IELTS Writing Task 2 Samples

How can I use sample answers?

Sample answers are great because they provide a good model for you to compare your writing with. However, simply reading lots of them is not going to make you a better writer.

Think about it this way, how many millions of people watch world class footballers like Messi and Ronaldo every week? Does it improve their football skills? Maybe if they go and practice what they learned, but not a bit if they do nothing.

In order to really improve you have to actively use the answers below, not passively read them and then expect to magically improve. Follow the plan of action below.

Plan of Action

1. Read the questions, but DO NOT read the answers. Even taking a brief look at the question will influence your answer.
2. Attempt the answer under exam conditions.
3. Compare what you have with the sample answer.
4. Think about the ideas, the structure, the organisation, vocabulary, and grammar. It is important that you really think deeply about how the author used each of the elements above.
5. Don’t worry if your answer is very different. There are many different ways to answer a Task 2 question.
6. Go back and improve your original answer with some of the elements of the sample answer.

100 Sample Questions

If you don’t want sample answers and just want to look at lots of practice questions, here is a list of over 100 of them.

100 Sample Questions

You can find some more sample questions on the official IELTS website and British Council site.

Answers with Examiner’s Reports

To give you an insight into how the examiner marks your test, here are some answers with examiner’s comments at the end.

Student’s Band 9 Answer

Childcare Discussion Essay and Examiner’s Report

Student’s Band 6 Answer and Examiner’s Report

Agree or Disagree Questions

In these questions, you are given a statement and asked if you agree or disagree with it. They are also sometimes called ‘Opinion’ questions.

Student’s Essay on Voluntary Service

An Essay Most Students Got Wrong

Languages Agree or Disagree Essay

Agree or Disagree Sample Essays

Compulsory Voluntary Work in High School

To what extent do you agree or disagree?- Technology

Agree or Disagree- Arts at Primary School Level

Agree or Disagree- Online Lectures

Positive or Negative Development- Shopping

Environmental Essay with Short Introduction and Conclusion

Railway vs Road Essay

Discussion Questions

In these questions, you are given two opposing points of view and asked to discuss both of them and give your opinion.

Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of sports facilities.

Discussion and Opinion (University Education) 

Discussion Essay- Student Rewards

Childcare Discussion Essay Good and Bad Example

Discuss Both Views- Mixed Schools

Advantage and Disadvantage Questions

In these questions, you are normally given one issue and asked to discuss the positive and negative sides of that issue.

Advantages and Disadvantages Essay- Multinational Companies 

Problem/Causes and Solutions

Sometimes you are asked about the problems that a certain issue causes and sometimes you are asked about the causes of a certain problem. An important distinction as you will see below.

Causes and Solutions- Health and Fitness 

Good and Bad Example- Old and Young People in the Job Market 

A Problem Solution Essay

Double Questions

An increasingly common question gives one issue and then asks two separate questions about it.

Double Questions Sample Answer- Technology

Physical Appearance

Self-Driving Cars

More to come….

I try to publish at least one new sample essay a week, so please check back for more. You can keep up to date by joining our mailing list below or join our Facebook page.

You should now go to our Writing Task 2 page for lots of resources to help you get ready for your exam.

If you comment below, I will get right back to you.