30 questions · band 9 model essays
IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answers
Real-format Task 2 questions, each with a band 9 model essay, the key ideas a top answer covers and the topic vocabulary worth learning. Read the model, then write your own answer on the same page and get an instant band estimate on all four criteria. New to Task 2? Start with the free Writing Task 2 lessons.
Opinion (agree or disagree) essays
Lesson: Opinion essays (agree / disagree)- University students studying a subject outside their fieldAll university students should be required to study at least one subject outside their main field, for example a science student taking a course in history or literature.Model answer
- Should children under twelve own smartphones?Children under the age of twelve should not be allowed to own a smartphone.Model answer
- Banning single-use plastic productsGovernments should completely ban single-use plastic products, even if this makes everyday goods more expensive.Model answer
- Higher taxes on sugary drinks and fast foodGovernments should introduce higher taxes on sugary drinks and fast food in order to improve public health.Model answer
- Community service instead of prison for non-violent crimePeople who commit non-violent crimes, such as theft or fraud, should do unpaid work in the community instead of being sent to prison.Model answer
- Public money for the Olympics and the World CupCountries should not spend public money on hosting major international sporting events such as the Olympic Games or the football World Cup.Model answer
- Making social media companies responsible for false informationSocial media companies should be held legally responsible for false information that is published on their platforms.Model answer
- A four-day working weekA four-day working week would benefit both employees and employers.Model answer
Discussion (both views) essays
Lesson: Discussion essays (both views)- Final exams vs continuous assessmentSome people believe that final examinations are the best way to assess students' abilities, while others think that continuous assessment through coursework and projects gives a fairer picture.Model answer
- High-rise city apartments vs new towns in the countrysideSome people think that the best way to house growing urban populations is to build high-rise apartments in city centres, while others believe it is better to build new towns in the countryside.Model answer
- Does international trade help developing countries?Some people argue that the growth of international trade and multinational companies has brought prosperity to developing countries, while others believe that it mainly benefits wealthy nations.Model answer
- Caring for elderly parents: family or care homes?Some people believe that elderly parents should be looked after by their adult children at home, while others think that professional care homes provide better support.Model answer
- Practical research vs curiosity-driven researchSome people think that governments should only fund scientific research that has clear practical benefits, while others believe that research driven purely by curiosity is equally important.Model answer
- Should voting be compulsory?Some people believe that voting in national elections should be compulsory, while others think that citizens should be free to decide whether or not to vote.Model answer
Advantages and disadvantages essays
Lesson: Advantages and disadvantages essays- A cashless society: digital payments replacing cashIn many countries, cash is being replaced by digital payment methods such as mobile banking and contactless cards.Model answer
- International tourism reaching remote placesInternational tourism has grown rapidly, and many remote places that were once difficult to reach are now visited by large numbers of travellers.Model answer
- Studying for a degree entirely onlineMany universities now offer degree courses that can be completed entirely online.Model answer
- Young people moving abroad: brain drainIncreasing numbers of young people are leaving their home countries to study or work abroad.Model answer
- A daily charge for cars entering city centresSome cities have introduced a daily charge for private cars entering the city centre.Model answer
Problem and solution essays
Lesson: Problem–solution and cause–effect essays- Unaffordable housing in big citiesIn many large cities, housing has become so expensive that young people and key workers can no longer afford to live there.Model answer
- Food waste: problems and solutionsIn many countries, a large proportion of the food that is produced is never eaten and is simply thrown away.Model answer
- Sedentary lifestyles: problems and solutionsMany people in modern societies lead sedentary lives, spending most of the day sitting at desks or in front of screens.Model answer
- Cybercrime: online fraud and identity theftCybercrime, such as online fraud and identity theft, is becoming increasingly common.Model answer
Causes and effects essays
Lesson: Problem–solution and cause–effect essays- Why traditional languages and dialects are disappearingIn many parts of the world, traditional languages and local dialects are disappearing.Model answer
- Marrying and having children later in lifeIn many countries, people are getting married and having children later in life than in the past.Model answer
- Getting news from social media instead of newspapersFewer people today read newspapers or watch the news on television. Instead, many get their news from social media and other online sources.Model answer
Two-part question essays
Lesson: Two-part question essays- Museums and art galleries going onlineMany museums and art galleries now display their collections online, allowing people to view them from home.Model answer
- Young people watching sport instead of playing itMany young people today prefer watching sport on screens to taking part in sport themselves.Model answer
- Artificial intelligence making decisionsArtificial intelligence is increasingly being used to make decisions that were once made by people, such as approving bank loans or selecting job applicants for interview.Model answer
- Raising the retirement ageIn many countries, governments are raising the age at which people can retire and receive a state pension.Model answer
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