondly, and thirdly but don't come across as being forced.

The other aspect to scoring high in C&C is ensuring an essay is well-structured. What do I mean by that? A well-structured essay has a good introduction, body paragraphs that are easy to follow and connect with one another, and a good conclusion. Each body paragraph should also have its own topic sentence and support and then smoothly transition to the next paragraph.

Our sample IELTS essay has a “simple but good” introduction in which it shows that the examinee has knowledge of the topic and clearly states the writer's position to set up the rest of the essay. The paragraphs all have topic sentences, which are then supported by examples, and are easy to follow. The main body and conclusion relate back to the thesis in the introduction.

A note on conclusions…  there are two schools of thought when it comes to how to conclude an IELTS essay. One is to conclude with one simple sentence so that you spend more time perfecting your main body paragraphs. The other is to wrap up with two sentences, once which includes a small prediction (ie, how you think things might turn out) as a way to show the examiner that you know how to correctly use another tense (which will help boost your GR&A score – more on that in a minute). Either is fine, just don't forget your conclusion!

Taking time to plan out and organise your response  before  you start writing is an extremely important step in scoring well in Coherence and Cohesion for your IELTS essay – make sure you do so to ensure your essay is well structured and reads cohesively when you're done!

Lexical resource

Scoring well in the  Lexical Resource  dimension is all about (correctly) showing off your vocabulary. The description for a Band 9 here is:

• Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features, rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips'

Collocations,  topic-specific  vocabulary  and  phrasal  verbs  are the name of the game here. To score well, an examinee needs to show that they have a wide-ranging vocabulary and they know how to use it.

Our sample essay does a solid job of showing off a  range of vocabulary  – you'll notice that while the essay frequently refers to children, the writer employs different vocabulary ( infants, youngsters, offspring, counterparts ) to do so.

Note : it is highly likely that you will need to refer to people/children in your IELTS Writing task 2 , so make sure that you have lots of different words to use to refer to them.

IELTS examiners do not like to see the words  “people,” “children”  over and over again! The same goes for the word “ important ” – make sure you have plenty of alternative phrases ( essential  and  vital  are both used in our sample essay).

Other examples of a  wide-ranging vocabulary  in our essay include using  rapidly  in place of  quickly ,  mature  instead of develop,  repercussions  to indicate a negative result, and  acquire  in place of learn.

Our sample essay also does a good job of using  collocations  – some examples include  “fundamental reason,” “reluctant readers” “social and cognitive skills,” “learn vocabulary through context,”  and  “strongly recommend.”

The correct use of  phrasal  verbs  also demonstrates one's grasp of English – because of the semantics involved, they are sometimes one of the most difficult things for English language learners to master. Our essay writer correctly uses a few of these including “ turned them off”  and  “falling behind .”

One note here: students preparing for the IELTS  often ask if they should use  idioms  (like “you're barking up the wrong tree”) in their essays to further demonstrate their grasp of the language. In my opinion, no, you shouldn't. Idioms are informal by nature and not appropriate for a written essay of this type. Stick with demonstrating your range of vocabulary and your ability to use phrasal  verbs  correctly!

Grammatical range and accuracy

The final scoring dimension is related to grammar and grammatical structures – do you know them and can you correctly use them?

The Band 9 description for grammatical range and accuracy :

• Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy; rare minor errors occur only as slips

Note that there is nothing in the scoring criteria about including specific tenses or sentence constructions. Your main objective should be to reduce the number of mistakes that you make. An essay that contains no mistakes is likely to get a 9 for grammar, regardless of the types of sentence that it may or may not contain.

If there is a nice mix of long and short sentences in your IELTS essays, you'll meet the grammar requirements. Remember, as soon as you write a “long” sentence you are naturally going to use connectives (linking words), which will make the sentence ‘compound' or ‘complex'. So, don't think too much about the grammar – just aim to reduce the number of mistakes that you make, and try to include a few longer sentences.

Some examples from the sample essay that illustrate the writer's grammatical range and help it easily score as a band 9 include:

• appropriate uses of modal verbs in the passive voice:  “are further developed,” “will be covered,” “must be acknowledged,” “should be swapped.”
• “ to focus on ” is correctly followed by an -ing form
• However  is used correctly with a semicolon before it and a comma after
• “ because of ,” “rather than,” and are correctly followed by -ing verbs

5 Tips for an IELTS writing task 2 band 9 essay

1. answer what is being asked.

Make sure you read the prompt carefully and answer the essay questions you’re being asked. I can’t emphasise this enough. In order to score well on Task Achievement, you need to appropriately and fully address the task.

2. Plan your work, work your plan.

Plan out your essay before you start writing. What are your main points? What order are you going to make them in? How do they link together? Having a well organised essay is key scoring high marks for Coherence and Cohesion. Many IELTS test-takers will spend up to 10 minutes planning out their essay before they start writing. A few points to keep in mind:

• Your essay should have 4-5 paragraphs in total and at least 250 words
• Plan your supporting points so that they don’t go off-topic

3. Write, review, re-write

Write your essay, review it and then “rewrite” it. Don’t focus on getting things perfect upfront – you don’t want to waste 15 minutes trying to come up with the perfect synonym for something and then not have enough time to finish your full essay! Write your essay first (an unwritten essay won’t score well at all!) and then go back through it to see how you can improve it. Some essay questions to ask yourself at this stage:

• Are there places where you can swap out stronger words for weaker ones in order to improve your Lexical Resource score?
• Are there places where you can phrase things differently in order to illustrate your Grammatical Range?

4. Where are you falling?

To pass with a Band 9 the reality is you need two sets of skills:

• Exam skills
• Language skills

What are exam skills?

Can you plan an effective essay? Quickly? Ideally between 3-5 minutes.

Can you think of enough ideas and examples to put in the essay plan?

Firstly you need to discover which of these skills you need. To do this you get feedback, either from an online IELTS essay checker or for more detailed feedback you can use our IELTS essay correction service .

The main goal is to find out which part of the essay writing process is costing you the most amount of time, points or stress.

Personally, the easiest and fastest way to get these skills is to do an online course specialised in training students with these skills. Here is a good course for that.

5. Better language skills?

A lot of students fail the  IELTS exam or end up with a band in their IELTS writing test that does not meet their requirements. Also, a significant number of students look to Google to search for “IELTS Writing tips” or “Task two tips”. These tips might be helpful but sometimes the real problem might just be in their general language or writing skills.

Writing error-free perfect sentences is probably much more challenging than students think, especially under exam conditions i.e in 40 minutes with immense pressure to pass. These can result in often mixed outcomes with both positive or negative development occurring at one and the same time.

One of the most important ways to improve language skills is to receive feedback. This can be by asking someone to review written work and will expose the positive or negative development mentioned earlier. This is very common and not something that is a negative issue overall.

Have a look at our essay correction service that will review your essays for you and help you improve and pass the IELTS test.

Here is a checklist of what is needed for reaching Band 9, it includes what the examiner wants to see, and what to do to write at a Band 9 level.

Sample IELTS writing task 2 question (2)

Today, the quality of life in large cities is decreasing. Discuss the causes and solutions.

IELTS writing task 2: essay sample answer (2)

The global phenomenon of urbanisation from the beginning of industrialisation to the present day has brought opportunity and prosperity, albeit at a cost in the quality of life. With an increasing city population, the complexity of the challenges also increases for the globe as well as the local community. Therefore, the causes and effects of these on the current generation, as well as possible solutions are outlined below.

The causes for the decrease in the quality of life are paradoxically the prosperity endowed on such metropolitan centres. Their growth is largely due to the increase of opportunities on offer, which in turn increases their attractiveness, essentially they are trapped in a positive self-reinforcing cycle. While such developments have a positive impact on immediate economic objectives, it perpetuates behaviours that can have a negative impact in the long term.

However, this eventually leads to a decrease in the quality of life as the city can experience overcrowding, exorbitant property prices, and increased vulnerability to terrorist attacks. For example, the density of London makes it a more efficient place to attack, when compared to a smaller city such as Bradford.

Therefore, due to continuous growth and prosperity, urban citizens, especially the less well off, often experience a lower standard of living. Even greater than this, are the relevant examples of natural disasters such as recent fires in Australia, which brought about unprecedented weather patterns resulting in the destruction of wild and rare animals. These effects are far from uniform, as they affect different countries in ways unseen by previous generations.

Considering the solutions, greater investment in public transport would ease traffic congestion, as would bike lanes. In theory, this would reduce air pollution, and possibly improve the well-being of the population if they did adopt a more active lifestyle and cycle to work. While these solutions are local, if adopted globally, would affect individuals and many countries alike. A collective effort is needed to use social networks and other media to highlight the negative effect of urbanisation as well as the negative sides of the wider ramifications on the population.

To conclude, while it could be argued that urbanisation advantages outweigh the disadvantages, a wealthy city attracts a large population inflow, which then causes pressure on existing infrastructure and security. Various solutions exist to mitigate such drawbacks, such as social networks being used to raise awareness of such negative impacts on many countries, nevertheless an indefinite solution has yet to be found.

Sample IELTS writing task 2 question (3)

Social media marketing can influence what consumers buy. Do you agree or disagree? To what extent do you agree?

IELTS writing task 2: essay sample answer (3)

Since the introduction of social media applications in the early 2000's the world has become a much smaller place. Social media applications such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have become information sources for a majority of the global market.

As such, it could be argued that marketing, which happens to be a source of information accessible on these platforms can influence the consumers who use them. This notion is further aided by the rise in online retail stores that conduct the bulk of their transactions online. This makes it easier for the consumer to purchase from anywhere in the world.

As a consumer on social media, you are constantly bombarded with advertisements of various products that are specifically designed to catch your attention. This means that most of the adverts on your news feeds aren't random and will almost always feature something you have previously searched online or something currently popular or trending. Given the fact that most social media users are young consumers who are influenced by current trends and happenings, these adverts will almost always catch their eye.

The habit of sharing, retweeting and liking also ensure that these adverts get around, quite fast. As such, when an advert does reach your news feed you have already probably seen it on your friend's news feed. The truth is, adverts are a form of information and with the age of the internet, information spreads faster than a wildfire.

Therefore, it only makes sense that in the era and age of technology, globalization and the need to be trendy, social media marketing can influence what consumers buy.

Useful definitions of advanced vocabulary used

Paradoxically

Equivalent sentences

“For example, it is said, the CCTV in London has foiled many potential attacks, and therefore greatly increased the security of its citizens.” Could also be said as:

“Statistics show that CCTV used in London has scuppered many a terrorist plot, massively contributing to the security of its citizens.”

More Equivalent sentences Various solutions exist to mitigate such drawbacks, nevertheless an indefinite solution has yet to be found.

Could also be said as:

A myriad of partial fixes exist for these issues, yet a permanent solution is still out of reach.

There are many methods employed to quell this flow of people, but still a reliable solution has not been discovered.

IELTS writing task 2: vocabulary booster

The highlighted sections in the following paragraph represent key phrases or words relating to this topic. Study this paragraph to expand your vocabulary knowledge on this topic:

The modern urban environment varies considerably depending on both the city that produces it and the individual who perceives it; Each experiencing a unique blend of at least some economic success, varying degrees of localised or wider deprivation and periods of growth and decline. Environmental factors permitting, a city will provide well for its citizens as long as it can properly manage the execution of social policy.

Globalisation presents many challenges for those responsible for the policy as large inflows of people are to be expected in a place of success and therefore opportunity; The ensuing mixing of cultures has far-reaching social consequences that can affect how the city is both presented and perceived.

Considerably Con·sid·er·a·ble (kən-sĭd′ər-ə-bəl) adj. 1. Large in amount, extent, or degree: a writer of considerable influence. 2. Worthy of consideration; significant: The economy was a considerable issue in the campaign.

Perceive Per·ceive (pər-sēv′) tr.v. per·ceived, per·ceiv·ing, per·ceives 1a. To become aware of (something) directly through any of the senses, especially sight or hearing: We could perceive three figures in the fog. 1b. To cause or allow the mind to become aware of (a stimulus): The ear perceives sounds. 2. To achieve understanding of; apprehend: Einstein perceived that energy and matter are equivalent . 3. To regard or consider; deem: an old technology that is still perceived as useful; a politician who is perceived to be untrustworthy.

Deprivation Dep·ri·va·tion (dĕp′rə-vā′shən) n. 1. The/an act or an instance of depriving; Loss . 2. The state of being deprived: social deprivation; a cycle of deprivation and violence.

“The town’s generally miserable appearance led her to perceive it as a place of considerable deprivation.”

IELTS writing task 2: further reading

There are many more writing samples for you to explore.

The BBC has great pages on discursive writing and general writing , also, this video is good for learning how to give examples.

You can even read a sample Harvard essay aimed at preparing students for academic writing.

Remember! Select a text that is appropriate for your level. Choosing the wrong text can result in a loss of confidence and feeling bad never helped anyone to learn anything quickly!

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Optimize Your Writing: Try Our Online IELTS Essay Checker

Writing a good essay for the IELTS is important. You want to get a high score, right? But sometimes, it's hard to know if your essay is good. That's why we made a special tool to help you. It's called the online IELTS essay checker .

How does it work? You put your essay into the tool, it then looks at your essay and tells you what you did right and where you can do better. This helps you learn quickly.

The good news is that our tool can help you save money. Some students pay a lot for classes or books to learn how to write better. But our tool is not expensive. And it gives you fast help.

So, after you read the sample essay on this page, try our online IELTS essay checker . It will show you how to write even better essays.

To sum it up, our online IELTS essay checker is here to help you. It's easy to use and not costly. We want you to do your best in the IELTS without spending too much money. Good luck with your writing!

Additional IELTS writing task 2 resources

• The University of Manchester Academic Phrasebook provides guidelines and examples of how to introduce essay topics, discuss findings and write conclusions
• The University of Birmingham Guide to Academic Writing provides tips on paraphrasing, in addition to how to plan, structure and write an essay
• Use these useful sentences for IELTS Writing Task 2 .
• This page is good for sample essay topics and answers, also for Task Two.

IELTS writing essay task 2 Sample Band 8 The writing part of your IELTS exam is a great place to score some extra points, especially if you are looking to score within band 8. Here is a task 2 writing sample to help you do just that.

Vocabulary for IELTS Vocabulary is probably the most important part of preparing successfully for IELTS. It is used for both the speaking and writing part of the exam. Click here to view some essential vocabulary.

General essay topics The IELTS exam has a number of general essay topics that span a number of disciplines ad subject matters. To have an idea of what to expect check out our list of general essay topics.

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IELTS Writing Samples: 100 Practice Questions

Below you’ll find more than 100 IELTS Writing sample questions updated for 2019. Each of these essay questions has been taken from a real IELTS past paper and will give you an idea of what to expect on your exam day.

These sample questions can be separated into five main Task 2 question types:

• Opinion 
• Advantages and Disadvantages
• Problem/Cause and Solution
• Two-part questions

They are also divided amongst 13 of the most common IELTS essay topics that have appeared regularly over the last few years. IELTS is always changing, but these common topics can help you prepare more effectively if you improve your ability to use the vocabulary related to them.

These sample IELTS questions are all for Writing Task 2. For Task 1 questions, follow this link.

Feel free to print out these IELTS Writing samples and use them when you prepare for IELTS at home!

Or better yet, why not answer one of them in the comments below and gain feedback from your peers?

If you need feedback on your essays from an IELTS teacher, you can read about my essay correction service here .

Criminal Justice

Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people believe that capital punishment should never be used. Others, however, argue that it should be allowed for the most serious crimes.

Some people believe the purpose of prison is to punish, while others would argue that rehabilitation is its primary role.

Some people feel unsafe when they are in public and at home.

What are the possible causes of this and what are some possible solutions?

Some people say that excessive noise should be a criminal offence, while others say they should be free to make noise without limitation.

Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health and that other measures are required.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

In some countries levels of health and fitness are decreasing and average weights are increasing.

What do you think are the causes of these problems and what are some possible solutions?

Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development than any other experiences we may have in our life.

Which do you consider to be the major influence?

Schools should do more to teach students about their health and wellbeing.

Do you agree or disagree?

More and more schools allow fast-food restaurants to sell their products to their students.

Is it a positive or negative development?

University students must pay all tuition fees, because it benefits mostly them individually, rather than the society as a whole.

Do you agree or disagree?

Some say that music, art and drama are as important as other school subjects, especially at the primary level.

Some people believe that studying history is very important and we must study the past to understand the present. Others say that it is useless and should not be studied at all.

Some teachers tend to reward students who achieve high academic results. Others, however, support and reward students that show the most improvement.

Giving lectures in halls to large numbers of people is an outdated method of teaching. With the technology available today, there is no justification for it and everything should be done online.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In most universities students focus on specialised subjects, however, some people believe that universities should encourage students to study a wider variety of subjects.

It is generally believed that some people are born with certain talents, for instance for sport or music, and others are not. However, it is sometimes claimed that any child can be taught to become a good sports person or musician.

Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think that the true function of a university should be to give access to knowledge for its own sake, regardless of whether the course is useful to an employer.

What, in your opinion, should be the main function of a university?

Some parents think that childcare centres provide the best services for children of pre-school age. Other working parents think that family members such as grandparents will be better carers for their kids.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Governments should spend more money on education than on recreation and sports.

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes (for example working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger children).

Some people think that it is better to educate girls and boys in separate schools. Others, however, believe that boys and girls benefit more from attending mixed schools.

Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this.

Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject.

In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults.

Some people believe that children are given too much free time. They feel that this time should be used to do more academic work.

How do you think children should spend their free time?

In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour.

What do you think are the causes of this?

What solutions can you suggest?

University students should pay in full for their own education instead of the society funding their studies. The reason is that individuals tend to benefit after graduation more than society.

To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your own opinion.

Some people believe that students should be allowed to evaluate and criticise their teachers to improve the quality of education. Others think this is disrespectful to teachers.

Discuss both views, give your opinion and include relevant examples.

Youth Crime

Nowadays many young people deliberately damage public places.

What are the causes and solutions?

Some people believe that a person’s criminal record should be removed when they reach the age of 18.

More and more young people are using drugs and alcohol and as a result, breaking the law.

What are the causes of this problem?

What are some possible solutions?

Children should never be put in prison with adults no matter how serious their crime.

Being a celebrity – such as a movie star or professional athlete – brings problems as well as benefits.

Do you think that being a celebrity has more benefits or drawbacks?

Some people feel that entertainers (e.g. film stars, pop musicians or sports stars) are paid too much money.

Which other types of job should be highly paid?

Successful sports professionals can earn much more money than people in other important jobs. Some people think this is fully justified while others think it is unfair.

Environment

There is a growing demand for fresh water nowadays and this is becoming a global problem.

Many people think that too much attention and resources are given to the protection of wild animals and birds.

Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve growing traffic and pollution problems.

What other measures do you think might be effective?

Nowadays we are producing more and more waste.

What are the causes of this?

What can be done to help reduce the amount of waste we produce?

Many people believe that companies and individuals should pay to clean up the environment in proportion to the amount of pollution they have produced.

Global warming is the biggest threat we face today.

Children today are too dependent on computers and electronic entertainment. It would be better to encourage them to spend more time outside playing sports and games.

Some people say that public libraries are an important public resource and should be free. Others say that they are just a waste of public money.

Some people think that excessive use of smartphones badly affects teenagers’ literacy skills.

The internet contains a lot of information that can help people, however, sometimes the information is inaccurate or wrong.

Nowadays the way many people interact with each other has changed because of technology.

In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships people make?

Has this become a positive or negative development?

Computers have made the world a better place to live in.

Some people believe that the use of mobile phones in public is as annoying as smoking and should be banned.

Most high-level positions in companies are filled by men even though the workforce in many developed countries is more than 50 percent female. Companies should be required to allocate a certain percentage of these positions to women.

Nowadays more and more people have to compete with young people for the same jobs.

What problems does this cause?

Women and men are commonly seen as having different strengths and weaknesses.

Is it right to exclude males or females from certain professions because of their gender?

As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual wellbeing.

What factors contribute to job satisfaction?

How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?

Some people think that people in senior positions alone should make decisions in a business, while others think that employees should be involved in the decision-making process too.

Nowadays many people work part- or full-time from home. Some people say that working from home has many benefits while others disagree.

For some people a high salary is the most important criterion when choosing a new job while others are satisfied if the job contributes to society.

Globalisation

In many places, traditional food has been replaced by international fast food. This has adverse effects on individuals and society.

More and more people are visiting historic sites and sometimes tourists damage these ancient sites. The number of people visiting these places should be strictly limited.

Shopping has developed from a necessary activity to a kind of entertainment.

Many small businesses are being forced to close because they are unable to compete with multinational corporations.

What problems does this cause and how can those problems be solved?

Multinational companies are becoming increasingly common in developing countries.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Government Spending

People prefer to watch foreign films rather than locally produced ones.

Why do you think this happens? Should the government support local filmmakers financially?

Some people think that governments should invest more in public services instead of wasting money on arts such as music and paintings.

Some people believe that the government should pay for and offer to house people who lost their homes or cannot afford them.

Some people think that the government should fund music, dance and art lessons for children. Others think that they should be funded by private businesses or by children’s families.

Many people think that the government should spend money to explore outer space, while others think that it’s a waste of public money.

Some people think that mothers should spend most of their time raising their family, and therefore the government should support them financially.

Development

In some countries, the numbers of children aged 15 and younger are increasing dramatically.

What are the current and future effects of an ever-increasing population?

A recent study showed that people in developed countries are not as happy as they were before development.

What are the causes of this and what are some possible solutions?

Sometimes celebrities get invited to international aid events.

Do you think that such events deviate from their main purpose by inviting famous people?

Some people believe that richer countries should give poorer countries more financial assistance.

Some people believe that no aid should be given to developing countries that have poor human rights records.

Public Transport

Some people think that a car is the best way to travel in cities while others believe a bicycle is a better way to commute.

Many cities have serious problems with traffic congestion.

What are the causes of these problems and what are some possible solutions?

Growing numbers of cities are making their centres pedestrian-only zones.

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Some people believe that the best way to reduce traffic congestion is to increase the price of petrol.

Every year several languages die out. Some people think that it is not important because life will be easier if there are fewer languages in the world.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

It is becoming increasingly popular for people to travel to tourist destinations during public holidays.

What solutions are there to these problems?

Today, the high sales of popular consumer goods reflect the power of advertising and not the real needs of the society in which they are sold.

Some people believe that visitors to other countries should follow local customs and behaviour. Others disagree and think that the host country should welcome cultural differences.

At present, the media affects people’s lives significantly.

What impact does this have on society? Is it a negative or positive development?

Young people say that travelling to different countries benefits them and society.

Do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion.

These days, more fathers stay at home and take care of their children while mothers go out to work.

What are the main reasons for this? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

IELTS Writing Sample Essays

Now that you know what kind of essay questions to expect, feel free to browse my collection of IELTS Writing Sample Essays here: Band 7+ IELTS Writing Sample Essays

However, it’s important that you use them wisely. Simply reading through them won’t improve your skills or your score. When using IELTS Writing sample essays, I always recommend following my ___ step strategy:

• Start off by reading the question – NOT the answer.
• Attempt to answer the question under exam conditions.
• Compare your letter with the sample answer.
• Improve your original answer by using some of the elements you noticed in the sample letter. Eg. how did the writer use structure, vocabulary and grammar?

If you do try this strategy, make sure to leave a comment letting me know what you thought of it. Or better yet, leave your response in the comments below!

What I Learned Correcting 10,000 IELTS Writing Task 2 Essays

Over the years, I have corrected more than 10,000 IELTS Task 2 essays.

To help you learn from the mistakes of my students, I made a video which revealed the 5 key things you must to do to score a Band 7+ in IELTS Writing:

For detailed help with improving your essay-writing skills, you should sign up to our IELTS Fundamentals Course. It’s completely free of charge and will give you exclusive access to:

• Never-seen-before IELTS videos;
• Practice questions for each section of the test;
• Answer sheets to help you identify your mistakes.

Learn more about it and sign up here: IELTS Fundamentals.

As always, please reach out in the comments below or via email if you need anything: [email protected]

About Christopher Pell

My name is Christopher Pell and I'm the Managing Director of IELTS Advantage.

I started IELTS Advantage as a simple blog to help 16 students in my class. Several years later, I am very humbled that my VIP Course has been able to help thousands of people around the world to score a Band 7+ in their IELTS tests.

If you need my help with your IELTS preparation, you can send me an email using the contact us page.

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50+ IELTS Essay Samples for 8 Bands with PDF

Table of Contents

Learn how IELTS helps improve English language skills & why language skills are important for success. Read our IELTS Essay Samples today!

In modern education, the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) helps check how well you speak and understand English. It’s important because English is a global language. IELTS tests your language skills, which are needed for school and work. This essay looks at different “IELTS Essay Samples” to show why language skills matter. You can learn how to use English well for success in your studies and job.

Important Tips to Write IELTS Essay

• Understand the Question : Grasp the topic and requirements.
• Plan Your Ideas : Organize your thoughts before writing.
• Clear Introduction : Start with a brief, focused introduction.
• Use Examples : Support your points with specific examples.
• Stay Focused : Stick to the topic and main argument.
• Structured Paragraphs : Divide your essay into clear paragraphs.
• Formal Language : Write in a formal, academic style.
• Vocabulary and Grammar : Use varied vocabulary and correct grammar.
• Transition Words : Connect ideas using transitional phrases.
• Balanced Argument : Present both sides if required, then express your view.
• Summarize in Conclusion : Recap main points in your conclusion.
• Stay within Word Limit : Follow the recommended word count.
• Proofread : Check for errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Time Management : Allocate time for planning, writing, and editing.
• Practice : Regularly write essays to improve your skills.

Types of IELTS Essays

• Opinion Essay (Agree/Disagree)
• Discussion Essay (Advantages/Disadvantages)
• Problem-Solution Essay
• Advantages and Disadvantages Essay
• Direct Question Essay
• Two-Part Question Essay
• Cause and Effect Essay
• Process Essay
• Comparison Essay
• Pie Chart/Bar Graph/Line Graph/Map Essay
• Mixed Graph Essay
• Double Question Essay
• Opinion and Discussion Essay

To improve your understanding of writing IELTS essays, consider reading the IELTS Essay Samples below for a band score of 8.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Mastering Essays on AI’s Role in Enhancing Public Safety (With Sample Band 7, 8 Essays)

The topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on public safety has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This subject not only reflects current technological advancements but also addresses critical societal concerns. Based on recent trends and the frequency of related questions in past IELTS exams, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question and provide sample essays to help you prepare effectively.

Analyzing the Question

Some people believe that artificial intelligence (AI) can significantly improve public safety. Others argue that relying on AI for safety purposes could be dangerous. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question presents a balanced argument about the role of AI in public safety. It requires you to:

• Discuss the positive impacts of AI on public safety
• Explore potential dangers of relying on AI for safety
• Provide your personal opinion on the matter

Let’s examine two sample essays addressing this prompt, one targeting Band 7 and another aiming for Band 8-9.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 7)

Artificial Intelligence has become an integral part of our daily lives, and its potential to enhance public safety has sparked considerable debate. While some argue that AI can significantly improve safety measures, others contend that overreliance on this technology could lead to unforeseen dangers. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.

Proponents of AI in public safety highlight its ability to process vast amounts of data quickly and accurately. For instance, AI-powered surveillance systems can monitor large areas continuously, identifying potential threats or criminal activities faster than human observers. Additionally, AI algorithms can analyze patterns in crime data to predict high-risk areas, allowing law enforcement to allocate resources more effectively. These capabilities could lead to quicker response times and more efficient crime prevention strategies.

On the other hand, critics argue that depending too heavily on AI for safety purposes could be risky. One major concern is the potential for system failures or hacking, which could compromise public safety instead of enhancing it. Moreover, there are ethical concerns about privacy and data protection, as AI systems often require access to personal information to function effectively. There is also the risk of AI perpetuating biases present in its training data, potentially leading to unfair treatment of certain groups.

In my opinion, while the concerns about AI in public safety are valid, its potential benefits outweigh the risks if implemented responsibly. I believe that AI should be used as a tool to augment human decision-making rather than replace it entirely. This approach would allow us to harness the power of AI while maintaining human oversight to mitigate potential errors or biases. Additionally, strict regulations and transparency in AI development and deployment can address many of the ethical concerns raised by critics.

In conclusion, AI has the potential to significantly improve public safety, but its implementation must be carefully managed. By striking a balance between utilizing AI’s capabilities and maintaining human control, we can enhance public safety while minimizing the associated risks.

(Word count: 310)

Analysis of Band 7 Essay

This essay demonstrates several strengths that align with Band 7 criteria:

• Task Achievement : The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear opinion.
• Coherence and Cohesion : The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of linking words.
• Lexical Resource : There is a good range of vocabulary with some less common words and phrases used appropriately.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy : The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control.

However, to reach Band 8, the essay could benefit from:

• More sophisticated vocabulary and idiomatic language
• Greater depth in examples and explanations
• More nuanced argumentation

Sample Essay 2 (Band 8-9)

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into public safety measures has sparked a contentious debate in recent years. While proponents laud AI’s potential to revolutionize safety protocols, skeptics warn of the perils associated with over-reliance on this nascent technology. This essay will critically examine both perspectives before offering a nuanced view on this complex issue.

Advocates of AI in public safety emphasize its unparalleled capacity to process and analyze vast quantities of data with remarkable speed and precision. AI-driven surveillance systems, for instance, can monitor expansive urban areas round the clock, swiftly identifying potential security threats or criminal activities that might elude human observers. Furthermore, sophisticated AI algorithms can discern patterns in crime data to predict high-risk zones and timeframes, enabling law enforcement agencies to optimize resource allocation and implement proactive crime prevention strategies. The potential for AI to enhance emergency response systems is equally promising, with AI-powered dispatch systems capable of coordinating complex rescue operations more efficiently than traditional methods.

Conversely, critics argue that an excessive reliance on AI for safety purposes could inadvertently introduce new vulnerabilities. A primary concern is the susceptibility of AI systems to malfunctions or cyber attacks, which could potentially compromise public safety on an unprecedented scale. Additionally, the deployment of AI in safety applications raises significant ethical quandaries regarding privacy and data protection, as these systems often necessitate access to sensitive personal information. There are also legitimate apprehensions about the potential for AI to perpetuate or exacerbate existing societal biases, particularly if the algorithms are trained on data sets that reflect historical prejudices.

In my assessment, while the concerns surrounding AI in public safety are undoubtedly valid and warrant serious consideration, the transformative potential of this technology to enhance public well-being is too significant to dismiss. I posit that the optimal approach lies in leveraging AI as a complementary tool to augment human expertise and decision-making, rather than as a wholesale replacement for human judgment. This balanced strategy would allow us to harness the immense analytical power of AI while retaining the critical elements of human intuition, empathy, and ethical reasoning that are indispensable in matters of public safety.

To mitigate the risks associated with AI implementation, it is imperative to establish robust regulatory frameworks and stringent oversight mechanisms. These safeguards should encompass rigorous testing protocols, regular audits of AI systems for bias and accuracy, and transparent reporting of AI decision-making processes. Moreover, investing in comprehensive public education about AI’s role in safety measures can foster informed discourse and build trust in these systems.

In conclusion, while AI holds immense promise for revolutionizing public safety, its integration must be approached with careful consideration and robust safeguards. By striking a judicious balance between harnessing AI’s capabilities and maintaining human oversight, we can significantly enhance public safety while minimizing associated risks. The key lies not in choosing between AI and human expertise, but in fostering a symbiotic relationship that leverages the strengths of both to create safer, more secure communities.

(Word count: 466)

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates several key features that align with Band 8-9 criteria:

Task Achievement : The essay fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response. It presents a clear position throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion : The essay is cohesive with a clear overall progression. It uses a wide range of cohesive devices appropriately.

Lexical Resource : The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control. It demonstrates an awareness of style and collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy : The essay uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. There are no noticeable errors.

The essay stands out for its:

• Sophisticated vocabulary (e.g., “contentious debate”, “nascent technology”, “exacerbate existing societal biases”)
• In-depth analysis and well-developed arguments
• Nuanced perspective that acknowledges the complexity of the issue
• Effective use of examples to illustrate points
• Clear structure with a logical flow of ideas

Key Vocabulary to Remember

Artificial Intelligence (AI) (noun) – /ˌɑːrtɪˈfɪʃl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/ – The simulation of human intelligence in machines

Surveillance (noun) – /sərˈveɪləns/ – Close observation, especially of a suspected person

Algorithm (noun) – /ˈælɡərɪðəm/ – A process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or problem-solving operations

Proactive (adjective) – /proʊˈæktɪv/ – Creating or controlling a situation rather than just responding to it after it has happened

Vulnerability (noun) – /ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪləti/ – The quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed

Exacerbate (verb) – /ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/ – Make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse

Symbiotic (adjective) – /ˌsɪmbaɪˈɑːtɪk/ – Involving interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association

Intuition (noun) – /ˌɪntuˈɪʃn/ – The ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning

Oversight (noun) – /ˈoʊvərsaɪt/ – The action of overseeing something

Discourse (noun) – /ˈdɪskɔːrs/ – Written or spoken communication or debate

The Role Of AI In Improving Public Safety is a complex and multifaceted topic that is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. By understanding the key arguments and practicing with sample essays like those provided, you can better prepare for this type of question. Remember to critically analyze both perspectives, provide relevant examples, and clearly state your own opinion.

To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or related themes such as:

• The use of AI in crime prediction and prevention
• Ethical considerations of AI-powered surveillance systems
• The balance between privacy and security in AI-driven public safety measures

Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and gain valuable feedback, setting you on the path to achieving your desired IELTS Writing score.

For more insights on related topics, you might find our articles on AI in managing public transportation systems and the role of AI in reducing pollution levels helpful in broadening your understanding of AI’s impact on various aspects of public life.

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A Comprehensive Guide to IELTS Academic Writing: Task 1

Master the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 with this comprehensive guide, covering strategies and examples.

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Are you preparing for the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, and feeling overwhelmed? Fear not, as this comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know to tackle this task with confidence.

The IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 requires you to describe and analyse visual information presented in the form of graphs, charts, tables, maps, or diagrams .

In this guide, we'll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to approach this section effectively. From understanding the task requirements to organising your response and using appropriate vocabulary, we've got you covered!

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A step-by-step guide to IELTS Academic Writing: Task 1

The IELTS Academic Writing task 1 may seem daunting at first, but with the right approach and preparation, you can excel in it.

Here is a step-by-step guide for you to equip yourself with the skills and strategies needed to approach IELTS Writing task 1 with confidence and achieve a high score:

Step 1: Understand the task requirements before you start

It is crucial to thoroughly understand what is expected of you.

Familiarise yourself with the task description, including the type of visual information you may encounter and the specific details you need to focus on.

Take note of the word limit and the time allocated for this task.

Step 2: Analyse the visual information carefully

Examine the given visual information, whether it's a graph, chart, table, or diagram.

Identify the main trends, patterns, and key features presented in the data.

Pay attention to the axes, units of measurement, labels, and any significant changes or comparisons that the visual information highlights.

Step 3: Create a clear and organised plan for your response

Consider the structure of your essay, including an introduction, an overview paragraph, and supporting paragraphs.

Decide on the key points you want to include and the logical order in which you will present them.

Planning will save you time and ensure a coherent and well-structured essay.

Step 4: Begin your essay with a concise and engaging introduction

Provide an overview of the visual information, including its source, the date it was published, and a brief statement summarising the main trends or features.

Hook the reader's attention and set the tone for the rest of your essay.

Step 5: Present an overview in a separate paragraph

Present an overview of the key trends or patterns observed in the visual information.

Summarise the main points without going into excessive detail.

This overview paragraph acts as a roadmap for the reader, giving them a clear understanding of the main information contained in the visual.

Step 6: Support with specific details in the subsequent paragraphs

Provide specific details and supporting evidence to illustrate and analyse the trends or features mentioned in the overview.

Use a combination of accurate data, percentages, comparisons, and specific examples to enhance the clarity and depth of your analysis.

Be mindful of using appropriate vocabulary related to the data and ensure coherence within and between paragraphs.

Step 7: Use language devices and cohesive elements

To enhance the overall quality of your writing, incorporate a range of language devices, such as appropriate verb tenses, adjectives, and adverbs, to accurately describe and analyse the visual information.

Additionally, use cohesive devices, such as transitional words and phrases, to create a smooth flow and logical progression between sentences and paragraphs.

Step 8: Proofread and revise

After finishing your essay, it is important to dedicate some time to proofread and revise it.

Thoroughly examine it for any grammatical, spelling, or punctuation mistakes.

Ensure that your sentences are both clear and concise.

Pay attention to the coherence and cohesion of your ideas and make any necessary adjustments to improve the overall quality of your response.

Marking criteria for IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

To understand how your performance is assessed in the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, it's essential to know everything about the marking criteria used by examiners.

The following are the key areas that examiners focus on when evaluating your response:

1. Task Achievement

Have you provided a clear and accurate overview of the visual information?

Did you accurately describe the key features, trends, and comparisons presented in the data?

Have you addressed all aspects of the task and covered the required content?

2. Coherence and Cohesion

Is your essay well-organised, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion?

Have you used appropriate paragraphing to separate ideas logically?

Is there a clear progression of ideas and a smooth flow of information between sentences and paragraphs?

3. Lexical Resource

Have you used a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately?

Have you demonstrated the ability to paraphrase and use synonyms effectively?

Is there evidence of using domain-specific vocabulary related to the given visual information?

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Have you displayed a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences?

Is your grammar usage accurate, with minimal errors?

Have you demonstrated control over verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, sentence structure, and punctuation?

By understanding and practicing within these marking criteria, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 and increase your chances of achieving a higher band score.

Mastering the IELTS Writing task 1 requires practice, preparation, and a systematic approach. By understanding the task requirements, analysing visual information effectively, planning your response, and employing language and cohesive elements, you can confidently approach this task and showcase your ability to describe and analyse data.

Want more advice to help you to prepare for IELTS Writing?

Achieving a great IELTS score takes time and planning. You can’t just book and take your test in a matter of days – no matter how strong your English skills are. Successful test takers create a schedule to help them study everything they need to know before they sit an IELTS test. They make time to practise all four English skills – Listening , Reading , Writing and Speaking – as the format of each part of the test is different.

To help you prepare for your IELTS test, you can access our wide range of preparation materials, attend a FREE Masterclass with an IELTS expert, and complete IELTS practice tests.

You can also boost your writing band score with IELTS Writing Assist. Complete an official mock IELTS writing test online and receive personalised feedback from an IELTS Expert.

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IELTS Band 6 Essay Samples

These are IELTS band 6 essay samples that have been given grades (of 6 or 6.5) and basic comments on the score for each criteria by an experienced IELTS instructor. 

View other samples:

• Band 8 Samples
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Topic: Wages of Entertainers (band 6)

Some people believe that entertainers are paid too much and their impact on society is negative, while others disagree and believe that they deserve the money that they make because of their positive effects on society. 

Discuss both opinions and give your own opinion. 

The entertainment industry is one of the largest sectors in all around the world. Some think that the people who work in that industry earn too much money considering their bad influence on society, and I agree.  Others, however, believe that their positive impact on others is worth the money that they are paid.

On the one hand, there is no doubt that show business is an enormous and unfairly well paid sector. In addition to that, members of it do not add real value, compared to others like, for instance, education workers. Although in some countries teachers live with unreasonable wages, their responsibility, is extremely valuable for next generations become better people. Whereas a singer can earn double their yearly salary from one concert. The other important point is, for a balanced and equal society, the difference between income levels must not be very high. Regardless than their contribution, no one should make billions of dollars that easily, because that imbalance does have a significant negative impact on societies.

On the other hand, some people think that entertainers’ contribution to the modern life is worth the money they earn. It can be understood that for many people, watching a movie or going to a concert is irreplaceable with other activities; therefore, they think that their positive impact is crucial for a significant proportion of people. In addition to that, celebrities do compromise their privacy and freedom with being known by many others. In exchange of that, they do deserve a comfortable life with significantly better paychecks.

In conclusion, despite their minimal contribution with their work to the people and sacrifice from their private life; I believe that their impact is far from being positive and they are not paid fairly or balanced with others.

Task Response: 7

Both parts of the question are fully answered and there is a clear position and opinion presented. But some of the support loses focus and generalises too much. This can be seen in the last part of body paragraph one, which just states there are negative impacts again but does not say why. 

Coherence & Cohesion: 6

Fairly well-organised but there are some issues with CC. For instance 'in addition' does not fit in body paragraph one so early as the topic sentence has yet to be explained. The thesis would be better with the opinion at the end. 

Lexical Resource: 6

An adequate range of vocabulary but there are inaccuracies and mistakes with word forms. 

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 6

Good range and mix of simple and complex sentences but too many noticeable errors for a band 7. For instance, "Regardless than their contribution" or the fragment: "Whereas a singer can earn double their yearly salary from one concert."

Topic: Computers and Teaching (Band 6)

School children are becoming far too dependent on computers and this is having an alarming effect on reading and writing skills. Teachers need to avoid using computers in the classroom at all costs and go back to teaching basic study skills.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Children are born into the digital world. From young age, they know how to operate computers, iPad, and TV. It is part of their daily life. School age children is no exception to the use of computers. They are confident users of computers and very dependent on them which can lead to decline in reading and writing skills. Some teachers utilise the computers well in their lessons, while others avoid the use of computers in their classrooms. I believe good balance of both is needed to help students’ reading and writing skills to improve.

Computers can help students with reading. For example, if students come across unknown words, they can search the unknow words and hear the pronunciation. If it was not for the computers, they have to find someone who knows how to pronounce the words for them. Therefore, computers can play positive role in students’ reading skills.

On the other hands, writing skills need to be improved by lots of handwritten works. If students are using computers all the time and getting the help of autocorrection, they will not improve their writing skills. They will not know how to edit as autocorrect is doing the job for them.

In conclusion, I believe that teachers should not allow students to do all the work on the computers especially writing tasks. However, teacher should not avoid the use of computer as computers can be a great help if they use it effectively. Rather than avoiding computers that students are so used to, teachers need to come up with how to use it effectively to enhance students’ reading and writing skills.

Task Response: 6

You have addressed the question properly and your ideas are relevant. However, you don’t have enough support in your body paragraphs, which is the most important aspect with regards to the grading. Shorten your introduction considerably (2 or 3 sentences to introduce the topic and thesis). It currently doesn’t meet the requirement of “presents, extends and supports main ideas” for band 7.

You sequence information and ideas logically, but your linking devices are a bit too mechanical  i.e. transition words in initial sentence position e.g. for example, therefore, on the other hand etc. A greater range and higher ability to link would be needed for 7 and over. Take a look at this advice on using transitions for band 7 .  Referencing should also be improved e.g. “Some teachers utilise the computers well in their lessons, while others avoid the use of computers them in their classrooms.”

Lexical Resource: 7

Sufficient range of vocab and some less common vocab used, but some errors in word choice / formation prevent a band 8.

Overall the grammar is very good, but there is an error in quite a few of the sentences. Most are quite minor but a couple of very noticeable and the candidates need to take care with this to avoid a drop to a 6.

Topic: Improved Medical Care (Band 6.5)

One of the consequences of improved medical care is that people are living longer and life expectancy is increasing.  

Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Since the medical care system has made significant progress in the last decades, people nowadays get older. While this can be seen as a clear benefit on a personal view, it causes huge problems on a global view. That’s why I think that the benefits of a higher life expectancy do not outweigh the drawbacks.  On the one hand, an advantage of a longer life and better medical care is that people can spend more time with their loved ones without being in pain. As it is possible to treat illnesses the way, that they don’t affect the patient’s life anymore. For example, even a few years ago a lot of people died having a heart attack. With the increased medical possibilities this isn’t the case anymore. As a result, people can overcome illnesses that were deadly.  On the other hand, the global impact a longer life expectancy has is huge. This can be seen by the fact that a longer life of individuals means a higher population on planet earth. For instance, we already have about 8 billion inhabitants and this number is increasing steadily. Consequently, we’ll not have enough resources to gain food and water for such a high number of individuals.  Furthermore, a longer life period also causes higher costs for the medical care system. Reason for that is that more resources are needed to keep people healthy and alive. To illustrate, for the prevention of a heart attack the patient gets a variety of pills to decrease his blood pressure. This medication is expensive. Accordingly, we will need more and more young people to finance the medical system, or the system must be changed.  All in all, it is understandable that people wish to have a healthy and very long life. But in my opinion the global disadvantages clearly outweigh the personal advantages of a longer life and better medical care. 

Content of the essay and ideas are generally okay. However, the initial explanation for the advantages is not always clear. The reader has to still think about what you mean about “being in pain.” A stricter examiner could penalize either TR or CC because the reader still has to process what is meant in this paragraph. But I think the average examiner will give you a 7 as the other paragraphs are ok.

Coherence & Cohesion: 7

The use of sequencers is okay. CC levels 8 and 9 do not necessarily have very obvious introductory phrases at the beginning of nearly every sentence (e.g. on the one hand, for example, as a result), and too many could even limit it to a band 6 if it is very mechanical. Take a look at model 8/9 essays to see how it should be done if you want a higher score.

Vocabulary is okay, despite an error or two. But for a higher score, you’ll need more complex words.

There is a good mix of complex sentences though this aspect could be improved – some sentences could be linked together to make the essay more complex, which would be expected for a band 7, 8 and 9. And this is confusing – “As it is possible to treat illnesses the way, that they don’t affect the patient’s life anymore.” Check out how to write complex sentences as you appear to have a fragment - complex sentences .

Double-check to correct errors you are aware of. As earlier mentioned, the first body paragraph has issues. There are also punctuation issues (comma) in other areas. I think this does not quite reach a 7 but is very close.

Topic: Strength in Sport (Band 6)

Some people think that physical strength is important for success in sport, while others think that mental strength is more important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Physical energy is considered to be an imperative aspect for achievements in the field of sports. However, many individuals argue that mental strength also plays a pivotal role. This essay represents view for both sides along with the opinion. Firstly, talking about physical energy, regular exercises enables an individual to stay fit and healthy by stretching body muscles that keeps the body active. Secondly, exercises can be performed in a way of practising any activity related to sports; for an instance, playing tennis or football may provides an encouragement and an exploration of new ideas and techniques that can be applied during games. Lastly, exercises reduces the risk of health issues, such as alterations in blood pressure, cardio-vascular diseases, by regulating blood flow in whole body that prevents risk of heart and brain strokes. On the other side, a healthy mind lives in a healthy body. According to this phrase, mental strength performs a crucial role in sports activities. In today's world of competition, a person came through many situations that are full of stress, for example, team pressure, pressure of winning or loosing the game. Moreover, an individual cannot focus on sports unless or until his mental strength is not strong. A stress may leads a player into depression which can put him on stress releasing medication for his entire life. Furthermore, state of happiness provides relaxation to mental power that boost up the confidence level to perform well in the sports. In my opinion, both physical as well as mental strength are considered to be mandatory because if exercises helps in the growth of body similarly mental strength gives confidence and support to play well.

The essay addresses all parts of the task, a clear position is presented throughout the response and main ideas are extended and supported main ideas. However, there is a tendency to overgeneralise and/or supporting ideas may lack focus.

The essay is clearly organised but it tends to be a bit mechanical with the use of the transition/sequencers (e.g. firstly, secondly, lastly etc).

There is an adequate range of vocabulary for the task but not enough to meet the and 7 criteria of "sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision" or "uses less common lexical items".

In this IELTS band 6 essay sample there is evidence of a mix of both simple and complex structures but error free sentences are not frequent (band 7), but the errors present do not reduce the communicative effect so it merits a 6, not 5.  

Topic: Relocating Businesses (Band 6)

In some countries governments are encouraging industry and business to move out of large cities and go to regional areas.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Nowadays, industry and business have been encouraging by part of the nations governments to establish their factories in regional areas instead of in large cities. I strongly believe that there are much more benefits in this movement than drawbacks.

Having a company in a metropolitan area could bring lots of benefits, especially because the infrastructure is better than in smaller centers, with more transport options to receive and dispatch goods as well as a bigger range of specialized services and also skilled labour. Even tought, usually the general costs to keep a business in large cities are higher and not worth it, for instance the taxes and rents are normally more expensive.

On the other hand, moving industries to regional areas could benefit not just the local population, but also the entrepreneurs, due to the savings. A new business in a town or small city may bring more opportunities for workers, with job offers the inhabitants do not need to move to metropolies seeking for a greater careers. Furthermore, almost all the biggest centers in the world are heavily populated, reorganize the population density also brings advantages in the sense to avoid migration to already overcrowded areas.

In addition, industries and business can lead to the development of a different region owing to the need to improvements that can benefits everyone, such as government investimento in roads, as well as new opportunities to small commerces to supply daily need, like restaurants and bakeries.

To sum up, there are numerous benefits in the politice that encourage companies to establish in regional areas, which outweigh the drawbacks. The advantages achieve the entrepreneurs, the local population from towns as well as the large cities. Besides, the government can plan better how to distribute the population.

You discuss and explain the issues well, making sure you discuss both benefits and drawbacks. You focus a bit more on benefits which is ok as you think there are more of these.

Your essay is generally organised ok but there are errors with cohesion. “Even tought” is should be “However” - check how these words differ (the first is used to make adverbial clauses , and however is a transition . Also you can’t have ‘On the other hand’ without firstly having “On the one hand”. Check online how to use those words. This is perhaps an area where you could reach a 7 if you take a bit more care.

Vocabulary is generally ok and there are some good words in there. You have too many spelling mistakes which brings it down to a 6. I don’t understand this: ‘politice’. Again be careful. Perhaps you could get 7 if you try to cut out the spelling mistakes.

This is only just a 6 as you do have some noticeable and in cases slightly confusing errors (you’ll see some of the spelling and grammar errors if you look on Word). I think it’s not quite a 5 but it’s possible another examiner would award it that. Be particularly careful about comma splices as these can really confuse what you are trying to say. These all have comma splices in:

• ...usually the general costs to keep a business in large cities are higher and not worth it, for instance the taxes and rents are normally more expensive.
• A new business in a town or small city may bring more opportunities for workers, with job offers the inhabitants do not need to move to metropolies seeking for a greater careers.
• Furthermore, almost all the biggest centers in the world are heavily populated, reorganize the population density also brings advantages in the sense to avoid migration to already overcrowded areas.

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