IELTS Writing Samples
One of the most misunderstood aspects of IELTS preparation is how to use IELTS writing samples.
IELTS Writing Sample Answers: How should I use them?
IELTS Writing sample answers are great because they provide a good model for comparing your writing. However, reading lots of them will not make you a better writer.
Think about it this way, how many millions of people watch world-class footballers like Messi and Ronaldo every week? Does it improve their football skills? Maybe if they go and practice what they learned, but not a bit if they do nothing.
To really improve, you have to actively use the Writing Task 2 sample answer below, not passively read them and then expect to magically improve. Follow the plan of action below.
Plan of Action
- Read the questions, but DO NOT read the sample answers. Even taking a brief look at the question will influence your answer.
- Attempt the answer under exam conditions.
- Compare what you have with the sample answer.
- Think about the ideas, structure, organisation, vocabulary, and grammar. It is important that you really think deeply about how the author used each of the elements above.
- Don’t worry if your answer is very different. There are many different ways to answer a Task 2 question.
- Go back and improve your original answer with some of the IELTS Task 2 sample answer elements.100 Task 2 Sample Questions
100 Task 2 Sample Questions
If you don’t want IELTS Writing sample answers and want to look at lots of practice questions, here is a list of over 100 of them:
You can find some more sample questions on the official IELTS website and the British Council site.
Answers with Examiner’s Reports
To give you an insight into how the examiner marks your test, here are some Task 2 answers with the examiner’s comments at the end.
Student’s Band 9 Answer
Childcare Discussion Essay and Examiner’s Report
Student’s Band 6 Answer and Examiner’s Report
Agree or Disagree Samples
In these questions, you are given a statement and asked if you agree or disagree with it. They are also sometimes called ‘Opinion’ questions.
Task Two Agree or Disagree Sample Essays
Every Year Several Languages Die Out- Task 2 Sample Answer
Student’s Essay on Voluntary Service
An Essay Most Students Got Wrong
Languages Agree or Disagree Essay
Compulsory Voluntary Work in High School
To what extent do you agree or disagree?- Technology
Agree or Disagree- Arts at Primary School Level
Agree or Disagree- Online Lectures
Positive or Negative Development- Shopping
Environmental Essay with Short Introduction and Conclusion
Railway vs Road Essay
Every Year Several Languages Die Out
Discussion Samples
In these questions, you are given two opposing points of view and asked to discuss both of them and give your opinion.
Balanced Approach
Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of sports facilities.
Discussion and Opinion (University Education)
Discussion Essay- Student Rewards
Childcare Discussion Essay Good and Bad Example
Discuss Both Views- Mixed Schools
Discuss Both Views Sample Answer- Changing Jobs
Teenage Years – IELTS Task 2 Essay
Aim of Education – IELTS Task 2 Sample Answer
Yumiko’s Band 9 Essay
Advantages and Disadvantages Samples
In these questions, you are normally given one issue and asked to discuss the positive and negative sides of that issue.
Advantages and Disadvantages Essay- Multinational Companies
Surveillance Essay
Problem/Causes and Solutions Samples
Sometimes you are asked about the problems that a certain issue causes, and sometimes you are asked about the causes of a certain problem. An important distinction, as you will see below.
Causes and Solutions- Health and Fitness
Good and Bad Example- Old and Young People in the Job Market
A Problem Solution Essay
IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay- Student Behaviour
Double Questions
An increasingly common question gives one issue and then asks two separate questions about it.
Double Questions Sample Answer- Technology
Physical Appearance
Self-Driving Cars
Free Study Plan
We’ll break down her essay step-by-step, talking about the ways she used vocabulary to score high, came up with strong ideas and much more:
Need more help with IELTS Writing Task 2?
No problem – scroll down or visit our Writing Task 2 page for more resources to help you get ready for your exam.
I recently posted a video lesson which covers the key things I’ve learned from marking 10,000+ IELTS essays over the years. Watch a Writing Task 2 lesson or visit our youtube channel for more video lessons like this one.
The articles below contain some of our most comprehensive guides to Writing Task 2:
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Writing Task 2: 8 Steps to Success
This article is unique to anything we’ve published before. Read it now to access our 61-page Task 2 strategy.
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How to Plan an Essay
Making a good plan actually saves you time when you write your essay. If you don’t plan, you are more likely to get lost halfway through your essay, and the result is normally a very confusing piece of writing that is difficult to read. This guide will show you how to write a clear essay every time.
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How to Think of Relevant Ideas
Thinking of good ideas is one of the most challenging parts of the test for some people. This guide provides 5 different methods to help you quickly think of relevant ideas that are directly linked to the question.
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How to Write a Complex Sentence
Complex sentences help you boost your score for grammar. Complex sentences are very simple to write and not complex in this article; we show you how.
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How to Paraphrase
Paraphrasing is one of the essential IELTS skills, not just in Writing Task 2 but in all parts of the IELTS test. You should paraphrase the question in every essay, and I recommend doing this in the very first sentence to help boost your vocabulary score.
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How to Write a Supporting Paragraph
Supporting paragraphs are the main body paragraphs and are the meat in the sandwich. This is where you provide the detail the examiner is looking for in the form of explanations and examples.