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IELTS Sample Essays

Here you will find IELTS Sample Essays for a variety of common topics that appear in the writing exam.

The model answers all have tips and strategies for how you may approach the question and comments on the sample answer.

You can also view sample essays with band scores on this page. 

Looking at IELTS essay topics with answers is a great way to help you to prepare for the test. 

These IELTS sample essays have been categorised in a way that makes it easy for you to see how certain essay question types require you to provide certain responses to ensure the question is fully answered. 

Specifically these are:

  • Agree / Disagree
  • Discuss Two Opinions
  • Problems and Solutions
  • Advantages and Disadvantages
  • Other Types

Agree / Disagree Type Questions

In these types of question you are given one opinion and you then have to state the extent to which you agree or disagree with that opinion:

  • Advertising
  • Alternative Medicine
  • Spending on the Arts
  • Human Cloning
  • Social Interaction & the Internet
  • Airline Tax
  • Free University Education
  • Scientific Research
  • Banning Smoking
  • Employing Older People
  • Vegetarianism
  • Paying Taxes  
  • Examinations or Formal Assessment 
  • Multinational Organisations and Culture
  • Internet vs Newspapers
  • Technology Development  
  • Dying of Languages
  • Animal Extinction
  • Truth in Relationships
  • Role of Schools
  • Return of Historical Artefacts

Discuss Two Opinions Type Questions

In this essay question type you are given two opinions, and you have to discuss both of these and then give your own view:

  • University Education
  • Reducing Crime
  • Animal Rights
  • Child Development
  • Diet & Health
  • Donating Money to Charity
  • Closing Zoos   
  • Becoming Independent  
  • Formal and Informal Education  
  • Influence of Scientists and Politicians
  • Sources for Stories
  • Searching for Extraterrestrial Life

Cause Type Questions

There are a variety of 'cause type' essay questions. In these you first have to give the reasons why something has happened, in other words the causes, but then discuss a different aspect of it, such as the effects, solutions or the extent to whether it is a positive or negative development:

Causes & Effects:

  • Child Obesity
  • Skin Whitening Creams
  • Family Size
  • Having Children Later in Life
  • Time Away from Family

Causes and Solutions:

  • Youth Crime
  • Global Warming
  • Paying Attention in Class
  • International Travel & Prejudice 
  • Museums & Historical Places
  • Disappearance of Traditions
  • Communication Between Generations

Causes, Pros & Cons:

  • Family Closeness
  • Living Alone
  • Rural to Urban Migration

Problems & Solutions Type Questions

In these type of questions, instead of discussing the causes of a problem, you need to discuss the problems related to a particular issue in society, and then suggest what can be to solve these problems:

  • Overpopulation
  • Competing for Jobs  
  • Professionals Immigrating

Advantage & Disadvantages Type Questions

In these type of questions you are asked to discuss the positive and negative sides of a particular topic. You will usually be asked this in the context of giving an opinion ( e.g. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? Is it a positive or negative development? ): 

  • Traffic Problems
  • Food Additives
  • Computer Games
  • Age Discrimination at Work  
  • Children using Tablets and Computers  
  • Cell Phones, Internet, & Communication  
  • Working from Home 
  • Eating Locally grown  Produce  
  • Oil and Gas Essay  
  • Peer Pressure on Young People
  • Online Fraud
  • Decreasing House Sizes

'Hybrid' Types of Essay Question

There are sometimes questions that don't fit easily into a particular category as above. I've called these 'hybrid', as they are of mixed character, are composed of different elements from other types of essay, or are perhaps just worded differently. 

  • Protecting Old Buildings
  • Animal Testing
  • Fear of Crime
  • Communication Technology
  • Influence of Children's Friends  

Sample Essays with Band Scores

You can also view some sample essays that have been written by candidates practising for the test and have band scores and comments by an experienced ex-IELTS Examiner based on the IELTS marking criteria. 

  • IELTS Band 8 Essay Samples
  • IELTS Band 7 Essay Samples
  • IELTS Band 6 Essay Samples
  • IELTS Band 5 Essay Samples
  • IELTS Band 4 Essay Samples

Student Sample Essays

For more IELTS essay topics with answers you can also view essays that have been written by students. Some have feedback from other students or IELTS teachers:

  • Student Model Essays  (with comments by other students)
  • Student Model Essays (with comments by IELTS buddy)

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Free online IELTS General Training Writing practice test - paper

You will be allowed 1 hour to complete two tasks in the IELTS General Training Writing test.

The two parts of this practice Writing test are presented on two separate web pages. Make sure you move swiftly from one page to the next so that your practice is as realistic as possible. If you prefer to work offline, download the test paper.

In the actual test you will do your writing in an answer booklet.

The total time allowed for the IELTS General Training Writing test is 60 minutes. Time yourself and allow just one hour to complete both parts. Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score.

Writing task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on task 1

  • write in a personal, semi-formal or formal style
  • write at least 150 words

Writing task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on task 2

  • give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own knowledge or experience
  • write at least 250 words

Instructions to candidates

In the actual test you will be given the following instructions:

  • do not open this question paper until you are told to do so
  • write your name and candidate number in the spaces at the top of this page
  • read the instructions for each task carefully
  • answer both of the tasks
  • write at least 150 words for task 1
  • write at least 250 words for task 2
  • write your answers in the answer booklet
  • write clearly in pen or pencil; you may make alterations, but make sure your work is easy to read

At the end of the test, hand in both the question paper and your answer booklet.

Once you have completed both tasks, review your work. Download the model answers to see good examples of how to complete the Writing test. 

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays

Raajdeep Saha

Updated On Aug 22, 2024

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This article is based on the topic "IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays."

IELTS Writing Task 2

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Common mistakes.

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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

Raajdeep Saha

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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