Get IELTS Band 9 - Full Self-Study Course: IELTS Practice

Introduction To Our Complete Course

Task 2 in the IELTS writing test is the same for both the Academic and the General Training test. For many people, this is the most difficult part of the whole exam. To help you, we have used our years of experience as IELTS examiners to develop a set of methods that anyone can use to achieve a high band score in writing, even if your English is not perfect.

This new collected edition of our books is a complete self-study course based on our methods. The course teaches you the different types of essays you may meet in Task 2, and how to identify each type. It shows you how to plan your essay for any type of task, and how to quickly create a structure for each one that maximizes your score. We teach you the advanced English needed to get a very high score, including advanced grammar techniques you can use to move your band upwards. We explain the special IELTS vocabulary topics you can adapt to answer any essay task. Most importantly, we show you 100 model IELTS Task 2 essays written to band 9 level, each with comments from IELTS examiners explaining how the essay reached that score – and how you can use the same methods to raise your score through the practice tasks in each section.

By using these methods, thousands of candidates around the world have finally achieved the IELTS writing result they need. You deserve to join them, and by following this course you have the best possible chance. We wish you the very best for your IELTS test and for all your future plans in life.  

Peter Swires, Series Editor

Cambridge IELTS Consultants

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BOOK 1: 40 Task 2 Model Essays

Overview: The Different Types of Task 2 Essay

There are two possible types of IELTS Task 2 writing tasks: Opinion tasks and Ideas tasks. Let’s explain the difference, because this is very important.

The Opinion tasks ask for your opinion on a topic, such as whether you think something is a good or bad idea, or whether you support an idea. These Opinion tasks have two types.

The first type is the Opinion > Discussion task, which typically says:

‘Some people think that X is a good thing, while other people disagree. Discuss both sides and give your own view.’

Remember that the exact words used could be different (for example, it might say ‘consider both aspects’ or similar) but the concept will be the same. In these Opinion > Discussion tasks, you should write about each side of the discussion, and finally give your opinion at the end of your essay. We’ll give you plenty of examples in this book showing how to do this.

The other type of Opinion task is the Opinion > Personal viewpoint task. These tasks typically say:

‘Some people think that X is a good thing. To what extent do you agree with that?’

Again, the exact words will often vary (for example, it might say ‘Many people support the suggestion of X. How far do you support this proposal?’) but the concept will be the same. In these Opinion > Personal viewpoint tasks, you should state your personal viewpoint at the beginning of the essay, and then explain why you have this view. The second section in this book shows you how to write this type of essay.

The second type of task are Ideas tasks, which ask you to think of some ideas on a topic (such as the causes for a problem or some ways to solve it) or to evaluate a situation. In these Ideas tasks, you will raise your band score for providing some ideas on the topic, but you will lose marks if you give a strong personal opinion.

The common Ideas tasks are Ideas > Problem/solution and Ideas > Cause/effect. Finally, there is a further more unusual type called Evaluate. Please don’t worry if this seems complex right now, because this course has complete explanations and examples of all these types.

In the exam, you should analyse the task quickly but carefully before you start writing, to make sure you understand which type you need to write. Ask yourself: is this an Opinion or an Ideas task? Is it asking me to give my personal view, or is it asking me to think of some ideas on a topic? Which type of Opinion or Ideas task is it? Then you should spend a few minutes planning your essay with some simple notes.

Don’t try to write anything very different in structure from the models in this book. These model essays are exactly what the examiners want to see from you. Read our model essays, and then use our practice tasks to practice writing your own essays in a similar way. Let’s begin now by studying the different Opinion type tasks. 

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Opinion Essays: The Discussion Type

Essay 1: Children and sport

Example task

You should spend about 40 minutes on this question.

Some people believe that sport is an essential part of school life for children, while others feel it should be purely optional. Discuss these views and give your own opinion.

You should give reasons for your answer, and include ideas and examples from your own knowledge and experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Analysing the task

This is a typical Opinion > Discussion type task. It asks you to consider both sides of an argument, and then give your opinion. The classic plan for this type of essay is:

Introduction paragraph giving background, but not your opinion

Main body paragraph supporting side A of the discussion

Main body paragraph supporting side B of the discussion

Conclusion paragraph summarizing and giving your opinion, which supports side B

This layout ensures that there is a link between the second main paragraph and the conclusion which presents your opinion.

Model essay

Sport continues to be a controversial topic in the school curriculum, just as sport itself has become a controversial industry in some respects. There are valid opinions on both sides, which I will consider now.

On the one hand, some people feel that sport uses up time which could be better spent on academic subjects such as exam preparation. In addition, it might be said that it is unwise to force children to do activities which they have no interest in. After all, some youngsters are just not sporty, and should be allowed to study instead. Finally, there are question marks over the wholesomeness of sport itself, with drugging and corruption scandals increasingly common, as we see in cycling at present. This leads some people to believe that this lack of morals sets a poor example to young people.

On the other hand, though, one major benefit of sport is that it helps children’s physical development at an important stage. If all their time was spent studying, they would become unfit and their minds would eventually suffer. Furthermore, supporters of school sport emphasize the importance of team building in sports such as football or hockey, which is often felt to be an excellent preparation for adulthood. Finally, many people feel that a competitive spirit, so important today, is fostered by sports at an early age. For example, it is notable that many successful business people excelled in sport at school.

Overall, I feel that sport should be compulsory for school children, because the positive effect on their mental and physical development outweighs the negatives. This is as long as children are given a wide range to choose from, to ensure their interest is high, and that the sports industry itself maintains the highest standards of conduct.

(293 words)

Examiner’s comments

This essay is clearly organized into a short introduction paragraph, two larger main body discussion paragraphs, and a short conclusion giving the writer’s opinion. The two main body paragraphs each contain three points supporting their side of the discussion, which is an ideal number in a Task 2 essay. The second main body paragraph presents the same side of the debate as the conclusion, creating a logical connection. The conclusion refers back to some of the points made in the main body, and gives a proviso by saying ‘This is as long as . . .’ (A proviso is a condition or qualification in an opinion, which is a typical feature of high-quality essays.)

This essay uses signposting and linking phrases very effectively. ‘Signposting’ refers to phrases which tell the reader what to expect next, and ‘linking’ phrases connect ideas together. The phrases we see here are:

First main body paragraph:

On the one hand

In addition

After all

Finally

This leads to

Second main body paragraph:

On the other hand

Furthermore

Finally

For example

Conclusion:

Overall

This is as long as

The effect of this is to guide the reader through the essay, which is an important feature of writing academic English.

It is important for General Training candidates to remember that academic English is the kind of advanced, formal English which is needed for Task 2 in both the Academic and General Training IELTS tests. Only the writing Task 1 is different between academic and GT IELTS; in Task 2, the task is the same and the way the essay should be written is the same.

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Essay 2: Animals in captivity

––––––––

Example task

Some people state that it is always wrong to keep animals in captivity, for instance in zoos. Other people say that there are benefits for the animals and for humans. Discuss both sides of this debate, and give your personal view.

Analysing the task

This is another Opinion > Discussion type task. Although the topic and the words used in the instructions are different to the previous task, you should follow the same basic structure. You should discuss both sides objectively, describing two or three points on each side, and then give your view in the conclusion.

Model essay

Zoos continue to be controversial, even now that they have evolved into ‘animal parks’ or similar facilities. Most people love animals, and there are strong views on both sides, which I will discuss now.

People opposed to zoos highlight the unnatural way in which animals live in such places. For example, captive animals do not need to hunt or raise offspring, and this means that they are not living as nature intended. Furthermore, the anti-zoo lobby point out that animals probably suffer mentally when kept in captivity, even if their surroundings are spacious and similar to the natural habitat. Symptoms of mental issues range from repetitive behaviour to eating disorders, and these are often seen in captive animals. Lastly, it is often said that zoos add little to animal conservation, which is better served by preserving their habitat. This means that the funding spent on zoos would be better allocated to landscape protection programmes in the wild.  

Conversely, those who support zoos say that in most cases they offer a secure and peaceful setting for animals, for example in high quality wildlife parks or reserves. They add that in many cases, the animals would suffer from loss of habitat or poaching in the wild, and in captivity they are at least safe and able to breed successfully. Finally, zoo enthusiasts feel that zoos and animal parks are part of an integrated system of protecting animals, involving habitat protection, breeding programmes and disease control. This all helps to safeguard endangered species and thus preserve the global ecosystem for the future benefit of all life forms.

Overall, I feel that zoos provide a valuable service both to society and the animal world, as they help to protect many species. This outweighs their possible disadvantages, as long as they are properly managed, staffed and maintained.  

(302 words)

Examiner’s comments

The essay’s style is academic but not excessively formal, and the writer gives a personal opinion without emotion or humour. Both sides of the topic are discussed, using clear examples to illustrate the points. There is a logical flow from the points supporting zoos into the conclusion, which also supports the zoos. The conclusion includes a proviso (as long as they are . . .)

This essay is strong on linking and signposting (e.g. ‘Furthermore, Lastly, Conversely, Finally.’) It is also very effective at identifying and reporting the views of the people on each side of the argument, using phrases such as:

People opposed to zoos highlight

the anti-zoo lobby point out that

it is often said that

those who support zoos say that

They add that

zoo enthusiasts feel that

This variety of reporting methods raises the score to a very high level.

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Essay 3: Gap years

Example task

Some people believe that a gap year between school and university is a positive idea, while others disagree strongly. Discuss the contrasting views in this debate and present your own opinion.

Analysing the task

You should be able to identify an Opinion > Discussion type task quite easily from the way the instructions tell you to ‘consider both sides’ (even if it uses different words, as in this example.) Once you identify the type of essay, you can start thinking of a few ideas for the main body paragraphs. Remember that there is no ‘correct’ opinion in any Task 2 essay; it doesn’t matter if you think gap years are good or bad, only that you present the discussion effectively.

Model essay

While gap years are increasingly popular, they continue to be rather controversial because the benefits are hard to quantify exactly. There are arguments on both sides of this very topical debate, and I will discuss them now.

On the one hand, opponents of gap years point to the cost involved in areas such as air fares, accommodation and living expenses. All this money has to come from the student’s family, or even from borrowing to be paid later. Secondly, it is often said that gap years take a young person’s focus away from studying, and allows them to get involved in distractions such as travelling. This can make it hard to adjust to university life, damaging the student’s performance. Finally, there is a concern over the safety of young people if they are travelling to remote places. Being kidnapped or mugged is a poor start to an academic career, after all, and the consequences could undermine a youngster’s life for years to come.

On the other hand, supporters of gap years say that the skills learned outweigh the disadvantages. They highlight the independence and assertiveness that a student will acquire, in areas such as time management and interpersonal skills. They also say that these skills lead to greater career success later in life, thus cancelling out the costs involved. Furthermore, there are many examples of young people using gap years to achieve something significant, whether in voluntary work or in a sector of business that interests them. For example, many leaders of the American technology sector support gap years enthusiastically.

In conclusion, my own feeling is that a year off can indeed be a useful activity, with the experience leading to improved skills that are invaluable in the future. Of course, this assumes that the year is planned carefully and used for something genuinely worthwhile.

(305 words)

Examiner’s comments

This is a very good example of a Task 2 essay. The writer discusses each side of the debate, giving two or three points to support each side. The points are relevant and clear, without being too specific or personal. We sometimes see personal stories and memories in Task 2 essays, and the score has to be reduced because this is inappropriate. The linking words used (e.g. ‘On the other hand, furthermore, in conclusion’) show the reader how the essay develops and what to expect at each stage. The language is academic but understandable to a general reader. The opinion in the conclusion is expressed without emotion or attempts at humour.

The essay contains some very useful academic vocabulary for expressing how people assess debates and decide on them:

A controversial topic or idea = one which provokes strong reactions and disagreement

To quantify benefits = to express the benefits in numbers or figures

the skills learned outweigh the disadvantages = the skills are more important than the disadvantages

cancelling out the costs

And also for describing skills and qualities:

Assertiveness = the ability to influence others strongly but politely

time management and interpersonal skills

invaluable skills = essential, vital skills

This vocabulary is used in a natural and persuasive way.

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Essay 4: Future of print

Example task

‘Printed paper newspapers and magazines will simply disappear in the next ten years.’ Discuss whether this prediction is likely to be correct or not. After considering both sides, what do you think will happen?

Analysing the task

This is another example of an Opinion > Discussion type task which gives you a statement and asks you to discuss both sides. ‘What do you think will happen?’ is a way of asking you to give your opinion about the most probable outcome in the future. This task should be answered with the normal Discussion type essay format.

Model essay

Printed paper reading material is certainly becoming less common globally, as more people opt to read on electronic devices. It is intriguing to consider whether it will vanish completely, and a case can be made on both sides.

People predicting the disappearance of printed reading will often cite the dramatic rise of digital reading so far this century. If we project the decline of print at the same rate over the next generation, we certainly arrive at a point where virtually nothing is going to be printed at all. In this view, the continued development of digital devices and the ease of reading electronically mean that the trend will indeed continue at the same pace we have seen so far. Another argument on this side is that people will choose not to buy printed material for environmental reasons, meaning that trees are not used for the paper.

On the other hand, however, we should consider whether paper really will continue its decline. The data suggests that we have reached something of a plateau, where printed reading has decreased to a low point where it will remain. This view proposes that the most radical changes in habits have now taken place, and that print will persevere in the future as a more specialized form of consumption, particularly among older or wealthier readers. This projection was summed up recently by the CEO of Amazon who commented that, looking a few generations into the future, having a newspaper will have become like having a horse: a rare and specialized activity, but certainly an attractive one.

To conclude, my own view is that printed paper is not likely to die out completely in the foreseeable future. Although it has certainly declined, we do seem to have reached an equilibrium where those remaining readers who prefer paper will stay loyal to that medium.

(306 words)

Examiner’s comments

The task is asking the candidate to judge whether a prediction about the future is likely to happen or not, and this candidate has answered the task very fully. The introduction paragraph references the current trend and says the topic is worth discussing (‘intriguing.’) The main body assembles some points supporting and then opposing the prediction, and the conclusion flows logically from the second main body paragraph. Throughout, the writer maintains an impersonal tone (until expressing the opinion in the conclusion) by not using the first person singular: 

‘People predicting . . . if we project . . . in this view . . . we should consider . . . the data suggests’

This impersonal discussion is important in high quality Discussion type essays until the conclusion. There is also an excellent range of vocabulary for discussing trends and patterns:

the dramatic rise of x

to arrive at a point in a projection

the trend will continue at the same pace

to reach a plateau in a trend

an equilibrium = a balance or stable point

Grammatically, the candidate varies the use of the future simple (‘will’) with ‘going to.’ The example of Amazon also shows the candidate can use the future perfect correctly (‘will have become’) which helps raise the score to the highest level.

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Essay 5: Exercise facilities

Example task

Some people believe that the authorities should provide exercise facilities such as gyms and swimming pools entirely free of charge, while others disagree. Consider some arguments on both sides of this view, and give your own opinion.

Analysing the task

In this Discussion type essay, the instruction refers to gyms and swimming pools as examples of the facilities provided. You should not discuss the benefits of gyms or pools specifically, because the question is about the general concept of funding exercise facilities. Remember that some IELTS tasks will include examples like this, but you should focus the essay on the concept itself. 

Model essay

We would all probably agree that sports and exercise amenities are a vital part of our communities. The question of how to fund them, however, remains hotly debated, with strong views on either side.

On the one hand, those who support the free provision of such facilities point to the importance of healthy living, and the potential cost to the authorities of having people become unfit or obese. In this view, it is preferable to spend a certain amount on funding gyms and pools, rather than more at a later stage to fund the hospitalization of people who have not exercised. Proponents of state funding also cite the contribution that these amenities make to the local economy, in terms of employment and the attraction of further services such as cleaning and catering. A further reason is the question of social justice: why should people be excluded from these places because they are unable to afford an entry fee?

While these arguments are persuasive, those who disagree say that all these issues can be addressed without making the sites completely free to use. In terms of community health, they say that a membership fee actually encourages people to attend regularly, and also prevents the gym or pool attracting people who want to gather there without exercising. In terms of the economy, charges paid can be used to develop more facilities with better levels of advice and support, which in turn boost employment and local services. Finally, on the question of social inclusion, anyone who is genuinely unable to pay a charge can be subsidised by the state to give them access.

Overall, I tend to disagree that these amenities should be completely without charge. Provided that help is available to fund those in real need, an entry fee is perfectly reasonable and better for the community in the long run.

(309 words)

Examiner’s comments

This is a very high-quality essay which addresses the basic question of funding, without going into the technical details of the facilities or exercising. The introduction paragraph sets the topic in context using the phrases ‘We would all probably agree that . . . The question of . . .’ which introduce the question of funding very smoothly.

The first main body paragraph gives the view for free provision, using reporting language to describe the points in favour:

Those who support

In this view

Proponents of

To cite evidence

Why should people be excluded . . . ? (this is an example of a rhetorical question which does not require an answer.)

The second main paragraph is very effective because it takes each point in favour (health, local economy, social justice) and makes an argument against it.  The conclusion shows a carefully considered academic opinion (‘I tend to disagree . . .’ is more academic than ‘I strongly disagree.’) The conclusion also has a proviso (‘Provided that . . .’) which raises the score again. Some high-level vocabulary in this essay includes:

Hotly debated

Free provision

Social justice

Social inclusion

Perfectly reasonable

Taken all together, these features of the essay raise the score to the highest level.

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Essay 6: Public car parking

Example task

Some towns continue to provide extensive car parking to the public, while other towns are starting to deliberately reduce the amount of parking available. Discuss whether parking should be restricted in towns, showing your personal view.

Analysing the task

Another Discussion type task about funding public services, which is a common theme in IELTS. This task is effectively saying ‘Some towns do A, but others do B. Discuss whether B should happen,’ which is another way of instructing you to discuss both sides of the concept.

Model essay

Car parking is an integral part of town planning, and any decision to limit spaces could have far-reaching consequences for both drivers and pedestrians. There are persuasive arguments on either side of this increasingly common debate, as we shall see here.

On the one hand, proponents of maintaining large amounts of parking spaces say that the private car will continue to be an important means of transport, even when electric vehicles replace combustion types in the future. They point to the need to support the economy of a town or city centre by ensuring that people can drive in without inconvenience, whether for work or leisure. Furthermore, they state that, as electric vehicles become more common, the need to reduce pollution in urban areas becomes less pressing, and so cars should be welcomed. This is indeed one of the benefits of electric cars, after all.

However, those who support reducing car parking say that there is a general need to keep vehicles out of town centres, whatever type of engine is used. In this view, private cars cause traffic congestion