Here you can find IELTS Essay samples of Band 8 on many topics, written by students and graded by an IELTS teacher. Click on one of the topics below to jump to essays on that topic.

Celebrities
Crime and Punishment
Culture
Education
Environment
Family and Children
Food and Diet
Global Issues
Government and Laws
Health
Housing and Town Planning
Media and Advertising
Money
Reading
Society and Social Matters
Sport and Exercise
Technology
Tourism
Work
Young People

Note: the task prompt of each essay appears when you hold the mouse over the link. Every essay is checked, marked, has comments and suggestions. Hold the mouse over to see suggested corrections. The teacher’s summary is at the bottom of each essay.

IELTS Model Essays on the Topic of Celebrities

Celebrities earn more money than politicians (reasons and solutions) – Sample essay 1

Celebrities can be poor role models for teenagers (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 2

IELTS Model Essays on the Topic of Crime and Punishment

Why criminals commit another offence after punishment – Sample essay 1

Crime rates are likely to decline due to the advancements in technology – Sample essay 2

If a child commits a crime, should the child or the parents be punished? – Sample essay 3

Many criminals commit more crimes as soon as they are released from prison (reasons and solutions) – Sample essay 4

Some believe that education is a better solution to crime than prison (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 5

IELTS Model Essays on the Topic of Culture

In the past people wore their traditional clothes – Sample essay 1

Museums and art galleries should present only the national art (agree/disagree)- Sample essay 2

People should follow the customs and traditions of their new country (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 3

IELTS Model Essays on the Topic of Education

Computers instead of teachers – Sample essay 1

Will computers replace teachers? – Sample essay 2

Financial education at school – Sample essay 3

Schools should select students by their academic abilities (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 4

Unpaid community work should be mandatory in high school (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 5

Teachers are more responsible for social and intellectual development of students than parents (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 6

Education in financial management should be a mandatory component of the school program, agree/disagree (from Target Band 7 book) – Sample essay 7

What are the difficulties of learning a foreign language, and how to overcome them? – Sample essay 8

Many university students nowadays live away from home and their parents (advantages/disadvantages) – Sample essay 9

Part time courses are on the rise (advantages/disadvantages) – Sample essay 10

The purpose of education is to make individuals useful to society (discuss + opinion) – Sample essay 11

Use of computers and mobile phones to communicate has a negative impact on reading and writing skills (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 12

It is the schools’ responsibility to teach students good behaviour in addition to providing formal education (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 13

Schools should teach every young person how to be a good parent (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 14

IELTS Model Essays on the Topic of Environment

Some people believe that preserving natural environment is crucial but make no effort to do so (reasons and solutions) – Sample essay 1

Who should be responsible for protecting the environment, individuals or the government? – Sample essay 2

The best way to solve environmental problems is to increase the price of fuel (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 3

In many countries, the number of animals and plants is declining (reasons and solutions) – Sample essay 4

Too much attention and resources are given to the protection of wild animals and birds (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 5

Some countries invest a significant amount of money in promoting the use of bicycles (reasons and effects)
– Sample essay 6

Transportation of products and people is the main source of pollution (discuss + opinion) – Sample essay 7

IELTS Model Essays on the Topic of Family and Children

Children and rules – Sample essay 1

Children should be engaged in paid work (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 2

Children these days are suffering from obesity (reasons and solutions) – Sample essay 3

Should children grow up in the city or countryside (advantages/disadvantages)? – Sample essay 4

Nowadays families move to different countries for work and some think it has a negative effect on children (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 5

Childcare training courses should be mandatory for all parents (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 6

Some think that children should leave their family home early – Sample essay 7

Children today are spending more time watching TV than in the past, is it a positive or a negative change? – Sample essay 8

Excessive use of modern technologies is negatively affecting the reading and writing skills of children (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 9

Who should discipline the children, parents or the government? (discuss + opinion) – Sample essay 10

The role of parents in the future success of a person is more important than school (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 11

New parents should attend parenting classes to learn how to bring up their children well (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 12

People are spending more and more time away from their families (reasons and effects) – Sample essay 13

IELTS Model Essays on the Topic of Food and Diet

Dieting can change a person’s life for better or worse (from Target Band 7 book) – Sample essay 1

Nowadays people waste a lot of food (reasons and solutions) – Sample essay 2

Nowadays many people choose ready made food instead of cooking (advantages/disadvantages) – Sample essay 3

In many countries a lot of food is wasted (reasons and solutions) – Sample essay 4

Many people today are drinking sugar-based drinks (reasons and solutions) – Sample essay 5

Many people do not exercise enough and eat an unhealthy diet – Sample essay 6

IELTS Model Essays on the Topic of Global Issues

The good and bad of globalization – Sample essay 1

Rich countries should help the poor – Sample essay 2

The positive and negative sides of globalization – Sample essay 3

IELTS Model Essays on the Topic of Government and Laws

Some argue that governments should create nutrition and food choice laws to improve public health (discuss + opinion) – Sample essay 1

Many people believe that reducing speed limits is the best option for road safety improvement (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 2

Changing drivers age limits is the best way to reduce traffic accidents (from Target Band 7 book) – Sample essay 3

The education system is the only critical factor in the development of a country, agree/disagree (from Target Band 7 book) – Sample essay 4

Some people say that arts subjects are as essential as academic ones and should be part of school syllabus (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 5

Some believe the government should take care of retirees, while others think everyone should save for their own retirement (opinion) – Sample essay 6

Some people think that public health in a country can be improved by government making laws regarding nutritious food (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 7

Some people believe that countries should produce all the food necessary to feed their populations and import as little food as possible (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 8

IELTS Model Essays on the Topic of Health

Obesity is becoming common among children, give reasons and solutions (from Target Band 7 book) – Sample essay 1

Some people use the Internet to search for solutions to their medical problems, is this a positive or negative development? – Sample essay 2

IELTS Model Essays on the Topic of Housing and Town Planning

When new towns are planned, it is important to build more public parks or sports facilities than shopping centers (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 1

High-rise vs. low-rise buildings, which solution is better for a growing population? – Sample essay 2

Some say that new homes should be constructed in existing cities while others argue that new towns should be built (advantages/disadvantages) – Sample essay 3

IELTS Model Essays on the Topic of Media and Advertising

Advertising affects what people think is important and has a negative effect on their lives (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 1

Some people say that all popular TV entertainment programmes should aim to educate viewers about important social issues (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 2

Newspapers have a significant influence on people’s ideas and opinions (reasons and solutions) – Sample essay 3

Reading newspapers and watching TV news is a waste of time (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 4

All types of advertising should be banned because they are damaging to society (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 5

IELTS Model Essays on the Topic of Money

Should people spend a lot on weddings and birthday parties? – Sample essay 1

Some people think it is better to make more money rather than have free time (discuss + opinion) – Sample essay 2

IELTS Model Essays on the Topic of Reading

People who read for pleasure develop their imagination more and acquire better language skills compared to people who prefer watching television (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 1

Public libraries should only provide books, not videos or DVD (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 2

IELTS Model Essays on the Topic of Society and Social Matters

Events bringing people together – Sample essay 1

Some people claim that it is acceptable to use animals in medical research (discuss) – Sample essay 2

Many museums charge for admission while others are free (advantages/disadvantages) – Sample essay 3

The proportion of older people is increasing (problems and solutions) – Sample essay 4

People should not work beyond the age of retirement (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 5

Nowadays more and more people want to live by themselves (reasons and solutions) – Sample essay 6

Nowadays that many women have full time jobs, it is logical to share the housework evenly between men and women (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 7

Many people support animal testing while others believe it isn’t appropriate (discuss) – Sample essay 8

Some people believe that women should be treated as equal to men when applying for a job with the police or the military (opinion) – Sample essay 9

In the modern world it is possible to shop, work and communicate via internet without face-to-face contact – Sample essay 10

Some think that hosting an international sporting event is beneficial for a country while others disagree (advantages/disadvantages) – Sample essay 11

Some people tend to buy products or get services instantly (reasons and effects) – Sample essay 12

Social media helps people to keep in touch with friends (advantages/disadvantages) – Sample essay 13

The main aim of advertising is to improve sales of products that people do not really need (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 14

The cost of public transport has been rapidly rising (reasons and solutions) – Sample essay 15

IELTS Model Essays on the Topic of Sport and Exercise

Some people think that it is fine for professional athletes to misbehave on or off the field (opinion) – Sample essay 1

Despite the benefits of walking, very few people walk nowadays (reasons and solutions) – Sample essay 2

More and more people participate in extreme sports (reasons and solutions) – Sample essay 3

Some people argue that sports are essential (discuss) – Sample essay 4

Some people think that dangerous sports should be banned (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 5

IELTS Model Essays on the Topic of Technology

The development of technology causes traditional skills to die out (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 1

Some believe that modern technology is increasing the gap between the rich and poor (discuss) – Sample essay 2

IELTS Model Essays on the Topic of Tourism

Many believe international tourism is bad for their country (reasons and solutions) – Sample essay 1

IELTS Model Essays on the Topic of Work

Senior managers should have higher salaries than other employees (agree/disagree) – Sample essay 1

Should employers pay more attention to personal qualities rather than qualifications? – Sample essay 2

In many workplaces online communication has overtaken face to face meetings (advantages/disadvantages) – Sample essay 3

Many people try to achieve a work-life balance but fail (reasons and solutions) – Sample essay 4

People in senior positions should be compensated with significantly higher salaries (agree/disagree) –
Sample essay 5

It is better to be unemployed than work in a job you dislike (agree/disagree) –
Sample essay 6

More people move away from their friends and families for work (advantages/disadvantages) – Sample essay 7

IELTS Model Essays on the Topic of Young People

Some parents encourage young people to leave home while others think they should stay with the family – Sample essay 1

In many countries young people start living on their own after high school – Sample essay 2

Some think that young people should be free to choose any career they like – Sample essay 3

Young people are finding it harder to find permanent jobs (reasons and solutions) – Sample essay 4

Today’s young generation is facing many problems at school and at home (reasons and solutions) – Sample essay 5

Young people aren’t spending their weekends doing outdoor activities such as hiking or mountaineering (reasons and solutions) – Sample essay 6

Young people don’t communicate with older people as much as they used to (reasons and solutions) – Sample essay 7

Young people increasingly spend their free time in shopping centres (positive/negative) – Sample essay 8

Note: the essays were checked by an IELTS teacher, not an IELTS examiner or examiner trainer. All the band scores are approximate.

How To Write an IELTS Band 8 Essay

Essay samples are useful to get an idea what a Band 8 essay looks like, but how can YOU write a Band 8 essay? As you know, an IELTS essay is scored using 4 criteria:

1. Task Response
2. Coherence and Cohesion
3. Lexical Resource
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Many test takers are unsure what is wrong with their essay, why they keep scoring Band 6.5 and how to take their writing to Band 8 level. Is that how you feel, too? Keep reading then, because we are just about to analyse a Band 6.5 essay and show you what to change in it, to get a Band 8 score in IELTS.

Colours show elements relating to each criterion that affect the Band Score of this sample IELTS essay. Hold mouse over highlighted words (or tap on mobile) to see the comments, suggestions and corrections.

IELTS Essay Analysed and Rewritten from Band 6.5 to Band 8

IELTS Sample Essay – Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion and Lexical Resource Analysis

1. Task Response Analysis: This essay follows the task requirements quite well. Both points of view are discussed (in paragraphs 2 and 3) and the writer’s personal opinion is offered (in the introduction, paragraph 4 and the conclusion). The opinion is clear. The paragraph on money is not very well developed and not entirely clear.
Approximate score for Task Response: Band 7.

2. Coherence and Cohesion Analysis: Most linking expressions are appropriate but two are not (see asterisk *). Coherence is concerned with the effectiveness of what the essay is trying to communicate. The essay is well structured – each paragraph announces its topic clearly [TS] and the introduction announces the opinion of the writer. Sometimes the ideas are not entirely clear inside the paragraphs (see NC). Also the writer has a tendency to be repetitive.
Approximate score for Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.

3. Lexical Resource Analysis: The use of vocabulary seems quite reasonable but attempts to use a wider range
are not always successful (see corrections above). Probably not quite good enough for a 7.
Approximate score for Lexical Resource: Band 6 or 6.5.

The same IELTS Sample Essay – Grammatical Range and Accuracy Analysis

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy Analysis: Although the essay is quite easy to follow, it has too many grammatical errors in too many sentences to merit a 7 score (see corrections highlighted above). The range of grammatical constructions used seems quite good.
Approximate score for Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6 or 6.5.

Improving the Sample Essay to Achieve an IELTS Band 7

The same essay now at around a Band 7 level might look something like this. Read it carefully and compare it with the original:

Improving the Sample Essay to Achieve an IELTS Band 8

To turn the Band 7 sample essay into a Band 8 one would require further improvement in range and accuracy of grammar, greater clarity and better connection of ideas, and a wider range of appropriate, higher level vocabulary.

So the same sample essay now at around a Band 8 level might look something like this. Once again, read it carefully and compare it with the original:

If after reading these sample essays you are still missing something and can’t write at Band 8 level, don’t panic. We have a book that can help to improve your grammar and sentence formation, teach you how to connect your ideas better and give you a wide range of appropriate, higher level vocabulary. Go here to discover the “IELTS Success Formula” book.

The post IELTS Essay Samples of Band 8 first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

Most countries are sending criminals to prison. Some people believe that education would be a better solution to crime. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In most parts of the world, prison is the main tool used to punish criminals. However, some believe that education is a better way to prevent crime. I fully agree with this view, as I believe education targets the root causes of criminal behaviour more effectively than punishment does.

Sending people to prison may protect society in the short term, but it often fails to prevent reoffending. Many prisoners leave jail with no better skills, knowledge, or support than when they entered. In fact, prisons can expose inmates to further violence, mental health problems, and criminal networks. Without access to education or job training, ex-offenders may struggle to find work and return to crime simply to survive. In this sense, prison becomes a revolving door, rather than a solution.

In contrast, education gives people a chance to change their path. For those at risk of committing crime, especially young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, access to quality education can provide hope, purpose, and opportunity. Even within the prison system, educational programs have been shown to lower reoffending rates. People who study while incarcerated often develop new skills and gain confidence, which helps them reintegrate into society. This is particularly evident in countries like Norway, which focus more on rehabilitation and education than punishment, as they consistently have low crime and reoffending rates.

In conclusion, while imprisonment may be necessary for dangerous offenders, education is a far more effective long-term solution to crime. It not only prevents people from committing crimes in the first place, but also helps them rebuild their lives after conviction. Therefore, I strongly believe that governments should invest more in education as a key part of their crime prevention strategies.

Teacher’s feedback:

This is a clear, well-developed essay that would likely achieve a Band 8 or higher.

Task Response: Band 8
You’ve answered the question directly and maintained a consistent position throughout — that education is a better long-term solution to crime. Your ideas are relevant and well-supported, especially the comparison between prison systems and educational outcomes. To strengthen your response even more, you might briefly acknowledge when imprisonment is necessary (as you do), then explore that point just a little more for balance.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
The essay is logically organised with clear paragraphing. Your ideas progress smoothly from one to the next, and you’ve used cohesive devices naturally, without overdoing them. One small improvement could be a slightly stronger opening sentence in Body Paragraph 1 to better introduce the idea of prison’s limitations – here is an example: “While imprisonment is a widely used method of punishment, it has significant limitations in reducing long-term criminal behaviour.”

Lexical Resource: Band 8
Your word choice is precise and appropriate for an academic task. Phrases like “revolving door,” “social marginalisation,” and “crime prevention strategies” show a wide vocabulary. To reach Band 9, try incorporating a few more uncommon or idiomatic expressions to further demonstrate lexical sophistication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 9
You’ve shown excellent control of grammar, with a range of sentence types and accurate complex structures. There are no noticeable errors, and your grammar supports clear, fluent communication throughout.

Submit your essay for correction and find out how to improve your Writing score.

Click here to see more IELTS essays of Band 8

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In many countries, young people increasingly spend their free time in shopping centres instead of engaging in traditional leisure activities such as sports or music. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Spending time at shopping centres has become a common pastime for many young people around the world, often replacing more active or creative leisure pursuits like playing sports or learning music. I believe this is a largely negative trend, as it not only promotes consumerism and sedentary lifestyles, but also reduces opportunities for personal growth and skill development that more meaningful hobbies can provide.

There are several reasons why this shift in leisure preferences is concerning. First, shopping centres encourage a culture of spending, often leading young people to equate happiness with material possessions. This can foster poor financial habits from an early age and create long-term issues such as debt or dissatisfaction. Moreover, shopping is typically a passive activity that lacks the physical or mental engagement found in sports or musical training. Over time, this sedentary behaviour can contribute to health problems such as obesity, anxiety, or low energy levels.

In contrast, traditional hobbies like sports or music are not only enriching but also help develop essential life skills. For instance, playing team sports fosters cooperation, discipline, and resilience, while learning a musical instrument enhances focus and emotional expression. These activities also provide a sense of achievement and identity, which are crucial for young people’s self-esteem and mental wellbeing. Choosing shopping over these pursuits, young people may miss out on such valuable developmental benefits.

In conclusion, while visiting shopping centres occasionally is not inherently harmful, the growing trend of replacing enriching activities with consumer-focused ones is a negative development. I believe that encouraging young people to engage in sports, music, or other skill-based leisure activities is far more beneficial for their long-term personal and social development.

Teacher’s feedback:

This is a well-developed and clearly argued essay that would likely score around Band 8.

Task Response: Band 8

You fully address the task and present a clear position throughout: that the shift toward shopping centres as a form of leisure is a negative development. Your opinion is well-supported with relevant and thoughtful reasons, including the impacts on health, personal development, and consumer culture. The explanation of how traditional activities benefit young people is particularly strong. To push even higher, you might briefly acknowledge specific reasons why shopping centres have become popular, to show deeper insight into the causes behind the trend.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
Your essay is well-organised, with smooth progression from one idea to the next. Topic sentences clearly signal each paragraph’s focus, and logical connectors (e.g. “in contrast,” “moreover,” “while”) are used effectively. The final sentence of your conclusion restates your view well, though adding a brief summary of your main points would make it feel more rounded and final. Otherwise, cohesion is strong and natural.

Lexical Resource: Band 8

Your vocabulary is precise and varied, showing a good command of academic and topic-specific language. Phrases like “culture of spending,” “consumer-focused,” and “personal growth and skill development” are excellent. There’s good use of collocations and abstract nouns to express complex ideas clearly. To hit Band 9, you could take a few more lexical risks with idiomatic or metaphorical language, where appropriate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8

Your grammar is consistently accurate, with a wide range of structures used flexibly and appropriately. Complex sentences are handled with ease, and punctuation is well controlled. One sentence — “Choosing shopping over these pursuits, young people may miss out…” — is slightly awkward in structure; rephrasing it (e.g. “By choosing shopping over these pursuits, young people may miss out…”) would improve fluency. This is a minor issue, though, in an otherwise strong grammatical performance.

Submit your essay for correction and find out how to improve your Writing score.

Click here to see more IELTS essays of Band 8

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All types of advertising should be banned because they are damaging to society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Advertising has become an inseparable part of modern life, appearing in virtually every form of media. Some people argue that all advertising should be prohibited because of its harmful impact on society. While there are valid concerns about the negative influence of certain advertisements, I believe that a total ban would be impractical and even detrimental.

On the one hand, critics of advertising point to several ways in which it can be damaging. Firstly, advertising often promotes unrealistic standards of beauty and success, which can lead to low self-esteem, especially among young people. For example, cosmetic companies frequently feature heavily edited images, creating unattainable ideals. Advertising also encourages overconsumption and materialism by constantly pushing people to buy things they may not need. This not only fuels personal debt but also contributes to environmental degradation through increased waste and resource exploitation. Equally concerning is the fact that some advertisements target vulnerable groups, such as children, with unhealthy food or misleading claims.

Banning all types of advertising, however, would have significant drawbacks. For one, advertising is a crucial source of revenue for media outlets, allowing them to offer free content to the public. Without it, newspapers, television, and online platforms might struggle to survive, limiting access to information and entertainment. Additionally, responsible advertising helps consumers make informed choices by bringing new products and services to their attention. For example, advertisements for new technologies or healthcare products can educate the public about these useful innovations.

In conclusion, although advertising can have undesirable effects, especially when it promotes harmful stereotypes or excessive consumerism, a complete ban would be counter-productive. Instead, I believe governments should regulate advertising more strictly to minimise its negative impact while preserving its benefits.

Teacher’s feedback:

This is a strong and well-balanced essay that would comfortably sit at Band 8.

Task Response: Band 8
You’ve done a great job answering the question and showing both sides of the argument. Your position is clear throughout – that banning all ads isn’t practical, but better rules are needed – and you’ve supported it with good examples. If you wanted to go a step further, you could briefly mention some types of advertising that are clearly helpful, like health campaigns, to show a bit more balance.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
The structure of your essay works well. Each paragraph has a clear focus, and your ideas flow logically from one to the next. You’ve used linking words effectively, like “on the one hand” and “for example.” To make it even better, you could try adding a slightly smoother transition into the conclusion to tie everything together more naturally.

Lexical Resource: Band 8
Your vocabulary is strong and varied, and you’ve chosen your words carefully. Phrases like “overconsumption and materialism” and “unrealistic standards of beauty” show a good level of control. To push your score higher, try using some less common expressions or more advanced phrases now and then – just to show off your full range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
You’re using a good mix of sentence types and more complex structures confidently. Everything reads clearly and accurately, which helps your ideas come across smoothly.

Submit your essay for correction and find out how to improve your Writing score.

Click here to see more IELTS essays of Band 8

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Essay Question

The cost of public transport has been rapidly rising over the past decade. What are the reasons for this? What are some possible solutions?

Band 8 Answer

In recent years, public transportation has become significantly more expensive. This surge in cost has placed a considerable strain on urban residents, with commuting expenses taking up a substantial part of their monthly earnings. I believe that both inflation and less-than-ideal government policies are key contributors to this problem.

One major factor behind the increase is inflation, which affects nearly all goods and services, including public transit. This may be partly due to the growing costs of fuel and the overall expense of operating transportation systems. Additionally, government policies often lead to rising fares. Public transport pricing is typically regulated to recover the expenses of maintaining and overseeing the network, but inefficiencies in government spending often drive these fares up. For example, when public transport infrastructure is outsourced to private firms for upkeep or repairs, these contractors may inflate their prices, knowing the government is likely to pay without strict budget constraints.

There are, however, several ways to ease this financial pressure. One approach is to offer discounted or subsidized tickets to vulnerable groups such as students, the elderly, and people from low-income backgrounds. Another solution would be for governments to explore more cost-effective and environmentally friendly transport alternatives, such as electric or solar-powered vehicles. These sustainable options not only reduce emissions but also tend to be cheaper to operate and maintain in the long run.

To sum up, while the rising cost of public transportation may be unavoidable due to economic trends and policy shortcomings, steps can still be taken to lessen its impact. Targeted subsidies and the adoption of greener technologies could significantly reduce the financial burden on the population.

Teacher’s feedback:

Your essay is a solid example of Band 8 writing.

Task Response: Band 8
You address both parts of the question effectively, providing clear reasons for the rising cost of public transport and offering feasible solutions. Your explanation of inflation and government inefficiencies shows good insight, and your solutions are practical and relevant. To strengthen your response further, you could briefly acknowledge other potential causes, such as urban expansion or increased demand, to show a more nuanced understanding.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
Your essay is well-structured, with a logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a clear focus and is linked smoothly to the next. You use cohesive devices such as “additionally,” “for example,” and “to sum up” effectively. A slightly smoother transition between the problem and solution sections could enhance the overall flow.

Lexical Resource: Band 8
Your vocabulary is appropriate and varied. Expressions like “placed a considerable strain,” “less-than-ideal government policies,” and “cost-effective and environmentally friendly transport alternatives” demonstrate strong lexical control. To push toward a higher score, consider incorporating more idiomatic or advanced collocations (e.g., “fiscal mismanagement” or “long-term cost-saving measures”).

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
You show a good command of grammatical structures, with a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences. For instance, “Public transport pricing is typically regulated to recover the expenses of maintaining and overseeing the network, but inefficiencies in government spending often drive these fares up,” is well-constructed. Your sentence structures support clarity and precision throughout.

Submit your essay for correction and find out how to improve your Writing score.

Click here to see more IELTS essays of Band 8

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Essay Question

Some people think it would be a good idea for schools to teach every young person how to be a good parent. Do you agree or disagree?

Download the Sample Band 8 Essay here

Band 8 Answer

Parenting is one of the major responsibilities that most people take on in their adult life, requiring extensive knowledge and experience to perform well. Since the current school curriculum has no provisions for students to learn about parenting skills, some people have suggested it needs to change in order to help students acquire skills that would equip them well for raising children later in life. From my point of view, this would greatly enhance young people’s confidence and empower them to become better parents and contribute to a more successful, new generation.

The idea of parenting classes being necessary may face some opposition from those who believe that being a parent requires certain personal traits rather than learnt skills, and therefore cannot be taught successfully. The belief that good parenting decisions and actions are driven by one’s character and instincts rather than science, techniques, or guidelines would have some people resist making parental education mandatory in school. If this were the case, however, only a fraction of the population would be able to handle the role of a parent well, whereas in reality the majority of people manage to create loving homes for their children and teach them important moral values.

On the other hand, treating parenting as a skill that can be taught would lead to a wide range of benefits. Since the role of a parent comprises many areas of knowledge, some more specialised than others, such as medicine or psychology, the likelihood of a person acquiring that information on their own is not great. Without sufficient background, adults would be ill-equipped to deal with childhood problems effectively; however, if they knew in advance of the common issues they may encounter as a mother or a father and had solutions presented to them, that would greatly help them cope with almost any situation. To illustrate, childhood misbehaviour is a source of significant stress for some parents, and mastering different approaches for dealing with, for instance, temper tantrums, gives parents confidence and helps them reassure the children while controlling the undesirable behaviour.

In conclusion, while some scepticism as to whether parenting should be taught in schools is understandable, I believe it would empower parents to raise their children in a better way, and the entire society would benefit from a more successful young generation.

Teacher’s feedback:

Your essay is a good example of Band 8 writing.

Task Response: Band 8
Your essay effectively addresses the prompt, presenting a clear argument in favor of teaching parenting skills in schools. You acknowledge the opposing view and refute it with relevant examples, which strengthens your position. The essay maintains focus on the benefits of this education for individuals and society. Expanding on how schools might implement such programs could further support your argument.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
The essay is well-organised, with clear paragraphs that flow logically. You use cohesive devices like “however,” “on the other hand,” and “to illustrate” effectively. The introduction leads into the body well, and the conclusion summarises the argument clearly. A smoother transition between the counterargument and rebuttal could improve cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 8
Your vocabulary is varied and appropriate, with effective phrases like “extensive knowledge,” “moral values,” and “parenting as a skill.” Terms such as “specialised knowledge” and “misbehaviour” add depth. To push for a higher score, consider using more advanced or less common expressions.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
Your essay demonstrates strong grammatical control, with a good mix of complex and compound sentences. For example, the sentence “If this were the case, however, only a fraction of the population would be able to handle the role of a parent well, whereas in reality the majority of people manage to create loving homes for their children and teach them important moral values.” shows effective use of conditional and contrastive structures. Overall, your grammar is strong and contributes to the essay’s coherence.

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This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test in India.

Nowadays, more people move away from their friends and families for work. Does this development have more advantages or disadvantages?

Sample Band 8 Essay

In recent years, an increasing number of people have chosen to relocate away from their friends and families for employment opportunities. Driven by globalisation and the pursuit of career advancement, the decision to move away has a high potential for professional growth, a benefit that often comes at the expense of family ties. I believe that on balance, the advantages of such a move outweigh the disadvantages.

One of the primary attractions of relocating for work is the potential for career advancement. Major cities in one’s own country and abroad often offer a wealth of job opportunities, better salaries, and a chance to work with leading companies. For example, a software engineer moving from a small town to a tech hub like Silicon Valley might gain access to cutting-edge projects and substantial career growth. This enhanced professional landscape can lead to greater job satisfaction and long-term financial stability. Another positive aspect of living in a new city or country is the exposure to diverse cultures, ideas, and lifestyles, promoting personal growth and adaptability. Moving away can cultivate a sense of independence and resilience, as being in a new environment challenges individuals to become more self-reliant and resourceful.

However, such relocations are likely to cause a strain on personal relationships, as physical distance makes it difficult to maintain close ties with family and friends. This separation can result in feelings of loneliness and homesickness, affecting one’s mental well-being. For example, an expatriate living far from home might miss important family events, leading to a sense of isolation and disconnection. The absence of a local support network can exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety, particularly in times of personal or professional crisis.

In conclusion, while moving away from friends and family for work involves some sacrifices, particularly in maintaining personal relationships, I find the advantages related to career advancement, personal growth, and independence more compelling.

Teacher’s comment:

This is a good example of a Band 8 essay.

Task Response: Band 8

Your essay effectively addresses the task prompt by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of relocating for work. It presents a clear introduction, discusses the advantages in one paragraph and the disadvantages in the next, and concludes with a balanced viewpoint. Your personal opinion is clearly stated and well-supported throughout the essay.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8

The structure of your essay is clear, using paragraphs appropriately for the introduction, advantages, disadvantages, and conclusion. Within paragraphs, ideas are logically developed, and appropriate linking words and phrases are used to connect sentences and ideas. This helps create a smooth flow of information throughout the essay, making it easy to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 8

You’ve demonstrated a strong range of vocabulary. There were no significant issues with word choice or repetition. Well done for using words such as:
“relocate” – to describe the act of moving to a new place for work
“globalization” – to discuss the broader context of why people move for work
“self-reliant” and “resourceful” – to highlight the personal growth aspect
“exacerbate” – to describe the intensifying of feelings of stress and anxiety

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8

Overall, the essay shows strong grammatical control. A variety of sentence structures is used effectively. There are only minor grammatical errors, such as slight article or preposition misuse – for example, ensuring correct article usage such as “the enhanced professional landscape” rather than “this enhanced professional landscape.” This does not detract from the overall clarity and readability of the essay.

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Essay Question

It is the schools’ responsibility to teach students good behaviour in addition to providing formal education. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Download the Sample Band 8 Essay here

Band 8 Answer

Schools are the cornerstone of almost every society, shaping the future of students by providing formal education. As young people spend the majority of their time in school, this raises the question of whether schools should also be responsible for instilling good behaviour in pupils. In my view, this should be a role just as essential as teaching academic subjects.

Since schools are often the primary environment where children interact with peers and adults outside their family, this setting is ideal for learning social norms and appropriate behaviour. Teachers are optimal role models who can demonstrate and reinforce positive behaviour through their interactions and the classroom atmosphere they create. A holistic development approach that integrates lessons on respect, empathy, and cooperation into daily activities can benefit students as well as the society in which they live.

Unsurprisingly, academic knowledge alone is insufficient for success in life and good behaviour, discipline, responsibility, and teamwork are essential for personal and professional achievements. Schools have the infrastructure to implement structured programs that address behavioural education. For instance, activities like group projects and extracurricular clubs encourage students to practice good behaviour in collaborative settings, preparing them for real-world challenges.

However, the role of parents and the wider community in teaching good behaviour should not be discounted. While schools can provide a foundation, the reinforcement of these values at home and in social settings is just as essential. This makes the partnership between schools, parents, and communities imperative for creating a consistent and supportive environment where students can learn and apply good behaviour.

In conclusion, schools have a significant responsibility in teaching students good behaviour alongside formal education. This dual function not only prepares students academically but also equips them with the necessary social skills for success in many aspects of life.

Teacher’s feedback:

Overall, your essay is a good example of IELTS Band 8 level.

Task Response: Band 8
Your essay effectively addresses the prompt by arguing that schools should play a significant role in teaching good behaviour alongside formal education. You provide a balanced view by acknowledging the roles of both schools and parents in this process. Examples and explanations are relevant and support your argument well.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
Your essay has a clear structure that guides the reader through your argument. There is a logical progression of ideas from introduction to conclusion. You effectively use cohesive devices such as “since,” “however,” “unsurprisingly” and “in conclusion” to connect ideas and enhance the flow of the essay.

Lexical Resource: Band 8
Your vocabulary is varied and used appropriately to express ideas clearly. Terms like “holistic development,” “structured programs,” and “reinforcement of values” are used effectively to discuss behavioural education. Phrases such as “dual function,” “social skills,” and “real-world challenges” contribute to a precise expression of ideas related to the topic.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
Your essay shows a good command of grammatical structures. Sentences are generally well-constructed and contribute to the clarity and coherence of your argument. I was particularly impressed with this complex sentence “A holistic development approach that integrates lessons on respect, empathy, and cooperation into daily activities can benefit students”.

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This essay topic was seen in recent IELTS test in Italy.

Many criminals commit more crimes as soon as they are released from prison. What do you think are the causes of this? What possible solutions can you suggest?

The problem of reoffending following the release of criminals from correctional facilities is likely caused by insufficient rehabilitation programmes and the negative perception of ex-offenders in society. Improving jail rehabilitation programmes and lowering stigma through legal changes can be potentially effective solutions.

At the root of recidivism lies the lack of comprehensive rehabilitation in prisons. Many facilities emphasise punishment over rehabilitation, failing to address the primary causes that drive individuals to crime. For example, offenders with poor mental health or substance abuse problems often receive insufficient treatment, which leads to high reoffending rates upon release. Similarly, offenders who committed crimes out of desperation stemming from living in abject poverty are likely to turn to crime again in order to survive. Moreover, the stigma attached to having a criminal record complicates reintegration. It diminishes their chances of obtaining stable employment and social acceptance, thus pushing them back into criminal activities.

Effective reduction of recidivism requires prisons to enhance rehabilitation programmes, incorporating mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training to improve employability. The duration of most sentences convicts are serving is of sufficient length to allow rectification of the issues that originally led them to crime, provided that prisons have expert-led and sufficiently funded programmes in place. Additionally, societal efforts to reduce the stigma associated with past criminals are crucial. This includes legal reforms to protect the rights of ex-offenders and public awareness campaigns to change societal perceptions. The success of countries like Sweden, with a focus on rehabilitation and low recidivism rates, demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach.

In conclusion, tackling recidivism effectively necessitates a holistic approach that includes better rehabilitation within prisons and proactive societal measures to reduce stigma. This combination can significantly enhance public safety and reduce crime rates by facilitating the successful reintegration of ex-offenders.

Teacher’s feedback:

This essay has all the prerequisites of Band 8 level writing.

Task Response: Band 8
You addressed the task comprehensively, providing a clear explanation of the causes and solutions for recidivism. The essay includes specific examples and a detailed discussion of both components of the prompt. Your conclusion succinctly reinforces your argument, demonstrating a full understanding of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
Your vocabulary is varied and contextually appropriate, showing a good range of lexical resource. Terms like “comprehensive rehabilitation,” “societal perceptions,” “public awareness campaigns,” and “rectification of issues” are used accurately and enhance the quality of the discussion. You effectively avoid redundancy and demonstrate the ability to use complex vocabulary to discuss specific ideas clearly and precisely.

Lexical Resource: Band 8
There is a good range of vocabulary used, including terms specific to the topic (habitat destruction, ecological balance, greenhouse gas emissions). The language is generally precise, and the writers uses varied and complex sentence structures.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
The essay showcases a wide range of grammatical structures with a high level of accuracy. Sentences are complex but clear, with appropriate use of punctuation and coordination. For example, your use of clauses and commas in sentences like “Many facilities emphasise punishment over rehabilitation, failing to address the primary causes that drive individuals to crime” demonstrates both complexity and control.

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This essay topic was seen in recent IELTS test in Pakistan.

Some people say that the main aim of advertising is to improve sales of products that people do not really need. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The belief that advertising primarily seeks to increase the sales of non-essential products is one that merits considerable attention. I believe that while advertising does play a role in influencing consumer behaviour, its objectives are manifold and not solely confined to this aspect.

It is undeniably true that advertising uses persuasive techniques, like skilful storytelling or interesting visuals to make a product seem more appealing to customers. In essence, adverts are designed to make people believe that they need to buy a product to achieve a certain lifestyle or social status, and this strategy can indeed lead to an increased purchase of goods that are not strictly necessary for one’s well-being or happiness. In this sense, advertising can drive consumerism beyond our practical needs.

However, it is also crucial to acknowledge that advertising also serves informative purposes, as it introduces consumers to new products and innovations that can genuinely enhance their quality of life or offer solutions to their problems. For instance, advertising can play a pivotal role in raising awareness about energy-efficient appliances, health-related products, or educational services. Furthermore, advertising supports economic growth by helping businesses reach their target audiences, and it also facilitates healthy competition which is often the driving force behind product improvement.

In conclusion, while advertising does influence the purchase of non-essential products, its role is more complex than just boosting sales of such items. Advertising also contributes to both consumer awareness and economic growth, and therefore we cannot say that it solely encourages unnecessary consumption.

Teacher’s feedback:

Overall, your essay would get an IELTS Band 8 as it presents a well-reasoned argument, supported by examples and demonstrating a high level of coherence, lexical resource, and grammatical accuracy.

Task Response: Band 8
You addressed the task effectively and presented a nuanced view of the role of advertising. The essay states a clear position that acknowledges the complexity of advertising’s objectives beyond merely increasing sales of non-essential products. This is evident in the statement, “I believe that while advertising does play a role in influencing consumer behaviour, its objectives are manifold and not solely confined to this aspect.” The argument is developed with relevant examples, showing a good understanding of the topic.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
Your essay is well-organised, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Ideas are logically sequenced, and paragraphs are cohesively linked, allowing for a smooth flow of information. The transition from discussing the persuasive nature of advertising to its informative purposes is smoothly handled: “However, it is also crucial to acknowledge that advertising also serves informative purposes…” This transition effectively links the paragraphs and maintains the flow of the argument, demonstrating strong coherence and cohesion. The overall use of cohesive devices is effective, enhancing the overall clarity and coherence of the argument.

Lexical Resource: Band 8
You demonstrated a strong lexical resource, using a variety of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (“manifold objectives,” “persuasive techniques,” “energy-efficient appliances,” “facilitates healthy competition”). Your precise use of vocabulary enhances the clarity and persuasiveness of the argument.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
Your essay includes a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and effectively, such as “advertising also serves informative purposes, as it introduces consumers to new products”. Complex sentences are handled well. Your grammatical proficiency supports the clear and articulate expression of ideas.

Submit your essay for correction and find out how to improve your Writing score.

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